168. The representative from the United States of America, on behalf of the co-sponsors (Japan, Republic of Korea and European Union) informed AC.3 about the work progress of IWG on Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Vehicles (HFCV) UN GTR No. 13, Phase 2. He explained that IWG has held only limited, virtual meetings with the most recent one held on 23, 26, and 27 of October 2020. He added that the group assessed the current status, informed each other of any developments in the domestic regulatory or research side, and discussed in detail the work in the task forces. He clarified that the IWG assessed its progress and identified the remaining challenges, such as for example: (a) the sled test criteria for heavy duty vehicles, (b) direction of the thermo-pressure release device/valve release in Heavy Duty Vehicles but also in light vehicles, (c) reduction of Nominal Work Pressure from 225 percent to 200 percent for containers under 35 MPs and 70 MPs. Moreover, he informed AC.3 that despite the constraints limiting round robin testing or face to face meetings, the IWG has begun drafting the text of the amendments to the UN GTR, but due to the delays beyond the Group’s control, IWG needed an extension of the current mandate by 18 months. He also informed AC.3 that the outgoing Co-Chair Mr. Ito of Japan had taken on another position and at the October meeting, the IWG welcomed the new Co-Chair, first Co-Chairwoman, of the IWG, Ms. Yuko Sakamoto, also from METI of Japan. The Chair asked the Secretariat that the next iteration of the current WP.29 -182 -01e document, which lists the leaders of the WP.29 bodies and groups, be amended to reflect that change. Chair concluded by thanking formally to Mr. Ito for his leadership and contribution.

169. AC.3 endorsed the extension of the mandate of the IWG on HFCV until June 2022.