Under its terms of reference, the objective of the informal working group on Automotive Life Cycle Assessment is to develop a Resolution under the WP.29 framework that provides an internationally harmonised procedure for determining the carbon footprint of different technologies, considering energy use for energy pathways and automotive types from production to use and disposal. Carbon footprint is defined as the sum of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals in a product system expressed as CO2 equivalents and based on a life cycle assessment.
Automotive Life Cycle Assessment: Minutes of the 37th (March 2026) session
Reference Number: A-LCA-37-03
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.
Automotive Life Cycle Assessment: Minutes of the 36th (March 2026) session
Reference Number: A-LCA-36-06
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.
Automotive Life Cycle Assessment: Minutes of the 34th (February 2026) session
Reference Number: A-LCA-34-03
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.