Overview of regional legislative and non-legislative activities related to vehicle life cycle assessment, including mandatory reporting requirements in Brazil from December 2026 and China battery carbon footprint reporting from 2027, voluntary reporting in the EU from June 2026, and ongoing methodology development in Korea, France, Japan, China, Spain, India, and the United Kingdom. The document reports on overarching activities including EU carbon border adjustment mechanisms, product environmental footprint recommendations, ISO and GHG Protocol standard updates, and customer information initiatives such as Green NCAP. Key message: the LCA landscape has moved from drafting to enforcement, with first reporting duties taking effect soon and individual regions establishing their own rules if harmonization does not continue.

Joint OICA and CLEPA presentation of industry-agreed automotive guidelines for life cycle assessment of passenger cars and parts. The guidelines establish a common global methodology for exchanging LCA values across supply chains. Key elements include: functional unit limited to passenger cars with declared units for parts; primary and secondary data approaches; chain of custody covering mass balance and book and claim; energy modelling allowing market-based and location-based approaches; representative vehicle concept for full vehicle LCA reporting; and representative part concept with interpolation for greenhouse gas emissions of declared parts.

Status report on the EV Fast & Smart Charging cluster’s progress on two main activities: developing the Fast Charge Power Curve (FCPC), a resolution for a test procedure and KPIs, with eight open points requiring validation and verification; and developing a global roadmap on smart and bidirectional charging, which is finalised and to be published as a UN publication in Q1 2027. The cluster’s mandate has been extended for one year to October 2027 to continue validations, resolve open points, and investigate future work including review clauses and a fast charging performance test for heavy-duty vehicles.

Field test of on-board diagnostics (OBD) use during periodic emission testing for Euro 5+ motorcycles. Fifty-three Euro 5+ motorcycles were tested to examine feasibility and practicability of OBD-based inspection procedures. All motorcycles had 6-pin or 16-pin connectors. Challenges included locating OBD ports, accessing them with mechanical tools, engine coolant temperature readouts for oil/air-cooled motors, revving to 2500 rpm on some scooters, and measuring lambda with short exhaust systems. OBD information improves periodic technical inspection reliability for Euro 5+ motorcycles.

Proposal to amend UN GTR No. 25 by modifying requirements for State-of-Certified Energy (SOCE) monitors, battery performance requirements, in-use verification procedures for Parts A, B, and C, and related test procedures and annexes. The GTR establishes harmonised methods to determine in-vehicle battery durability performance of Heavy-Duty Pure Electric Vehicles (HD-PEVs) and Heavy-Duty Off-Vehicle Charging Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HD-OVC-HEVs) of categories 1-2 and 2 exceeding 3,855 kg technically permissible maximum laden mass. The document includes tracked changes to Amendment 1 (WP.29/2026/209), with sections subject to discussion or decision indicated in square brackets and strikethrough text denoting proposed deletions.

Report on the Task Force on Tyre Abrasion’s work from February to October 2026. Foundational methodologies for C1 tyres were adopted and incorporated into a new UN Regulation 186 on tyre abrasion, with a two-stage implementation approach requiring new tyre type approvals from 30 June 2028 and mandatory approval from 30 June 2030, with fitting of pre-June 2030 tyres on vehicles permitted until 30 June 2032, and stage 2 introducing tighter limits with new approvals from 30 June 2033 and mandatory approval from 30 June 2035. C2 test method development is ongoing with an informal document presentation targeting February 2027 submission of a formal working document. For C3 tyres, a brainstorming session was planned for October 2026 in Brussels to develop simplified test methods before physical testing, focusing initially on long-haul and regional 22.5-inch tyres.

Document summarizes ongoing revisions to minimum performance requirements (MPRs), lifetime, and metric requirements for heavy-duty vehicles under GTR 25 Optional Annex 4. Proposes modifying lifetime thresholds (years and kilometers), adding intermediate verification at 5 years to enable early detection of battery-degradation risks, and segmenting MPR thresholds by vehicle category and mission profiles for categories M₁–M₃ and N₁–N₃. Presents vehicle operation data from Chinese manufacturers, capacity retention analysis, energy throughput metrics, and feasibility assessments of 5-year MPR limits with proposed MPR values of 75% covering 98% battery-durability performance.

Proposal to add para. 8.1.2. to specify required measurements for test vehicles, including use of onboard measurement data as an alternative to measurement devices for engine speed, intake manifold pressure, and fuel flow rate when accuracy and frequency meet minimum requirements, and to add para. 8.1.2.1. to specify measurements specific to TP1 including electrical current and voltage at REESS or inverter inputs and ICE speed, intake manifold pressure, and fuel flow rate.

