164. The representative of the United States of America reported on progress made by the IWG in examining the methods to trigger thermal propagation runaway and studying the toxicity and flammability of gases emanating from damaged battery cells and packs amongst the most challenging issues. Although, the completion of the work was envisaged by mid-2023, he proposed an extension of the mandate of the IWG until the end of 2023 to refine test provisions. The representative of China suggested that the tests on toxicity and thermal propagation needed refinements that could be finalized during the additional six months of extension of the mandate of the IWG. The representative of the EU echoed the request of the representatives of China and of the United States of America and stated that the focus would be to finalize a robust test during the requested additional period.

165. AC.3 endorsed the extension of the mandate of the IWG until December 2023.