previous meeting next meeting
Geneva
(Latest 21 July 2023)
| Agenda | Formal | Informal | Report |
Attendance

1. The Working Party on Pollution and Energy (GRPE) held its eighty-ninth session from 30 May to 2 June 2023, 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, 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 Electromobility (AVERE), European Association of Automobile Suppliers (CLEPA/MEMA/JAPIA), European Association of Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturers (EUROMOT), International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA), International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee (CITA), and International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA).

1. Adoption of the agenda

2. Mr. Rijnders, Chair of GRPE, opened the meeting and welcomed the participants.

3. GRPE adopted the provisional agenda of the eighty-ninth session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2023/15), as updated and consolidated in GRPE-89-01-Rev.1, and GRPE-89-03 as a tentative running order.

GRPE-89-01/Rev.1 | GRPE-89: Updated provisional annotated agenda for the June 2023 session
GRPE-89-03 | GRPE: Running order of the 89th (May 2023) session
GRPE/2023/15/Rev.1 | GRPE-89: Annotated provisional agenda for the June 2023 session

4. The secretariat also briefly introduced GRPE-89-02, showing the schedule of meetings held in conjunction with this session of GRPE.

GRPE-89-02 | GRPE-89: Informal meetings in conjunction with the session

5. 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 active Informal Working Groups (IWGs) of GRPE, task forces and subgroups, giving details on their Chairs, Secretaries and the end of their mandates.

6. The secretariat introduced GRPE-89-04, announcing details for the next GRPE sessions. He informed GRPE the corresponding deadline for the submission of official documents would therefore be Tuesday 17 October 2023.

GRPE-89-04 | General Information, 89th, 90th and 91st sessions of GRPE
2. Report on the last session of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29)

7. The secretariat introduced GRPE-89-05 and reported about relevant items discussed during the 189th sessions of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29). He referred to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1171 for further details.

GRPE-89-05 | GRPE-89: Highlights of the recent WP.29 and ITC session

8. The GRPE secretary also introduced highlights from the last session of the Inland Transport Committee, where ITC requested feedback and inputs from working parties on the draft outline for a forthcoming ITC climate change mitigation strategy (GRPE-89-06). He finally introduced the activities already performed in the recent past by GRPE on the topic (GRPE-89-28). The Chair added climate change mitigation is a key topic for GRPE and highlighted the need to deliver on the ITC request. He proposed to create an informal task force to draft the GRPE contribution to the ITC climate change mitigation strategy outline as well as the biennial report.

9. The representative of OICA, not speaking on behalf of the organization, gave reflections at the technical level, where GRPE has a strong pedigree, and he encouraged brainstorming on the potential to separate consideration of air quality and GHG topics, which is often tackled differently in different jurisdictions.

10. The representative of CLEPA said that climate change mitigation considerations needed to move towards overall lifecycle assessment, beyond tailpipe and use phase only. He noted that a more holistic view would also be needed to also include corporate level engagement, cross border adjustment mechanisms and other trade issues. He said air quality was the key topic in the seventies, and lifecycle assessments (LCA) represented the new future framework for international regulatory framework.

11. The representative of the United States of America clarified that if a LCA methodology is developed, all lifecycle phases (extraction, production, use and dismantling) should be included to inform rule making appropriately.

12. The representative of Germany agreed climate change mitigation was an important challenge, and that he was looking forward to seeing the development of the LCA activities undertaken by GPRE and the IWG on A-LCA.

GRPE-89-06 | Development of the ITC Strategy on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in inland transport
GRPE-89-28 | ITC Strategy on reducing greenhouse gas emissions: GRPE input

13. The secretariat introduced GPRE-89-39 on draft ideas to be considered as part of the inputs to the ITC climate change mitigation strategy, that could serve as a basis for further reflection.

14. The representative of the US wondered if fuel economy considerations should also include energy efficiency for other types of powertrains. The secretariat confirmed indeed energy efficiency would be a more appropriate term.