Report on the third inter-laboratory study evaluating the repeatability and reproducibility of particulate emission factors using GTR 24 (1st amendment) across 14 laboratories worldwide. The study assessed laboratory proficiency in brake particulate matter and particle number emissions measurements for light-duty vehicles, testing two low-metallic brakes and one low-emitting NAO brake using the WLTP-Brake cycle. Inter-lab coefficient of variation for PM₁₀ was 10-15% for low-metallic brakes (4.5-8.5 mg/km emission levels) and 30% for the NAO brake (1.5 mg/km). Intra-lab repeatability for PM₁₀ was less than 5% for low-metallic brakes but higher for the NAO brake. A success rate of 94.8% was achieved after applying quality checks, confirming GTR 24 suitability for regulatory testing. The report provides recommendations for GTR 24 amendments including friction work calculation methodology, torque quality metrics, sampling probe setup standardization, and residual torque limits.

Proposal to amend UN GTR No. 24 by modifying test procedures, definitions, and requirements for brake particle emissions measurement. The amendment introduces improvements including revised definitions (vehicle electrification type, material formulation, pad size), updated measurement tolerances and signal filtering requirements, provisions for brake filtering systems, enhanced specifications for drum and electromechanical brake systems, relaxed cooling airflow adjustment requirements, and a new test cycle for speed-limited vehicles. Documentation of calibration requirements and ongoing quality controls are clarified throughout.

The document authorizes development of a new UN GTR on brake PM and PN emissions from all types of light-duty vehicle brake systems, including validation of the developed novel WLTP-Brake test cycle, investigation and selection of instrumentation and sampling methodology for brake wear particles, definition of minimum requirements for sampling, validation through interlaboratory study, inclusion of regenerative braking, and preparation of the PMP Brake protocol. It also reports on Amendment 2 to UN GTR No. 24 covering laboratory measurement of brake emissions for light-duty vehicles, detailing hardware requirements, test cycle specifications, cooling air conditioning, bedding procedures, and emissions measurement methodologies for particulate matter and particle number.

Overview of documents and working party activities for the 95th session of the Working Party on Pollution and Energy (GRPE). Documents address improvements to UN R179 (Laboratory Measurement of Brake Emissions for Light Duty Vehicles) including handling of vehicles with limited speed, brake replacement parts regulation, and GTR 24 (Measurement procedures for Brake corner emission factors). Related documents also cover a new regulation for heavy-duty brake emissions and a new global technical regulation for heavy-duty brakes. Working documents ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2026/29, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2026/30, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2026/31, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2026/32, and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2026/53 are submitted.

Proposal to amend para. 1.1.3. of Annex C1 to clarify that the method for customer values shall be determined in agreement with the authorities only in the case that the specified methods are not applied, and amend paras. 2.1.2. and 3.1.2. of Annex C1 Appendix 2 to correct the technical error in the determination of UBEcertified by specifying that UBEcertified shall be rounded to the nearest whole number if the unit is Wh or to three significant numbers if the unit is kWh, and when the interpolation method is applied, UBEcertified shall be determined by selecting the maximum amongst vehicle H and vehicle L, and if applicable, vehicle M.

Report on the Task Force Automated Vehicles Regulation Screening activities for the 95th session of GRPE. The task force has completed its mandate to screen regulations for application of automated vehicles. It reviewed amendments to UN R154 for categories X, Y and dual modes, applied existing testing methods and emission legislation frameworks, and identified issues regarding energy consumption of automated vehicles and consistency in accounting for complex system energy consumption. The task force recommends discontinuation as its mandate has ended and it lacks authority to modify existing testing methods and requirements.

The document addresses accuracy calculation procedures in UN R154.04 Appendix 5, paragraph 4.2, which compares type-approval values from the mains with values at the vehicle interface for energy-related parameters of plug-in electric vehicles and other vehicles. It notes that losses of electric vehicle supply equipment and measurement uncertainties of external devices used to measure voltage and current are not considered in the accuracy calculation. OICA is developing a proposal to address both topics for submission to the 96th GRPE session.

Progress report on Particular Matter Pollutants (PMP) Informal Working Group activities for GRPE-95. Updates on proposals for a new Supplement to UN R179, a new UN Regulation on brake replacement parts, additions to GTR 24 for light-duty vehicles with limited speed, a new GTR for heavy-duty brakes, and a new UN Regulation for heavy-duty vehicle brakes. Reports on ongoing inter-laboratory studies for calibration procedures and brake emissions testing. Discusses technical developments in brake testing facilities, electromechanical brakes, and conformity of production procedures.

Japan presents positions on working documents for UN R168 (Real Driving Emissions). Japan does not accept the Level 1C concept, proposes deleting the type-approval scheme for equipment to eliminate unnecessary burden, and recommends adding technical requirements for laboratory equipment instead. Japan expresses technical concerns regarding sampling line temperature limits, text structure requiring restructuring, and hydrogen ICE provisions including dry-wet correction applicability and trip validity methods for bi-fuel vehicles.

The A-LCA IWG has decided not to submit a Working Document due to inability to reach agreement on outstanding issues. The IWG requests GRPE review and acceptance of revised Terms of Reference reflecting a shift toward information and technical exchange rather than developing a Resolution. Key unresolved contradictive issues include definitions, system boundaries, chain of custody, electricity modelling, prospective energy modelling, use stage provisions, deterioration factors, methane leakage, and methodologies for component replacements. Future activities will shift to information exchange with reduced meeting frequency pending establishment of a clear timeline for developing A-LCA methodology.

