30. The representative of Sweden introduced GRPE-90-19, proposing to include the possibility to use driver robots during pure electric vehicle range and electric energy consumption tests in the 02 and 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154. The representative of the UK supported the concept, and reckoned some refinement would be needed before a potential adoption. The representative of OICA highlighted the links with the activities of the Task Force on Automated Vehicles Regulations Screening (AVRS) and how to ensure fitness of the test procedure defined by GRPE in the context of automated and autonomous driving. The representative of TüV Nord thanked the initiative and agreed further investigation would be needed to improve the proposal.

31. The representative of the EC agreed further assessment would be needed, and he invited relevant stakeholders to share more data and information about the use of robot drivers for type approval purposes to better understand the magnitude of the issue.

32. The representative of Spain expressed sympathy for the proposal and agreed some more work might be needed, especially to prove the equivalency between human and robot driving behaviours. The representative of France shared a similar position and also asked whether such authorization might also be given for non-electric vehicle, for instance for the test performed under the Annex B6 of UN regulation No. 154. The representative of Sweden confirmed other powertrain types could also be included in the proposal.

33. The representative of Japan showed interest to further discuss the topic. He highlighted that the main issue lied with the “shortened” test procedure to measure EV range, that was not short for vehicles equipped with batteries of large capacities. He thought a more efficient procedure would be needed. The representative of OICA also wondered if this proposal could be potentially extended to all series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154 and to UN Regulation No. 101. He informed an updated SAE shortened cycle was already existing , and invited GRPE to consider further in the near future