15. The Chair proposed the creation of a GRPE informal task force on ITC climate change mitigation strategy and invited stakeholders to inform the secretariat about their willingness to contribute and participate. GRPE agreed to the creation of such task force to deliver on the ITC requests to contribute to the ITC climate mitigation strategy.

16. The representative of IMMA stated their commitment to contribute to the new task force proposed by the Chair. He hoped that the ambitious strategy document would include an explanation of the realities in the different regions with a technology neutral and multi-pathway approach towards carbon neutrality. The multi pathway approach should support progressive improvements and ensure affordability of the decarbonization strategies.

17. The Chair briefly explained the next steps and the planning of the GRPE informal task force on ITC climate change mitigation strategy and informed GRPE would have the chance to comment of the draft proposal from the task force over a written procedure to be launched before the summer break.

GRPE-89-39 | Proposal for GRPE contribution to ITC climate-change mitigation strategy
3. Light vehicles
3. (a) UN Regulations Nos. 68, 83, 101, 103, and 154

18. The representative from Japan introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2023/16, amended by GRPE-89-16 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2023/17, amended by GRPE-89-17.

19. The representative from OICA thanked the good collaboration between all involved parties and regretted the premature discontinuation of the IWG on WLTP. He also raised some concerns about the use of utility factors for OVC-HEVs, and the way date of entry into force of successive stages are drafted in the proposal. He wondered if the various dates should be moved to the dedicated section on transitional provisions.

20. The Chair asked if such approach would have any impact on the proposed 08 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83 to be adopted by WP.29 at its June 2023 session. The representative from OICA states any modification to the 08 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83 would be reflected in a supplement to be prepared for forthcoming sessions of GRPE.

21. The representative of the European Commission highlighted all contracting parties agreed with the existing proposal and mentioned his willingness to look into the issue raised by OICA during the session.

22. Following side meetings during the session, GRPE-89-16-Rev.1 and GRPE-89-17-Rev.1 were introduced to GRPE by the representative of Japan.

23. The representative of the European Commission agreed with the proposal but requested a scrutiny reserve in case unintended consequences had been introduced in the proposals. He also regretted the absence of some important EU member states from the discussions. He nevertheless confirmed this should not prevent from adopting the proposals.

24. The Chair congratulated the involved parties to finalize proposals to be considered by GRPE. The representative of Japan sought further clarifications in case the European Commission would find some issue with the proposals. The secretariat explained the different possible scenarios where the timing and magnitude of the potential error(s) would have an impact on the possible solutions. He confirmed the aim would be to submit the proposals to vote at the November 2023 session of WP.29/AC.1.

25. GRPE adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2023/16 as amended by GRPE-89-16-Rev.1 as reflected in Addendum 1 and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their November 2023 sessions as draft new supplement to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154 (WLTP).

26. GRPE adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2023/17 as amended by GRPE-89-17-Rev.1 as reflected in Addendum 2 and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their November 2023 sessions as draft new supplement to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154 (WLTP).

27. The representative from AVERE said they were looking into preparing a proposal to amend Annex B8 to consider the possibility for complete discharge/charge before performing the shortened test procedure, to save testing time in case of large battery capacity fitted to some vehicles.

28. The Chair welcomed a written proposal by AVERE on the topic in forthcoming sessions of GRPE.

GRPE-89-16/Rev.1 | UN R154: Proposal to amend GRPE/2023/16
GRPE-89-17/Rev.1 | UN R154: Proposal to amend GRPE/2023/17
GRPE/2023/16 | UN R154: Proposal for Supplement 1 to the 02 series of amendments Proposal to align the Regulation with the latest regional requirements.
GRPE/2023/17 | UN R154: Proposal for Supplement 1 to the 03 series of amendments Proposal to align the Regulation with the latest regional requirements.

