Mr. Olechiw introduced the topic using document EVE-12-08e-Rev1 and by reviewing the text of the EV Guide (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2014/81); Mr. Claude Chanson (Recharge) and Ms. Marchington also assisted in presentation EVE-12-08e-Rev1. The proposed scope of work would first establish a definition of battery durability, identify factors that affect battery durability, and then potentially design an appropriate test program for evaluating battery durability. During discussion, it was emphasized that when test cycles and procedures are considered, those developed by the WLTP IWG would form the basis for work.

Discussion under this item focused on whether future work would focus on the battery component or the whole EV; Mr. Olechiw informed the group that this would be a vehicle-level issue, illustrating with the concept that durability of an EV battery has a critical influence on vehicle emissions. There was some discussion that if this work was based on the whole vehicle, it also may best be pursued by the WLTP IWG, which was supported by Japan; however, the group could not comment on whether the WLTP IWG would address this issue.

Mr. Olechiw requested the group revisit this decision on Day 2 of the meeting under agenda item 9, indicating that USA and Canada have a strong interest in pursuing work in this area.