The Secretary presented documents EVE-04-03e and EVE-04-04e displaying the most recent proposed Reference Guide Outline and Questionnaire.

The representative from India questioned the proposed definition for vehicle range found under item 3.1, and how this definition could cover hybrid electric vehicles.

The Chair noted that this definition did in fact exclude hybrid electric vehicles, which is not the intent.

ACTION 1: Modify this definition and verify that other definitions are written such that the entire scope of vehicles under the mandate of the EVE group is covered. This scope includes HEVs, PHEVs and BEV.

The representative from Germany agreed with the representative from India and further indicated that the WLTP-EV subgroup have been working on definitions. For this reason, the EVE group should verify that the definitions used in the EVE questionnaire are consistent with those used in this subgroup.

The Chair asked the Chair of the VPSD IWG if definitions developed by this group could be used. The Chair of the VPSD responded that definitions are currently being developed to support the work of the WLTP, and this is expected to be concluded this year. The VSPD Chair also noted that the HDH and EVS IWG may also have working definitions that may be useful. The co-Chair from China also added that the EVS is working on establish driver symbols that could be useful for our work.

ACTION 2: In completing the questionnaire, the EVE IWG will work with other relevant IWGs to ensure consistency of definitions when these are available.

The representative from the European Commission asked whether it was the intent of the EVE through the questionnaire to gather information on both existing and planned initiatives. The Chair answered that yes, this was the intention.

The representative from Germany asked if the EVE group had an approach for who amongst Contracting Parties would be completing the questionnaire. The Chair responded by explaining that we have been evaluating some options to try and reduce the workload to Contracting Parties for their important input. The EVE leadership have been discussing the possibility of hiring a consultant to assist us with pre-filling the questionnaire and gathering the input submitted by Contracting Parties. The Chair asked the EVE if this was an acceptable solution. EVE participants supported this approach. The Chair explained that further work is required to confirm this approach, but that in any event, the participation of Contracting Parties in completing the questionnaire was key to the success of this key EVE deliverable.

ACTION 3: The Chair indicated that the Consultant’s draft proposal would be posted on the UNECE website once all details had been worked out with the consultant.

The Secretary explained that to prepare the Reference Guide, setting up a Reference Guide contact list would be helpful. The Secretary requested that Contracting Parties submit appropriate contact names for future follow-up.

ACTION 4: EVE participants to submit contact names for completing the questionnaire to the EVE Secretariat by February 1, 2013.

The Chair requested that an additional broad question be added to the questionnaire enabling Contracting Parties to provide any other relevant information.

ACTION 5: Secretary to add broad question to questionnaire under each vehicle attribute.