16. The representative from the EC, Chair of the IWG on RDE, introduced updated terms of reference and rules of procedure for the IWG on RDE (GRPE-83-31 as revised during the session) detailing expected activities in the months and years to come. The representative from the US supported the updated approach and highlighted opportunities for alignment. GRPE endorsed the updated document and encouraged the IWG on the ambitious harmonization activities.

17. Consequently, the Chair of the IWG on RDE introduced a revised authorization to develop a new UN GTR on RDE (GRPE-83-32 amended during the session as reflected in Annex VIII to the session report). She detailed that the expected UN GTR would go directly into a more comprehensive phase 2, with wider engagement from all parties. The representative from the USA commended the GRPE process and he added that the USA were working on a rule making that was expecting to use the outcomes from the IWG on RDE and the draft phase 2 UN GTR.

18. GRPE requested the secretariat to submit Annex VIII to WP.29 and AC.3 for consideration and vote at their November 2021 sessions as draft revised authorization to develop a new UN GTR on RDE.

Under the auspices of the US EPA, FEV North America, Inc. conducted an extensive literature review on the subject of EV battery durability for the EVE Informal Working Group. The review examines the electrochemical basis for the deterioration of batteries used in BEV, HEV, and PHEV applications along with testing activities performed on such electrified vehicles and automotive grade cells, battery packs, etc.

79. The World Forum was informed about the latest developments related to the Volkswagen (VW) case.

80. The representative of Germany recalled the testing programme developed by the German type approval authority, Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA), to identify whether different brand vehicles contained prohibited defeat devices. He mentioned that the investigations are ongoing and, therefore no information on the results could be shared yet. He reported that the recall programme of the affected VW vehicles had already been initiated in Germany for a first vehicle type.

81. The representative of the United States of America (USA) introduced WP.29-168-17 to further update on the Notices Of Violation (NOV) sent by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to Volkswagen alleging that vehicles sold in the United States of America included software that circumvent EPA regulations. He reported that EPA continues to coordinate with the California Air Resources Board and Environment Canada on testing, and the investigation by the enforcement authorities of EPA is ongoing. He announced that EPA incorporated additional, unpredictable test procedures in response to the VW violations.

82. The representative of the Russian Federation reported on a national VW recall campaign conducted in line with a joint programme of the national competent authorities and the VW company, in the spirit of transparency and partnership.

83. The representative of the European Commission (EC) reported on three different areas of work. First, he informed about the adoption of the first and second package of new Real Driving Emissions procedure (RDE). Second, he updated WP.29 on the new legislation proposed to revise the type approval framework, currently under ordinary procedure in the Council and the Parliament. Third, he recalled the ongoing testing performed in some EU Member States in order to exchange information and views on the performance of vehicles when tested under different conditions.

84. As regards CO2 emissions, the EC representative stated that with the introduction of the World Light duty Test Procedures (WLTP), more realistic measurement results are expected.

85. He recalled the activities of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission on testing methodologies for detecting so-called defeat devices.

86. The representative of Canada informed WP.29 about the ongoing investigation and additional testing taking place in close collaboration with EPA.

87. The representative of Japan reported that no defeat devices had been identified in his country and expressed his willingness to start dealing with RDE and to share information with other countries.