The IWG on Automotive Life Cycle Assessment reviewed open issues in the working document, focusing on bracketed text requiring resolution. Key outstanding items include primary data provisions, chain of custody, electricity modelling, use-phase emissions, PHEV provisions, and traction battery treatment. A colour-coded classification procedure was introduced for Contracting Parties to indicate positions on bracketed sections. Unresolved items will be deferred to Phase 2. Positions must be submitted by 28 February, with the next session on 5 March 2026.

The 36th session of the Automotive Life Cycle Assessment IWG reviewed progress on a harmonised global methodology. SG7 will consolidate all comments by 1 April 2026 for line-by-line IWG review. Key unresolved items include PHEV methodology, component replacement approaches, and electricity modelling. Industry emphasised the need for a single global methodology and technology neutrality. The United States noted insufficient definition of methodological aspects. The group agreed to prioritise technical issues first, then policy-related issues, with virtual sessions in April and May. A decision point is targeted for 19 June 2026, with possible adoption at the October GRPE session. The IWG mandate extends to December 2026.

Updated proposal as of 18 March 2026.

The 37th session reviewed a consolidated working document on automotive life cycle assessment integrating comments from Contracting Parties, stakeholders, and the European Commission. Key unresolved issues include electricity modelling, chain of custody, primary data share, logistics, battery replacement, and vehicle lifetime assumptions. The leading team will update the overview table and identify priority issues for discussion. The next session is scheduled for 9 April 2026, with an internal milestone of 19 June 2026 to resolve outstanding issues.

The leading team was assigned to revise Table 1 and circulate a new proposal, integrate editorial changes accepted from US Environmental Protection Agency, and update the document following agreed deletions and wording changes. Contracting Parties are to provide input on Table 1 revision and participate in small-group discussions on pre-consumer scrap treatment, waste vs co-product classification, and Figure 4 applicability. Open issues to be revisited include market-mediated effects definition, system boundary terminology, and recycled content methodology. The European Commission cannot support adoption at this stage.

The A-LCA IWG will confirm open items and agree how to deal with nonagreed items by 12 May. A draft working document will be distributed by 12 June for review and refinement during the week of 6 July. The working document will be finalized by 17 June and distributed for final confirmation by 17 October, with presentation at the 95th GRPE session on 22 October.

Proposal to establish a new Mutual Resolution No. 5 (M.R.5) concerning Automotive Life Cycle Assessment (A-LCA) to provide an internationally harmonised methodology for determining carbon footprint of light-duty vehicles across all life cycle stages—material production, parts production and vehicle assembly, use, and end-of-life—using a level concept that distinguishes four levels of detail based on data availability and study purpose, applicable to different powertrain types and energy pathways, with provisions for energy modelling, recycling methodology, discrepancy and deterioration factors, maintenance assessment, and third-party verification requirements for Levels 3 and 4.

The agenda includes review of electricity/energy modeling, OVC-HEV/FCV, and battery/power train replacement.

Proposal to define service life values by region or country of usage, establish methodology for calculating realistic GHG emissions and energy consumption during vehicle use stage at various detail levels, determine discrepancy factors based on real-world performance data, apply deterioration factors to account for vehicle aging effects, quantify leakage emissions including hydrogen and methane, assess maintenance and consumables impacts through manufacturer-provided frequency data or alternative methodologies, and collect primary and secondary data on driving activity, vehicle lifetime, fuel consumption, and maintenance replacement intervals. Service life values for passenger cars shall align with average age of vehicles at point of recycling within the same country, with regional default values provided in Annex 1 to the Resolution.

Proposal to define service life values by region or country of usage, establish methodology for calculating realistic GHG emissions and energy consumption during vehicle use stage at various detail levels, determine discrepancy factors based on real-world performance data, apply deterioration factors to account for vehicle aging effects, quantify leakage emissions including hydrogen and methane, assess maintenance and consumables impacts through manufacturer-provided frequency data or alternative methodologies, and collect primary and secondary data on driving activity, vehicle lifetime, fuel consumption, and maintenance replacement intervals. Service life values for passenger cars shall align with average age of vehicles at point of recycling within the same country, with regional default values provided in Annex 1 to the Resolution.