1. The Working Party on Pollution and Energy (GRPE) held its eighty-fourth session on 12 November 2021, with André Rijnders (Netherlands) as Chair and Duncan Kay (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) as Vice-Chair. Experts from the following countries participated in the work following Rule 1(a) of the Rules of Procedure of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) (TRANS/WP.29/690, as amended): Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), United States of America. Experts from the European Commission (EC) also participated. Experts from the following non-governmental organizations (NGOs) took part in the session: American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC), Association for Emissions Control by Catalyst (AECC), European Association for Electric Mobility (AVERE), European Association of Automobile Suppliers (CLEPA/MEMA/JAPIA), European Garage Equipment Association (EGEA), European Tyres and Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA), Federation of European Manufacturers of Friction Materials (FEMFM), Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), International Association for Natural Gas Vehicles (NGV Global), International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA), and International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA).

2. Mr. Rijnders, Chair of GRPE, opened the meeting, held as hybrid session, with all participants attending virtually because of the sanitary situation, and welcomed the participants.

3. GRPE adopted the provisional agenda of the eighty-fourth session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/20), as updated and consolidated in GRPE-84-04-Rev.1.

GRPE-84-04/Rev.1 | GRPE-84: Updates to the provisional agenda

GRPE/2021/20 | GRPE-84: Annotated provisional agenda for the November 2021 session

4. The informal documents distributed before and during the GRPE session are listed in Annex I to the session report. Annex II lists the informal meetings held in conjunction with this GRPE session. Annex III lists IWGs of GRPE, task forces and subgroups, giving details on their Chairs, Secretaries and the end of their mandates. The secretariat recalled GRPE to make sure not to breach copyrights when submitting documents to be uploaded on UNECE website.

5. The secretariat introduced GRPE-83-09-Rev.1, announcing that the next GRPE session would tentatively take place from 11 to 14 January 2022 and recalled the corresponding deadlines (19 October 2021) for the submission of official documents. He also briefly outlined the expected configuration and timetable for the next meeting in January 2022.

GRPE-84-09/Rev.1 | General information for the 85th (January 2022) GRPE session

6. The secretariat introduced GRPE-84-03 and reported on relevant items discussed during the 184th sessions of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29). He referred to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1159 for further details.

GRPE-84-03 | GRPE-relevant highlights from the June 2021 WP.29 session

WP.29/1159 | Report of WP.29 on its 184th (June 2021) session

7. GRPE agreed to request WP.29 for more time to consider ECE/TRANS/ WP.29/2021/148 on a proposal for a draft framework document on whole-life compliance prepared by the Informal Working Group (IWG) on Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI).

WP.29/2021/148 | Proposal for a Framework Document on Vehicle Whole-Life Compliance Proposal submitted by the Co-Chairs of the Informal Working Group on Periodical Technical Inspections.

8. The Chair of IWG on EVE introduced the latest draft of the UN GTR on In-vehicle Battery Durability for electrified vehicles, as developed by the members of the IWG on EVE over numerous meetings over the last weeks and months (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/18, as amended by GRPE-84-01). He also introduced the final status report that accompanies the draft UN GTR (GRPE-84-02). He detailed the main elements of the new UN GTR that contain new approaches to monitor, report and verify the durability of batteries in electrified vehicles (GRPE-84-11).

9. The representatives from Japan, Sweden, US, the EU and OICA supported the proposals. GRPE adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/18 and GRPE-84-01, as amended by Addendum 1 and GRPE-84-02, as amended by Annex IV to the session report.

10. GRPE requested the secretariat to submit Addendum 1 and Annex IV to WP.29 and AC.3 for consideration and vote at their March 2022 sessions as draft UN GTR on In-Vehicle Battery Durability for electrified vehicles and its final status report, respectively.

GRPE-84-01 | EV battery durability: Proposal for amendments to document GRPE/2021/18 Amendments from the EVE informal group to the draft new UN GTR on electric vehicle battery durability. This document is also available with tracked changes in <a href="https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/GRPE-84-01e%20-%20track_0.pdf" target="_blank">pdf format</a> and in <a href="https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/GRPE-84-01e%20-%20track_0.docx" target=_blank">docx format</a>.

GRPE-84-02 | EVE battery durability: Draft technical report on the development of the new UN GTR

GRPE-84-11 | Status report of the EVE informal group

GRPE/2021/18 | UN GTR: Proposal for in-vehicle battery durability for electrified vehicles Text prepared by IWG on EVE based on GRPE-82-27.

