22. The representative of France introduced WP.29-196-27 that outlined two national decarbonization initiatives: social leasing of electric vehicles (EVs) and eco-score. In reply to a question of the representative of Austria, she clarified that recycling of batteries was not yet part of the eco-score determination, pending elaboration of a detailed methodology that had been included in the future plans to make the eco-score more holistic.
23. The representative of Luxembourg requested additional information on the assumed lifetime to determine EV maintenance costs. He also asked about any special trainings needed to repair EVs in workshops. The representative of France replied that, on average, EV electricity consumption at home or on public chargers tended to be about a third lower than fuels for internal combustion engines (ICE). She added that she would research more information on the necessary trainings for EV mechanics.
24. The representative of ITU asked if costs other than fuel, such as repair, maintenance etc. were included in the cost analysis. The representative of France replied that maintenance costs of EVs were usually lower than the ones for ICE vehicles.
25. The representative of the UK asked additional information on the eco-score availability for each EV model available on the French market and if the methodology was in line with the Automotive-Life Cycle Assessment (A-LCA) methodology. The representative of France confirmed each EV model had their specific eco score, and that the eco-score methodology was broadly aligned with the methodology developed by the IWG on A-LCA. The representative of Japan thanked France for their involvement in the activities of the IWG on A-LCA and looked forward to collaborating further on this topic.
26. The representative of Switzerland asked additional information about the availability of charging infrastructure in dwellings, especially rented ones. The representative of France confirmed this was of particular importance in urban areas where people tend to live in flats rather than in houses. She confirmed that dedicated provisions had been enacted for people living in communities and to ease the charging of EVs at the workplace.
27. The representative of Germany asked about the timelines of the French initiatives. The representative of France replied that the social leasing is an annual program launched for the first time in 2024, with the second campaign starting in September 2025. She informed that the eco-score started back in 2023, and that the methodology was continuously improving to reflect improvement in lifecycle quantification approaches. WP.29 agreed to keep this item on its agenda.