56. The representative of the Netherlands, Co-Chair of the IWG on VMAD, introduced WP.29-192-10, initially presented at the 192nd WP.29 session, containing the outcome of a study on the sustainability of automated and connected vehicles, affirming that their emissions were underestimated. He showed the results of calculations and estimations highlighting the potential road safety benefits i.e. the reduction of fatalities due to road crashes are expected to be outweighed by the number of fatalities caused by the emissions of automated and connected vehicles.

57. The representative of ITU explained that, in the United States of America, the projected use of electricity for data centres far exceeded the projected use of electricity for electric vehicles.

58. The representative of the European Commission inquired if the calculations and comparisons between the impact on road safety and emissions included statistical adjustments to account for factors such as the exposure, noting that the lifelong exposure for emissions was not comparable to the one- year exposure for road safety.

59. GRVA agreed that the sustainability of connected and automated vehicles was not limited to emissions or safety and that technology design plays an important role. GRVA agreed to collaborate with GRPE for assessing the impact of connected and automated vehicles on emissions.

60. The representative of Japan, Co-Chair of the TF on Vehicular Communication presented (GRVA-20-28) information regarding the progress of the group. He briefly introduced GRVA-20-27, with the draft vehicular communications definition, types, value, uses, and considerations. He explained upon request that there was no indication so far about further work for GRVA in that field and that this would depend on the recommendations of the IWG on ITS to WP.29.