EU NG eCall Certification refers to the mandatory access certification required for new vehicles and on-board devices sold in the EU, targeting the "Next-Generation Emergency Call System." It is not a simple upgrade of the traditional eCall but a comprehensive innovation based on new regulations and technologies.

In simple terms, the core purpose of this certification is to use legal mandatory measures to ensure that when a serious accident occurs, the vehicle can automatically, quickly, and accurately send richer on-site information to rescue centers using the latest mobile communication networks—thereby saving lives.

I. Why is NG eCall Called "Next-Generation"?

It has four fundamental differences from the traditional eCall certification we’re familiar with:

1.Network Infrastructure Upgrade: Traditional eCall is based on the gradually phased-out 2G/3G networks. NG eCall, by contrast, is built on 4G/5G networks and their IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) technology, paving the way for future network evolution and higher-speed data transmission.

2.Information Volume Leap: Traditional systems can only transmit approximately 140 bytes of basic data (e.g., location, vehicle identification number). NG eCall leverages high-speed networks to transmit video streams, detailed collision sensor data (e.g., impact force, direction), and critical battery status information for electric vehicles—providing rescuers with a near-"live broadcast" panoramic view.

3.Improved Positioning Accuracy: The positioning accuracy requirement has been drastically upgraded from "no more than 15 meters" for traditional eCall to "no more than 3 meters," enabling rescuers to locate accident vehicles more precisely, especially in complex environments.

4.Enhanced Reliability Assurance: NG eCall terminals typically feature a "dual-mode backup" mechanism. When 4G/5G networks are temporarily unavailable, they can automatically fall back to the traditional circuit-switched mode for emergency calls, ensuring basic reliability under any network conditions.

  II. Mandatory Timeline for NG eCall Certification

According to EU Regulation (EU) 2024/1180, the transition to NG eCall has a clear and irreversible timeline:

1.January 1, 2025: The EU opens the application channel for NG eCall certification.

2.January 1, 2026: A key milestone. From this date, the EU will no longer accept new type approval applications for models supporting only traditional 2G/3G eCall, nor will it extend existing certificates. All new applications must support 4G/5G-based NG eCall.

3.January 1, 2027: Full mandatory implementation. By this date, all new vehicles sold in the EU market must fully comply with NG eCall requirements, and old traditional eCall certificates will become completely invalid. Non-compliant vehicles will be prohibited from registration and sale in the EU.

  III. NG eCall Certification Process & Core Requirements

The entire certification process is rigorous and complex, usually taking 8 to 12 weeks or longer, and requires preparing 2-3 fully functional prototypes. The main processes and tests include:

1.Preparation Phase: Select an EU-recognized notified body and laboratory, and prepare technical documentation.

2.Laboratory Testing (Core Phase):

·Function & Performance: Verify 100% reliability of automatic/manual triggering, accuracy of critical data (MSD) transmission, and compliance with call setup time standards (usually within 1 minute).

·High-Precision Positioning: Verify compliance with the ≤3-meter positioning requirement in both static and dynamic scenarios.

·Environmental Reliability: Simulate extreme on-board environments (e.g., temperature cycling from -30°C to 85°C or wider ranges, intense vibration) to ensure system functionality remains intact.

·Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Ensure the eCall system does not interfere with other vehicle components and maintains stable operation in complex vehicle electromagnetic environments.

·Power Interruption & Backup: Verify that the system’s built-in backup battery can sustain calls and standby (usually requiring at least 10 minutes) when the vehicle’s main power is cut off in an accident—this is a lifeline guarantee.

·Cybersecurity & Privacy: Ensure the system complies with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to prevent malicious attacks or leakage of user privacy.

3.Road Testing: Verify actual performance under real mobile network conditions in real-world driving environments.

4.Review & Certification Issuance: The notified body reviews all reports and documents, and issues a certificate with a typical validity period of 3 years upon approval. After certification, enterprises must fulfill ongoing obligations such as submitting annual reports and accepting random inspections.

EU NG eCall Certification is a mandatory safety threshold for the "digital lifeline" established by EU legislation in the era of intelligent connected vehicles. For automakers, keeping up with its strict timeline and technical details is not only a compliance requirement but also a reflection of product core competitiveness.

Notably, this EU regulation is also influencing the global market. For example, China plans to implement the mandatory national standard "On-Board Emergency Call System (AECS)" on July 1, 2027, which aligns closely with NG eCall in technical direction, also requiring 5G support and richer data transmission. For automakers with global layouts, planning and verifying underlying technologies in advance in accordance with NG eCall’s high standards will be an efficient strategy.

If you want to learn more about the specific cost structure of certification or a detailed technical comparison between China’s national standard AECS and EU NG eCall, for professional certification consulting, contact BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140.