29. The representative from OICA introduced GRPE-89-15. The representative from the European Commission agreed with most of the content of the proposal, showed some reservation on amending the definition of “vehicle type”, and made a suggestion on the proposal to amend para. 3.3. He finally sought some clarifications about the timing of the proposal and its potential adoption by WP.29 at its June 2023 session.

30. The Chair clarified slight editorial modifications would be possible at the June 2023 session of WP.29 and asked whether this proposal could be formally considered by GRPE at its next session.

31. The representative of OICA clarified OICA was expected to develop a formal proposal for the next session of GRPE. He explained that the existing definition of vehicle type might lead to some inconsistencies between interpolation family and inertia classes. The GRPE confirmed that a proposal on vehicle type will be discussed in the next GRPE session.

GRPE-89-15 | UN R83: Proposal for amendments to the 08 series of amendments

32. The representative of Australia introduced GRPE-89-22. The representative of OICA emphasized the proposed UN Regulation on RDE did not offer the possibility to choose an equivalent to Euro 6d levels and referred to a proposal raised in previous sessions of GRPE (GRPE-87-09) to include levels in UN Regulation on RDE.

33. The representative of Australia emphasized Australia was keen to keep using UN legal instrument as part of their legislative framework to reduce the administrative burden and minimize technical barrier to trade.

34. The Chair noted conformity factor were different between Euro 6d and Euro 6e levels, and encouraged Australia to use the complete package of 08 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83, 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154 and UN Regulation on RDE to get the state-of-the-art regulatory package for tailpipe pollutant emissions. He further mentioned there was no immediate solution to provide a regulatory package equivalent to Euro 6d levels.

35. The representative of Australia understood the complexity of developing the desired solution for the country and hoped a solution could be found in the near future.

GRPE-87-09 | RDE: Proposal to amend GRPE/2023/3 Proposal to introduce levels in the draft new UN Regulation on Real Driving Emissions type approvals based on the following:<ol><li>Since RDE testing has been introduced in the European Union, there has been criticism of the difficulties encountered when planning a valid RDE test.</li><li>This situation would be worsened by introducing the requirement for a test to be suitable for analysis according to both 3-phase and 4-phase concepts.</li><li>As levels have already been introduced in Regulation No. 154 and these are becoming accepted and understood by technical services and approval authorities, the introduction of these levels in this Regulation would be a clear alignment.</li><li>As the temperature boundary conditions from this draft Regulation are already being transposed into European legislation, OICA members see no need to differentiate between boundary conditions for the proposed levels.</li><li>The inclusion of these few amendments would return the planning burden to that currently experienced in the EU, at least for markets which apply the 4-phase WLTP concept.</li></ol>
GRPE-89-22 | Transition to new light duty vehicle emission rules for Australia

36. The representative of OICA introduced GRPE-89-19 and GRPE-89-20 and announced formal proposals were expected for the next session of GRPE.

GRPE-89-19 | UN R83: Proposal for a new Supplement to 05 series of amendments Proposal to extend to the 05 series of amendments the option from the 06 and 07 series to use the calculation of road load values determined according to UN GTR 15 (WLTP).
GRPE-89-20 | UN R101: Proposal for a new Supplement to the 01 series of amendments Proposal to amend the charger requirement and the measurement method of REESS current for a hybrid electric power train in order to align UN R101 with the provisions in UN R154 and introduce the option to determine road load values for Pure Electric Vehicles according to the requirements of UN R83.
3. (b) UN Global Technical Regulations Nos. 15 and 19

37. The representative of OICA introduced GRPE-89-33. The Chair welcomed the good initiative to bring UN GTR No. 15 to the latest developments included in UN Regulation No. 154 and invited contacting parties and sponsor to help submit such proposal. The secretariat informed GRPE that the latest authorization to develop UN GTR No. 15 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/AC.3/46) was submitted by Canada, China, the European Union, Japan and the United States of America in 2016.

38. The representative of Germany supported OICA in its endeavour to improve and update UN GTR No. 15 and the type 6 test.