Terms of reference for the IWG on A-LCA, which will develop an internationally harmonised procedure to determine the carbon footprint of automotive products across their life cycle from production to use and disposal. Working items include defining scope according to ISO 14040, conducting inventory analysis, and defining the format and minimum contents of the A-LCA report. The IWG mandate ends in December 2026, with possible adoption of the resolution by WP.29 in November 2026. The group is open to all experts from any country or organisation of WP.29, chaired by Japan and Republic of Korea, with technical secretaries from OICA, E-Mobility Europe, and Japan.

Draft UN Regulation establishing uniform provisions for type approval of electric powertrain retrofit systems (EPRS) for converting vehicles of categories M₁–M₃ and N₁–N₃ to full electric propulsion. Specifies approval procedures, application documentation, marking requirements, and technical specifications. Requires compliance with applicable UN Regulations including UN R10, UN R13, UN R100, and others depending on vehicle modifications. Defines roles of EPRS manufacturers and authorized installers. Includes transitional provisions for rechargeable energy storage system compliance: compliance with UN R100.03 required from entry into force to 31 August 2029, UN R100.05 from 1 September 2029. Covers conformity of production, modification and extension of approvals, and withdrawal procedures.

Report on the 95th GRPE session presenting progress updates for UN GTR No. 21 (Determination of Electrified Vehicle Power), UN GTR No. 22 (In-vehicle Battery Durability for Electrified Light-Duty Vehicles), and UN GTR No. 25 (In-vehicle Battery Durability for Electrified Heavy-Duty Vehicles). The IWG on EVE reported on Phase 4 objectives and amendments for GTR 21 and 22, with consideration targets of March 2028, and Phase 3 amendments for GTR 25 with consideration target of March 2027. Future work includes investigations into charging power curves, development of a new WP.29 resolution on DC Fast Charge Power Curve performance, and an inventory on harmonization of recharging capabilities.

Proposal to amend para. 3.1.2. of Annex 5 to clarify the verification procedure for SOCR/SOCE monitors by specifying that electric range and UBE values shall be measured at the time of verification with related monitor values collected before and after the verification test procedure, that indicator values collected after the verification test procedure shall not be considered in Part A verification, and that measured SOCR and measured SOCE values shall be determined by dividing measured values for electric range and UBE by certified values for electric range and UBE respectively, expressed in per cent.

Proposal to amend Annex 5, para. 5. to define Part C: Verification of reported assessment of virtual distance, amend para. 5.1. to specify the verification procedure including measurement of total discharge energy and approval by the responsible authority, insert new sub-paras. 5.1.1. through 5.1.5. to establish environmental temperature requirements, initial State of Charge setting, discharging test specifications, test termination conditions, and verification test procedures with Table 4 steps, and amend para. 5.2. to establish pass/fail criteria based on comparison of reported delta virtual distance to measured virtual distance with a 5 per cent threshold and statistical decision procedures using Table 5.

Proposal to amend para. 3.7.1. to define rated engine power by reference to UN R85 or UN R177, modify para. 6.3.2.2. to specify applicability to Level 1A only (original and 02 series) or 4-phase WLTP test only (01 and 03 series), amend para. 6.3.2.3. to apply only to Level 1B (original and 02 series) or 3-phase WLTP test (01 and 03 series), modify Annex B1 para. 2.3.2. to except PEVs from Class 3 classification for Level 1B only (original and 02 series) or 3-phase WLTP test only (01 and 03 series), amend Annex B4 para. 6.2.1. and 6.2.4. regarding facility approval duration and validation, and modify Annex B8 para. 1.4., 3.4.1., and 4.1.2. to specify applicability to Level 1B or 3-phase WLTP test and adjust vehicle classification and testing requirements accordingly.

Proposal to:

• Insert a new para. 4 and 5 to the introduction of the 02 series and para. 5 and 6 to the introduction of the 03 series clarifying that the 03 series includes harmonised procedures and that amendments account for vehicles of categories X and Y equipped with Automated Driving Systems,
• Amend para. 2.1. to add ADS to general abbreviations,
• Amend para. 3.2.5., 3.2.31., 3.2.37., 3.5.8., 3.5.9., and 3.5.12. to include vehicle user terminology,
• Insert new para. 3.5.13. to 3.5.16. defining ADS road load determination mode, ADS testing mode, ADS user, and vehicle user,
• Amend para. 3.10.1., 3.10.4., and 3.10.20. concerning On-Board Diagnostic systems and malfunction indication to reference vehicle users and ADS,
• Insert footnote definitions referencing ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2026/153,
• Amend multiple paragraphs throughout Annexes A1, B4, B6, B8, C3, C4, and C5 to accommodate ADS operation,
• Insert new para. 4.2.1.8.6. to Annex B4 specifying ADS road load determination mode requirements for vehicles of categories X and Y,
• Insert new para. 2.4.2.7. to Annex B6 specifying ADS testing mode functional requirements,
• Amend various provisions concerning driver-selectable modes, reagent warning and inducement systems, and OBD monitoring to apply to vehicles equipped with ADS.