11. The representative from OICA introduced their position on heavy duty battery durability (GRPE-84-14). The Chair of the IWG on EVE thanked OICA for their continuous support on the whole process and looked forward to forthcoming collaboration. The Chair requested further analysis on the possibility to use the existing framework as defined in GRPE-84-01 or the need for a new approach to consider heavy duty vehicle battery durability. The Chair of the IWG on EVE confirmed this task was expected to be tackled as soon as the phase 2 activities were initiated, expected in January 2022.

GRPE-84-01 | EV battery durability: Proposal for amendments to document GRPE/2021/18 Amendments from the EVE informal group to the draft new UN GTR on electric vehicle battery durability. This document is also available with tracked changes in <a href="https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/GRPE-84-01e%20-%20track_0.pdf" target="_blank">pdf format</a> and in <a href="https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/GRPE-84-01e%20-%20track_0.docx" target=_blank">docx format</a>.

GRPE-84-14 | Position on extension of EV battery durability requirements to heavy-duty vehicles

12. The Chair of IWG on EVE presented updated Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure (GRPE-84-10), introducing expected activities, timeline and updated leadership until January 2024.

13. The representative of China requested further clarification about the vice chair positions for the IWG on EVE. The Chair of the IWG on EVE welcomed the possibility for China to carry on as Vice Chair for the next term and invited China to notify its willingness so the ToR can be amended accordingly.

14. GRPE adopted GRPE-84-10 and congratulated the IWG on EVE for the progress made and acknowledged forthcoming activities as detailed in the updated ToR.

GRPE-84-10 | Revised terms of reference for the EVE informal group

15. The representatives of Japan, the EU and OICA introduced GRPE-84-08, summarizing the amendments proposed to UN Regulation No. 154. They informed about the proposed modifications leading to proposals to new 02 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/21 and GRPE-84-06 as amended by Addendum 2) and 03 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/22 and GRPE-84-07 as amended by Addendum 3) series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154.

16. GRPE adopted the proposals and requested the secretariat to submit Addendum 2 and Addendum 3 to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their March 2022 sessions as draft 02 and 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154 respectively.

17. The representative from OICA added that OICA was expected to submit proposals to amend the original version and 01 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 154 to reflect some of the improvement made in the 02 and 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154 once those proposals adopted by GRPE.

GRPE-84-06 | UN R154: Proposal for amendments to document GRPE/2021/21 The proposed amendments are also available in a consolidated text with tracked changes in <a href="https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2021-11/GRPE-84-07e_track.pdf" target="_blank">pdf format</a> and in <a href="https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2021-11/GRPE-84-07e_track.docx" target="_blank">docx format</a>.

GRPE-84-07 | UN R154: Proposal for amendments to document GRPE/2021/22 The consolidated text with amendments also available with tracked changes in <a href="https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2021-11/GRPE-84-07e_track.pdf" target="_blank">pdf format</a> and <a href="https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2021-11/GRPE-84-07e_track.docx" target="_blank">docx format</a>.

GRPE-84-08 | UN R154: Table of main changes in the draft 02 and 03 series of amendments

GRPE/2021/21 | UN R154: Proposal for a 02 series of amendments Proposal to introduce particle number requirements and limits for Level 1B. The proposal also aligns the particulate measurement procedures with changes introduced in GTR No 15 Amendment 6 and other adaptations to technical progress.

GRPE/2021/22 | UN R154: Proposal for a 03 series of amendments Proposal to ensure that Level 2 is the latest version of this Regulation and is therefore subject to mutual recognition under the 1958 Agreement, given that there is a concurrent proposal to for an 02 series of amendments which introduces particle number requirements and limits for Level 1B. This proposal for a 03 series of amendments also aligns the particulate measurement procedures with changes introduced in GTR No 15 Amendment 6 as well as other adaptations to technical progress.

GRPE/84/Add.2 | UN R154: Adopted text for the 02 series of amendments

GRPE/84/Add.3 | UN R154: Adopted text for the 03 series of amendments

18. The representative from OICA introduced GRPE-84-12 and GRPE-84-13 as a draft proposal for amendment to UN Regulation No. 154 with respect to Charge-depleting cycle range (RCDC). The representatives from Japan and the EU did not support this proposal. The representative from OICA agreed more time was needed to finalize the proposal and informed GRPE an updated proposal would be submitted to GRPE at its next sessions.

GRPE-84-12 | UN R154: Proposal to amend documents GRPE/2021/21 and 22 Amendments to draft 02 and 03 series of amendments.

GRPE-84-13 | UN R154: Explanation of interpolation method proposals

19. The Secretary of IWG on EPPR presented a shortened update of the IWG on EPPR (GRPE-84-15), focusing on short term activities and objectives and calling for a new leadership team, with no Chair nor vice chair at the moment, potentially putting the IWG on EPPR activities on hold. The Chair called for volunteers within GRPE to allow IWG on EPPR to carry on with its activities in the months to come.