GRPE-89-33 | UN R154 and GTR 15: Alignment with technological progress
3. (c) Worldwide harmonized Real Driving Emissions test procedure

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

4. Heavy duty vehicles
4. (a) UN Regulations Nos. 49 and 132

40. The representative of OICA introduced GRPE-89-29, GRPE-89-30 and GRPE-89-31. The Chair noted the topic introduced, looking forward to a formal proposal.

41. He requested further information on the potential to include hydrogen in dual fuel legislation. The representative of OICA mentioned such possibility was still under development, with no proposal expected in the near future.

GRPE-89-29 | UN R49: Proposals for type approval of H2 engines
GRPE-89-30 | UN R49: Proposal for a new Supplement to the 05 series of amendments Proposal to permit the use of hydrogen (H2) as fuel for emissions type approval of heavy-duty vehicles.
GRPE-89-31 | UN R49: Proposal for a new Supplement to the 06 series of amendments Proposal to permit the use of hydrogen (H2) as fuel for emissions type approval of heavy-duty vehicles.
4. (b) UN Global Technical Regulations Nos. 4, 5, and 10

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

4. (c) Worldwide provisions for Heavy Duty vehicles Fuel Economy

43. GRPE didnot receive any new proposals for discussion under this agenda item.

44. The Chair asked contracting parties to reconsider this topic; as such harmonized methodology would potentially be highly valued in the context of the forthcoming ITC strategy on climate change mitigation.

5. UN Regulations Nos. 24, 85, 115, 133, and 143

45. The representative from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2023/18, as amended by GRPE-89-18.

46. GRPE adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2023/18 as amended by GRPE-89-18 as reflected in Annex IV to the session report and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their November 2023 sessions as draft new supplement to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 24 (Visible pollutants, measurement of power of C.I. engines (Diesel smoke)).

GRPE-89-18 | UN R24: Proposal to supersede GRPE/2023/18 Revised proposal, superseding the original proposal, to clarify the wording regarding the use of the reference fuel required for emission testing, to permit testing with the same reference fuel used for emission testing, and to align with recently adopted amendments to Regulation No. 85.
GRPE/2023/18 | UN R24: Proposal for a new Supplement to the 03 series of amendments Proposal to clarify the wording regarding the use of the reference fuel required for emission testing, to permit testing with the same reference fuel used for emission testing, and to align with recently adopted amendments to Regulation No. 85.
6. Agricultural and forestry tractors, non-road mobile machinery
6. (a) UN Regulations Nos. 96 and 120

47. The representative of EUROMOT introduced GRPE-89-08, GRPE-89-09, GRPE-89-10, GRPE-89-11 and GRPE-89-12. The representative of the UK highlighted the importance of the proposal to provide a harmonized route for the topic of hydrogen use in non-road mobile machinery. He was looking forward to considering a formal proposal at forthcoming sessions of GRPE.

48. The representative of France supported the initiative and offered to provide some comments to the proposal to improve some references to ISO standards and other type of administrative provisions.

49. The representative of the European Commission supported the proposal from EUROMOT.

GRPE-89-08 | UN R96: Presentation on the proposal to amend the 05 series of amendments
GRPE-89-09 | UN R96: Proposal for a Supplement 1 to the 05 series of amendments Proposal aims at permitting the use of hydrogen (H2) as fuel for approval of internal combustion engines to be installed in agricultural and forestry tractors and in non-road mobile machinery, with regard to the emissions of pollutants by the engine.
GRPE-89-10 | UN R96: Proposal for Supplement to 05 series of amendments Proposal aims at to fix administrative or typographic errors in the Regulation.
GRPE-89-11 | UN R120: Proposal for a Supplement to the 02 series of amendments Proposal aims at permitting the use of hydrogen (H2) as fuel for approval of internal combustion engines to be installed in agricultural and forestry tractors and in non-road mobile machinery, with regard to the measurement of the net power, net torque and specific fuel consumption.
GRPE-89-12 | UN R120: Proposal for Supplement to the 02 series of amendments Proposal aims to correct typographic errors identified within the Regulation.

