Vehicle Emergency Call System (eCall) Compliance Certification: Standards & Test Items

Current compliance certification standards for Vehicle Emergency Call Systems (eCall) are at a critical technological transition point, with major markets like the EU and China defining clear requirements for new-generation systems. The table below summarizes core certification standards and items as of 2025.

  Core Standards & Items Deep Dive：

Beyond the table basics, pay close attention to these details:

1.EU NG eCall: Technological Foundation Overhaul

The core is shifting from 2G/3G circuit-switched networks to packet-switched technology based on 4G/5G and IMS. This aligns with telecom evolution (EU 2G/3G sunset) and enables richer accident data transmission (e.g., video, impact severity, battery status). During transition, NG eCall terminals often need "Dual-Mode" capability, falling back to legacy CS eCall if 4G/5G is unavailable, enhancing reliability.

Standards-wise, EN 17240:2024 is now the key EU technical specification for IMS-based NG eCall end-to-end conformance testing. ETSI also continuously updates NG eCall application layer interoperability specs.

2.China AECS National Standard: Localization & Comprehensive Protection

China's AECS standard learns from international practice (e.g., UN R144) while considering local realities:

·Supports Beidou Positioning: Mandates Beidou priority or single-mode for location data.

·Comprehensive Trigger Scenarios: Requires automatic triggering for frontal, side, rear collisions, and includes requirements for vehicle rollover (currently non-mandatory pending industry tech maturity).

·Network Connectivity: Mandates terminal support for at least 4G network full-band communication, reflecting China's 4G prevalence and 2G/3G phase-out.

For audio testing, follow GB/T 45314-2025 ("Road vehicles — Performance requirements and test methods for hands-free communication and voice interaction"), standardizing eCall audio test methods.

  Core Test Item Analysis：

1.eCall certification involves rigorous testing to ensure reliability during critical moments.

Functional & Performance Testing (System Capabilities)

·Trigger Mechanism: Verify automatic activation upon simulated impact (e.g., ≥ 4g) and manual button response time (e.g., ≤ 2 seconds).

·MSD Transmission: Verify completeness/accuracy of MSD data (EU NG eCall uses V3), including vehicle location, VIN, timestamp. NG eCall MSD transmission time requirement is reduced to ≤ 5 seconds.

·Positioning Accuracy: EU NG eCall requires ≤ 3 meters dynamic error.

·Call Setup Time: Time from trigger to PSAP connection must meet standards (e.g., ≤ 60 seconds or less).

2.Environmental Reliability & Network Compatibility (Stability)

·Environmental Reliability: System must function normally under extreme conditions (high temp: +85°C, low temp: -40°C, vibration).

·Network Compatibility: EU NG eCall mandates 4G/5G network support and transmission via VoLTE/IMS. In 2025, end-to-end connection stability testing based on 5G NR signals became a focus.

3.Audio Quality & Safety Redundancy (Critical Communication)

·Audio Quality: Conduct two-way speech clarity tests ensuring intelligibility in noisy environments (≥ 80 dB). Testing follows standards like ITU-T P.1140.

·Power Failure Reliability: Verify backup battery sustains system operation for at least 10 minutes (EU) post-accident power loss.

  Recommendations for Enterprises：

To navigate these new regulations and complex tests:

1.Follow Regulatory Transition Periods: Align product plans with the EU timeline: NG eCall mandatory for new approvals from Jan 1, 2026; legacy certificates expire Jan 1, 2027.

2.Consider Associated Certifications & Localization:

·Ensure eCall devices with wireless functions (e.g., 4G/5G modules) also have CE-RED certification.

·In China, use testing institutions with CNAS accreditation.

3.Conduct Pre-Testing: Partner with labs for pre-testing/pre-assessment during design to identify/resolve issues early, avoiding high modification costs and delays from test failures.

We hope this overview of eCall compliance standards and items aids your planning. For professional certification consulting services, please contact BLUEASIA: 13534225140.