20. The representative from South Africa sought some further information about the role and responsibility on the leadership team, with respect to meeting frequency, physical presence, and expertise needed. The Secretary of EPPR clarified the IWG was meeting on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, virtually lately, with 2 or 3 physical meetings a year under normal circumstances and encouraged all newcomers to get engaged to start getting more familiar with the activities.

21. The Chair encouraged the implication of new parties in the activities of IWGs and invited more experienced stakeholders to assist ad-interim to help build capacity. The representative of the Netherlands proposed to join the leadership team of the IWG on EPPR to help finalize on-going activities and support other volunteers to supervise the activities of the IWG on EPPR. The Chair proposed an interim leadership from the Netherlands and South Africa to help the IWG on EPPR to move forward and deliver on expected activities.

22. GRPE designated the representative of the Netherlands, Niels den Ouden, and the representative of South Africa, Joseph Mashele, to be interim Co-Chairs of the IWG on EPPR until June 2022.

23. The representative from IMMA, as secretary of the IWG on EPPR, thanked GRPE for the productive solution and the representatives of the Netherlands and South Africa for the support in moving the IWG on EPPR forward.

GRPE-84-15 | Status report of the EPPR informal group

24. The representative of Japan introduced GRPE-84-05-Rev.1, submitted by Japan and Korea, proposing to introduce Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of vehicles into the GRPE list of priorities. The representative of the Russian Federation acknowledged the proposal from Japan and Korea and added that this important topic should be looking at the impact of different technologies on greenhouse gas emissions, and also natural resources and economic expansion. He added that the Russian Federation has more than 15 years’ experience on the topic of LCA of vehicles and the Russian Federation would be happy to participate in such activities if GRPE decided to add this topic to its priority. The representative of Sweden also supported the proposal.

25. The representative of the US recognized the importance of LCA in the activities of GRPE, and highlighted that there might be similarities with the IWG on EVE activity on a “method for stating energy consumption” where the EVE group was faced with a scope going beyond the expertise and capabilities of their members. He asked for some measures to be taken before the LCA activity start, to make sure that the relevant experts would be involved in the activity. The Chair agreed with the need to widen the expertise present in GRPE to be able to tackle this subject in a relevant manner.

26. The representative from the European Commission (EC) required some time for an internal consultation with other services from the EC, informing GRPE that LCA was outside of the remit of experts from the EC attending GRPE. He therefore required to revisit this topic in the next session of GRPE in January 2022.

27. The secretariat informed GRPE about the recent interest from the latest Commission session on the topic of circularity and circular economy and welcomed activities related to this topic.

28. The Chair proposed to include this topic in the list of GRPE priorities given the support provided. The representative of the EC suggested to include the topic in square brackets. GRPE agreed to this proposal and to revisit the topic in forthcoming sessions of GRPE. The representative of OICA supported the initiative and to participate in future activities on the topic.

GRPE-84-05/Rev.1 | Emissions Life Cycle Assessment: Development of methods under GRPE Proposal to pursue development of methods for life cycle assessment (LCA) as an overall assessment from production to use and disposal as a means to substantially reduce CO2 emissions.

GRPE-84-17 | Updated GRPE list of priorities Revised document prepared by the GRPE chair pursuant to discussions held during the 12th session.

29. The representative of the EC introduced GRPE-84-16 providing the EC comments to the latest priority list. The Chair proposed to work during the session on an updated list of priorities (GRPE-84-17, as published as a post-session document) to have GRPE agree on an updated list of priorities to be shared with WP.29 and AC.2.

GRPE-84-16 | Proposal for GRPE priorities

GRPE-84-17 | Updated GRPE list of priorities Revised document prepared by the GRPE chair pursuant to discussions held during the 12th session.

30. The Chair informed GRPE that the GRBP and GRPE Chairs were expected to hold a discussion on the topic of tyre wear emissions, following the request from the EC to shift the activity to GRBP. GRPE will be informed and consulted at the next session on this topic.

31. In compliance with Rule 37 of the Rules of Procedures (TRANS/WP.29/690, as amended) GRPE unanimously elected Mr. André Rijnders (Netherlands) as Chair of GRPE, and Mr. Duncan Kay (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) as Vice-Chair for the sessions in the year 2022.

32. GRPE did not receive any new proposals for discussion under this agenda item.

33. The next GRPE session, including IWG meetings, is scheduled to be held as a hybrid meeting, with physical and remote participation, from Tuesday 11 January 2022, 12.00 p.m. to Friday 14 January 2022 until 2.00 p.m. Interpretation services would be provided.