50. The representative of the Netherlands introduced GRPE-89-13 on the topic of PM emissions from cooling units on refrigerated vehicles and asked input and information from the GRPE and request the possibility to start an IWG to develop a new Regulation. The Chair informed GRPE the topic of cooling units was already on the GRPE emission topics list (GRPE-87-55) and welcomed concrete activities on the issue.

51. The representative of the UK informed GRPE some testing activities were on-going in the country with first phase to be concluded in Summer 2023.

52. The representative of OICA opened the topic to also think about refrigerated vehicles that have no separate cooling unit, for which some excess emissions might be justifiable, and added more evidence would be needed to fully capture the scale of the issue. He recognized covering the topic with such broader view was beyond the scope of the proposal introduced by the Netherlands and invited GRPE to also reflect on the topic.

53. The representative of India highlighted India was looking at the emission of such engines, sometimes also used for other purposes. He welcomed the initiative of the Netherlands and mentioned his willingness to stay informed about any forthcoming activities.

54. The Chair invited GRPE to start thinking about the creation of a dedicated informal working group on the topic in order to prepare proposal to limit harmful emissions from such engines.

GRPE-89-13 | Reducing Emissions from Cooling Units in Road Transport
6. (b) UN Global Technical Regulation No. 11

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

7. Particle Measurement Programme (PMP)

56. The representative from the European Commission, Chair of the IWG on PMP, introduced GRPE-89-37 giving a status report of the activities of the IWG on PMP. The representative of OICA asked whether the IWG on PMP had any discussion on emission limits for brake emissions of heavy duty vehicles. The Chair of the IWG on PMP confirmed this had not yet been discussed.

57. The representative of Germany thanked the IWG on PMP for the update and supported the good work performed by the IWG.

58. The secretariat requested further clarifications on the development for forthcoming amendment to UN GTR No. 24 and also about the method selection for non-friction braking coefficients. The Chair of the IWG on PMP wished to submit the final text for inclusion of a methodology to determine vehicle-specific non-friction braking coefficients via a written procedure following this session of GRPE. He also clarified the latest text indicated OEMs could select between Table 5.1. or Annex C value for non-friction braking coefficients.

59. The representative of the European Commission, Chair of the IWG on PMP, introduced GRPE-89-27 proposing revised terms of references. The representative of the Netherlands asked whether health effects of brake / non-exhaust particulates was considered in the activities of the IWG on PMP. The Chair of the IWG on PMP explained the IWG did not have the appropriate expertise and focused on emissions for the time being. He welcomed inputs and/or relevant literature on the topic on adverse health effect of non-exhaust emissions.

60. The representative of the Netherlands asked about the best place to discuss such topics. The Chair confirmed GRPE is an appropriate place and asked GRPE about any other parties willing to support activities on this topic. The representative of the Netherlands confirmed their willingness to introduce the topic in more details at the next session of GRPE.

61. The representative of France confirmed their interest in the activity of heavy-duty brake particulate emissions, and asked further information about potential sponsors for the activities and if the authorization process already started to WP.29/AC.3. The Chair of the IWG on PMP suggested the EU might be in a position to sponsor the activity and that the request for authorization will be drafted once the revised ToRs are adopted by GRPE.

GRPE-89-27 | PMP informal group: Proposal to revise the terms of reference

62. The representative of the US informed GRPE on the content of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking recently released in the US, where a limit of 0.5mg/mi has been proposed as a limit for tailpipe emissions, including some testing at -7°C. He also confirmed the US was performing tests on European vehicles under EU and US test procedures and that he would consider briefing GRPE on the most prominent results at forthcoming session of GRPE.

