For head unit and aftermarket accessory manufacturers, HiCar certification has become a key node for project launch. However, few people fully understand the official standards and detailed test items. This article comprehensively interprets HiCar certification rules, test contents and differences across product categories.
Do not equate HiCar certification with conventional EMC or safety certification. It is an ecosystem access authorization system managed by Huawei. Authorized third-party laboratories execute tests and issue reports, while Huawei is the final reviewer and certificate issuer.
Only certified products can be officially sold with HiCar functions enabled. Uncertified devices cannot establish HiCar connections with Huawei smartphones, even if all functions are fully developed. Products launched without valid certification will be ordered to rectify within a time limit; persistent non-compliance will lead to removal from Huawei’s official compatible device list.
2. Current Certification Standard: HiCar V6.0.0 (Official Benchmark in 2026)
Huawei released HiCar V6.0.0 acceptance standard on March 31, 2026. A transition period was implemented from March 31 to June 30, 2026: ongoing projects following V5.0.0 could finish their procedures under old rules. Since July 1, 2026, all new applications must comply with V6.0.0, and V5.0.0 is completely phased out.
Major upgrades of V6.0.0 compared with V5.0.0:
·Updated Test Mobile Phones: Standard test devices are upgraded to HarmonyOS 4.X + HarmonyOS 6.X (HarmonyOS 5.X is no longer accepted). Only current/previous year Huawei Mate & P series flagship phones are approved for testing.
·Expanded Test Cases: 84 new test cases are added, and 78 existing cases are optimized. New cases focus on file transfer, mobile desktop streaming, UI adaptation, audio quality, screen projection and wireless connection stability.
·Three Functions Upgraded to Mandatory Items: Audio splitting, vehicle OTA capability and concurrent audio recording (optional under V5.0.0) are now compulsory.
·Hardware Resolution Threshold for Mobile Desktop: Products supporting mobile desktop function require a vertical resolution of at least 1080P (2K screen recommended). Devices below this standard cannot obtain access for mobile desktop features. This rule has a huge impact on pre-designed OEM infotainment screens.
3. Four Major Test Dimensions of HiCar Certification
All test items are classified into four core dimensions, with strict pass criteria for each part.
3.1 Functional Compatibility
This section contains the largest number of test cases and the highest failure rate. Test scenarios include navigation projection, music playback, voice control, UI adaptation compliant with HarmonyOS interaction rules, multi-format/large-size file transfer and mobile desktop synchronization.
3D vehicle control is added as a new test scenario in V6.0.0 (optional value-added item, not mandatory). It evaluates rendering fluency, response latency and control accuracy for vehicles equipped with electric rear doors, power mirrors and other executive components.
Rule: 100% pass rate for all functional test cases.
3.2 Connection Stability
Focus on hard indicators for wired and wireless connections:
·Wired connection: Success rate ≥ 99.5%; no faults after 500 consecutive plug-and-unplug cycles.
·Wireless connection: Disconnection frequency ≤ 1 time per hour; audio & video transmission latency ≤ 200ms (to avoid audio-video sync issues).
New test items in 2026: UWB seamless connection test (for devices supporting UWB) and multi-screen synchronization test (for multi-display smart cockpits).
3.3 Security Compliance
Security rules are strictly enforced under V6.0.0:
·All data transmission must adopt AES encryption.
·Sensitive data (contacts, location, call logs) can only be accessed with explicit user authorization; unauthorized data collection is prohibited.
·Anti-tampering protection for HiCar client and communication protocols.
·Digital signature and integrity verification for OTA upgrade packages (mandatory for OTA-enabled devices).
Violations of security rules may result in direct access rejection.
3.4 Performance
Core indicators: Touch response latency ≤ 100ms (no obvious stuttering); long-term operation stability (no memory leakage, overheating, crash or functional degradation after continuous running).
Individual cases are relaxed appropriately: For example, the response latency limit of Case 090-009 is adjusted from 200ms (V5.0.0) to 500ms in V6.0.0, based on actual technical feasibility.
4. Four Core Document Templates for HiCar V6.0.0
All new applications after March 31, 2026 must use the updated official templates (V5.0.0 templates are invalid):
·HUAWEI HiCar Vehicle Access Acceptance Test Report (Laboratory Version): Issued by authorized laboratories, with consistent SDK version information across all documents.
·HUAWEI HiCar Vehicle Access Acceptance Self-Test Report: Submitted by applicants, must attach complete test logs and screenshots.
·HUAWEI HiCar Ecosystem Product Certification Application Form: Renamed from the old equivalent testing application form, covering initial certification, equivalent testing and OTA upgrade application scenarios.
·HUAWEI HiCar Hardware & Software Constraint Table: Clarifies mandatory/optional functions and hardware requirements, including the 1080P resolution threshold for mobile desktop.
BlueAsia is a professional service provider for HUAWEI HiCar certification. We offer full support for standard interpretation, test guidance and document preparation for OEM and aftermarket products. Contact our consultant: 13534225140 (Benson).
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