The 99th session of the Electric Vehicles and the Environment Informal Working Group is scheduled for September 8-9, 2026, in a hybrid format with sessions at China Automotive Technology and Research Center Co., Ltd. (CATARC) in Tianjin, China. The agenda addresses UN GTR 22, UN GTR 21, and UN GTR 25, with discussions on fuel cell vehicle proposals, open items, verification results, alternative test methods, and battery replacement provisions. A reminder notes that UN GTR 25 amendment 2 must be submitted to GRPE-96 by December 2026.
The EqOP Task Force 2 met online on 29-30 June 2026 to discuss whiplash protection in vehicle seats. Presentations covered whiplash injury mechanisms, UN R17 evaluation, C-NCAP 2027 virtual testing plans, EvaRID and BioRID dummy comparisons, IIHS Rear Impact 2.0 protocol development, parametric seat modelling, and validation of a female SET 50F FE model. Discussions concluded that regulations should avoid sub-optimization toward single criteria, dynamic testing better represents real-world conditions, head-restraint positioning should not be considered misuse, and more forgiving seat designs are needed. The next meeting is scheduled for 28 September 2026.
Proposal to amend UN R11 to modify scope and definitions regarding vehicles of categories M1 and N1, introduce provisions for Automated Driving Systems, revise door operation requirements including exterior and interior latch release controls and door handles, add performance requirements for power-assisted systems and intuitive operation, amend provisions on door locks for side rear doors and back doors, include new definitions for latch release control, door handle, retractable door handle, unlock, unlatch, door opening, and power loss, add transitional provisions for the 05 series of amendments, and introduce new test procedures in Annex 7 for power loss events with interior and exterior door opening procedures requiring demonstration of door functionality within 60 minutes of power disconnection and at least five opening cycles. The amendments apply to supplement 3 of the 04 series for vehicles of category X and the 05 series of amendments to UN R11, based on justifications in GRSP-79-19 and GRSP-78-48.