63. GRPE adopted GRPE-89-27 as revised ToRs for the IWG on PMP.

GRPE-89-27 | PMP informal group: Proposal to revise the terms of reference
GRPE-89-27 | PMP informal group: Proposal to revise the terms of reference

64. The representative of France, co-Chair of the Task Force on Tyre Abrasion (TFTA), introduced GRPE-89-35. The representative of OICA requested additional information about the check of consistency of reference tyres. The co-Chair of the of the TFTA explained that definitions for reference and candidate tyres were needed, and that an ASTM definition had been agreed.

65. The representative of OICA asked whether such definition was only about tyre size. The co-Chair of the of the TFTA mentioned tyre size, thread depth, shape was all part of the information needed for a comprehensive ASTM description.

66. The Chair requested the secretariat to include a dedicated agenda item for the TFTA for the next session of GRPE.

GRPE-89-35 | Tyre Abrasion task force status report to GRPE
8. Motorcycles and mopeds
8. (a) UN Regulations Nos. 40 and 47

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

8. (b) UN Global Technical Regulations Nos. 2, 17, 18, and 23

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

8. (c) Environmental and Propulsion Performance Requirements (EPPR) for L-category vehicles

69. The Co-Chairs of IWG (the Netherlands and South Africa) on EPPR presented a status report (GRPE-89-32). The representative of the Republic of Korea asked whether the IWG was considering any activity on power measurement for electric 2- and 3-wheelers. The representative of China also required some information about range determination for electric 2- and 3- wheelers, and if the expected testing procedure for such test was likely to rely on the existing WMTC.

70. The Chair of the IWG on EVE asked if the IWG on EPPR was expecting to look at battery durability for electric 2- and 3- wheelers, and proposed to share knowledge and experience if deemed useful by the IWG on EPPR.

71. The co-Chair of the IWG on EPPR confirmed such issues were in the list of priorities, but have not yet been considered in detail. The secretary of the IWG on EPPR proposed to put this on the agenda for the next session of the IWG on EPPR.

9. Electric Vehicles and the Environment (EVE)
9. (a) UN Global Technical Regulations Nos. 21 and 22

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

9. (b) Other activities of IWG on EVE

73. The representative from the US, Co-Chair of the IWG on EVE presented the status report introducing the latest activities of the group (GRPE-89-36). The Chair reminded the request made by China at the March 2023 session of WP.29 to amend the title of UN GTR No. 22 to clearly reflect the fact that it refers only to light-duty vehicles.

74. He also congratulated the IWG on EVE for the clear and ambitious timeline on heavy-duty battery durability activities. The Chair of the IWG on EVE praised the strong collaborative atmosphere in the group to strive for swift delivery of important legislative provisions needed all over the globe.

GRPE-89-36 | EVE informal group status report to GRPE
10. Mutual Resolution No. 2 (M.R.2)

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

11. International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA)

76. The GRPE ambassador to the IWG on IWVTA and DETA introduced GRPE-89-14 updating GRPE on an updated proposal about the implementation of the Unique Identifier (UI) in UN Regulations pertinent to GRPE. He regretted the limited involvement of the EC in this activity.

77. The representative of the Netherlands confirmed they would like to keep the E-marking, but would consider to have both E-marking and UI where possible. The representative of France provided two remarks on the potential implementation of UI; (a) UI could be added at a later stage if needed and (b) any next text added to prevent the use of the UI should not create the need for a new series of amendment, and should avoid questioning existing approvals.

78. The ambassador confirmed UI has not yet been used, as some (still non-existing) features in DETA would be needed to deploy the UI.

79. The representatives of South Africa and Spain showed concerns with the UI and did not support its deployment in UN Regulations under GRPE purview.

80. GRPE endorsed GRPE-89-14 and requested the ambassador to communicate that position to the IWG on DETA.

81. The representative of CITA thanked the ambassador and the contracting parties for agreeing on the proposed way forward. He reminded UI was created for GRE, and now it is considered only for three UN Regulations. He further clarified the schedule 5 does not offer an option for both E-marking and UI. He concluded by stating a strong support to the proposal from the ambassador.

