If you export vehicles to the EU, you have likely heard of eCall—the mandatory emergency call system for new EU vehicles. Traditional eCall has been compulsory since 2018, but a fundamental shift occurs in 2026.

Under EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1180:

·New type approvals must adopt NG eCall (4G/5G & IMS architecture) starting August 1, 2026; legacy 2G/3G CS-eCall is no longer accepted.

·Existing in-production models must switch to NG eCall by August 1, 2027.

This is a hard regulatory deadline driven by EU 2G/3G network shutdowns. Without NG eCall, emergency calls will become non-functional.

This article explains NG eCall upgrades, standards, tests, bundled certifications, and timelines from a practical perspective.

I. Core Differences Between NG eCall & Traditional eCall

Most articles simplify it to “2G to 4G/5G,” underestimating its impact.

Traditional CS-eCall: Uses GSM circuit-switched voice, transmitting 140-byte MSD (Minimum Set of Data) via in-band modulation. Limitations: low positioning accuracy (~150m), narrow bandwidth, one-way data.

NG eCall: Rebuilt on IP-based packet-switched architecture (4G/5G VoLTE + IMS). Voice and data transmit in parallel: MSD via encrypted HTTPS, voice via HD VoLTE.

Key improvements:

1.MSD V3: Expanded data capacity for detailed vehicle and crash data.

2.Positioning accuracy: 50m CEP 95% via multi-constellation GNSS (GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, GLONASS).

3.Voice quality: AMR-WB wideband coding.

4.IMS/SIP signaling: New protocol stack requiring re-development (legacy eCall experience not reusable).

  II. NG eCall Standards & Regulatory Framework

1. Top-Level EU Regulations

·(EU) 2015/758: eCall framework regulation.

·(EU) 2017/79: Technical requirements and test methods.

·(EU) 2024/1180: NG eCall transition mandate.

2. Technical Standards

·CEN/TS 17184 (EN 17184): Core NG eCall spec for IMS, SIP, MSD V3.

·CEN/TS 17240 (EN 17240): Pan-European IP-based eCall.

·ETSI TS 103 128: IMS signaling conformance for vehicle terminals.

·ETSI TS 102 901: MSD data structure.

·ETSI TS 103 137: Voice quality requirements.

3. UN R144

Global UN regulation for vehicle emergency call systems, aligned with EU eCall. Required for exports to Russia, the Middle East, etc.

  III. Bundled Certifications

NG eCall is not standalone; it links to mandatory EU certifications:

1.CE RED: For 4G/5G and GNSS modules (EN 301 511, EN 301 908 series).

2.UN R155 (CSMS): Automotive cybersecurity management system.

3.UN R156: Software upgrade compliance (if OTA-supported).

  IV. NG eCall Certification Test Items

1. Trigger Mechanism Testing

·Manual trigger: Emergency button activation time and call setup.

·Automatic trigger: Crash signal simulation, verifying no missed/False triggers.

2. MSD Data Transmission

·MSD V3 format compliance (ETSI TS 102 901).

·Complete mandatory fields (VIN, location, crash time, direction).

·Transmission latency and weak-signal reliability.

3. IMS Signaling & VoLTE Voice Testing

·IMS registration, SIP session setup, SDP negotiation.

·AMR-WB voice quality, noise reduction, echo cancellation.

4. Positioning Accuracy

·50m CEP 95% in urban canyons, tunnel exits, and cold-start scenarios.

·Multi-constellation continuity at high speeds.

5. Network Handover & Fallback

·Roaming, weak-signal call success, 4G/5G handover.

6. Backup Power Testing

·Sustained operation after main power loss (per (EU) 2017/79).

7. Interoperability (Plugtests)

·ETSI Plugtests for cross-vendor/PSAP compatibility.

8. Environmental & EMC Testing

·Temperature (-40°C to +85°C), vibration, humidity.

·EMC per ISO 7637-2, ISO 11452.

9. Vehicle Integration Testing

·Real-road testing in tunnels, parking lots, highways.

  V. Component vs. Vehicle Certification

Component (T-Box, Module, Head Unit)

·Timeline: 8–14 weeks (smooth case).

·Tests: Lab functional, IMS, positioning, EMC, environmental.

Vehicle (M1, N1 ≤ 3.5t)

·Timeline: 12–20 weeks.

·Adds: Road testing, crash-trigger verification, full-vehicle EMC.

Pre-testing is critical to avoid costly retests.

  VI. Applicable Products

·Vehicles: M1 passenger cars, N1 light commercial vehicles.

·Components: T-Box, 4G/5G modules, eCall terminals, head units.

  VII. 2026 Key Notes

·No 2G/3G approvals after August 1, 2026.

·Use pre-certified 4G/5G modules.

·Finalize backup battery design early.

·Plan ETSI Plugtests in advance.

BLUEASIA provides full NG eCall and legacy eCall certification services with transparent pricing. Contact BLUEASIA advisor: +86 13534225140.