82. The Chair concluded by also regretting the lack of funding for the development and hosting of DETA.

GRPE-89-14 | 1958 Agreement - Unique Identifier Updated proposed actions for the IWG on DETA, GRs and WP.29
12. Vehicle Interior Air Quality (VIAQ)

83. The Chair of IWG on Vehicles Interior Air Quality (VIAQ), representative from the Russian Federation, presented a status report on the ongoing activities of the group (GRPE-89-25) as well as the latest draft part IV of the Mutual Resolution (M.R.3) on Vehicle Interior Air Quality (GRPE-89-26).

84. The Chair acknowledged the good progress made by IWG on VIAQ and confirmed this status report would serve as an interim report as requested in the ToRs.

GRPE-89-25 | VIAQ informal group report to GRPE
GRPE-89-26 | Draft Part IV of the Mutual Resolution (M.R.3) on Vehicle Interior Air Quality Proposal to introduce Part IV on "Emission entering to the vehicle cabin with outside air pollutants and the interior air cleaning efficiency".
13. Lifetime compliance

85. The secretary of the IWG on Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI), representative from CITA, on behalf of the Co-Chairs of the IWG on PTI (the Netherlands and the Russian Federation), introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2023/9 and GRPE-89-24-Rev.2. He reminded the adoption of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2023/9 had been postponed at the January 2023 session of GRPE.

86. The representative of the European Commission asked whether this proposal would be formally adopted by GRPE. The Chair confirmed GRPE can adopt documents pertaining to any of the three agreements, and he encouraged GRPE to adopt this proposal during this session if possible.

87. The representative of the UK asked to elaborate on the square brackets around the emission limit still present in the proposal. The Chair confirmed this has to be agreed by GRPE.

88. The representative of the Netherlands explained the country as adopted a high limit value to avoid false negative and ask about the legal meaning of the sentence about mutual recognition under para. 3.2.2.

89. The representative of Germany informed GRPE that the country was about to start PN measurement at PTI in July 2023 and asked whether there was any discrepancy between the EU recommendation published recently and this proposal. The secretary of the IWG on PTI confirmed both text contained identical provisions.

90. The representative of the European Commission and Germany requested to make sure the PN limit would only be available from Euro 5b onwards for light duty vehicles. The representative of Australia also request to ensure the PN limit would only be available from Euro VI trucks.

91. GRPE adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2023/9 as amended by GRPE-89-24-Rev.2 as reflected in Annexes V and VI to the session report and requested the secretariat to submit it to the November 2023 session of WP.29 and AC.4.

GRPE-89-24/Rev.2 | RE6: Proposal to amend GRPE/2023/9 Proposal from the PTI informal group to address particle number measurement for the periodic technical inspection of vehicles equipped with compression ignition engines.
GRPE/2023/9 | RE6: Proposal for amendment Proposal from the PTI informal group to add the possibility to perform a particle number (PN) test on diesel cars of categories M and N into Resolution R.E.6.

92. The secretary of the IWG on PTI introduced GRPE-89-07. The representative of CITA supported the proposal and proposed to go ahead with the adoption of the ToRs providing the IWG on PTI also agreed with this proposal.

93. GRPE agreed with this approach and looked forward to some updates about the activities of the emission anti-tampering task force.

GRPE-89-07 | PTI : TF Emissions Anti-tampering - Draft Terms of reference

94. The representative of AAPC introduced GRPE-89-21. He requested guidance from GRPE on the best way to proceed to ensure full harmonization for OBD communication protocols in all regulatory tools under GRPE’s purview.

95. The representative of OICA confirmed that for light-duty vehicles, UN Regulations Nos. 83 and 154 were up to date, with a proposal to update UN GTR No. 15 expected for the next session of GRPE. He acknowledged SAE was the leading body on harmonized OBD communication protocols and highlighted the importance to be able to read Data Trouble Codes (DTCs) during periodic technical inspections.

96. The Vice-Chair mentioned OBD were used more widely than for emission related purposes, and that the newly created Vehicular Communication Task Force might be a good place to consider this topic if need be. The representative of OICA invited to reach out to SAE to know more about other OBD applications.

GRPE-89-21 | Harmonization of OBD Communication Protocols
14. Automotive Life Cycle Assessment (A-LCA)

97. The Chair of the IWG on A-LCA introduced GRPE-89-34. The representative of the US supported the sub-group and level approaches considered. He reminded the US position explained in GRPE-86-38, requesting to avoid publishing interim results. He raised concerns about potential misinterpretation in case of publication of interim results. He also agreed to review the level approach and provide feedback.

98. The Chair of the IWG on A-LCA confirmed at forthcoming meeting expected on 10 July 2023 to review a complete image of the levelling concepts of each sub-group. He also informed about nomination process to participate to sub-groups, leaving the door opened for more participants to join.

99. The representative of the US trusted the A-LCA leadership to address the US requests.

100. The Chair highlighted the importance to also raise important messages to GRPE in this new topic tackled by GRPE.

101. The representative of CLEPA confirmed a phased approach to publish results might be appropriate in order to accommodate the US concerns, to make progress is made even though the full lifecycle is not complete, for example through a cradle-to-gate approach, where a strong need had already been identified.

102. The representative of the US also requested to pay close attention to the robustness and quality of the data that would feed the methodology for the different levels, which was likely to drive the timing.

103. The Chair requested further information on the participants of the subgroups, and how to make sure the right stakeholders are involved in the most relevant activities.

104. The Chair of the IWG on A-LCA explained the list of participants of subgroups is managed by the IWG on A-LCA, and noted a balanced participation for the time being, and invited subgroups to process new invitations via the IWG on A-LCA leading team if and when additional expertise would be needed.

105. The secretary of the IWG on A-LCA mentioned he would be open to get advice from GRPE on stakeholder engagement in the various subgroups.

GRPE-86-38 | Life Cycle Analysis: US EPA position
GRPE-89-34 | A-LCA informal group status report to GRPE
15. Priority topics for GRPE activities

106. The Chair introduced GRPE-89-38-Rev.1. The representative of OICA invited to consider adding power legislation in the updated list of priorities, for example to cover power on demand, and discuss the future of UN Regulation No. 85. He highlighted a need for a broad discussion for both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles on this topic of power determination for all the various powertrain options now or soon-to-be available.

107. The representative of France provided some updated information on the TFTA activities, reminding GRPE that the ToRs of the TFTA was aiming for a new UN Regulation.

108. The representative of the US highlighted vehicle-level efficiency should be considered as well, not only looking at the powertrain. The Chair agreed with this proposal.

109. The representative of the Netherlands requested to wait until the next session to tackle the topic of cooling units, still waiting for some feedback before starting any activities.

110. GRPE endorsed GRPE-89-38-Rev.1, as amended during the session.

GRPE-89-38/Rev.1 | Updated list of GRPE priorities
16. Election of Officers

111. 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 of GRPE scheduled for the year 2024.

17. Any other business

112. The interim Chair of the GRPE’s Task Force on Automated Vehicles Regulations Screening (AVRS), representative of the Netherlands, introduced GRPE-89-23. He updated GRPE on the progress made and the expected timeline for the activity.

113. He announced the task force was still looking for a stable leadership team. He volunteered to act as Chair for the task force and renewed the call for the vacant secretariat role. The representative of OICA mentioned OICA was having internal consultation to identify the most suitable candidate.

18. Next session

114. The next GRPE session, including IWG meetings, is scheduled to be held from Tuesday 9 January 2024 starting at 2.30 p.m. to Friday 12 January 2024 12.30 p.m. Interpretation services would be provided.