The in-vehicle connectivity sector has become increasingly competitive in recent years. For automakers aiming to deliver premium smart cockpit experiences, the HiCar ecosystem is indispensable. However, HiCar certification is neither overly complicated nor a simple formality. Mistakes made in the pre-application phase will lead to surging time costs and extra expenses.
This article sorts out key information about HiCar certification, focusing on updates in 2026, especially major adjustments after the official launch of the V6.0 acceptance standard.
Huawei defines HiCar as an all-scenario intelligent connectivity solution linking people, vehicles and homes. Essentially, it builds an in-depth interactive connection between smartphones and vehicle infotainment systems, enabling seamless access to voice control, navigation, music, calls and in-car device management across the ecosystem.
Certification acts as a mandatory entry threshold. Without valid certification, HiCar functions cannot be activated on vehicle systems even with high-performance hardware. Huawei smartphones will fail to recognize the vehicle device, resulting in zero user experience. Therefore, for OEM automakers, aftermarket head unit manufacturers and HiCar peripheral developers, HiCar certification is not an optional add-on but the only official gateway to enter the HiCar ecosystem.
Hundreds of mainstream vehicle models have obtained HiCar certification so far. Major brands including GAC Trumpchi, XPEV, Li Auto and BYD are fully promoting HiCar integration on their new platforms. The industry trend is clear: new vehicles without HiCar support are losing competitiveness among consumers.
2. Product Categories Covered by HiCar Certification
Clarify your product type first, as certification paths and complexity vary significantly across categories.
·Factory-installed OEM Infotainment Systems: This is the primary product category. It requires full validation of vehicle-level functional safety and data security, with the widest testing scope and longest lead time. Automakers shall include HiCar certification in project milestones at the early stage of new platform development, instead of arranging certification shortly before mass production.
·Aftermarket Smart Head Units: Including plug-and-play head units and HiCar dongles for modification markets. Testing mainly focuses on connection performance between devices and smartphones, which is less rigorous than OEM projects, yet core technical requirements remain fully applicable.
·Aftermarket Wireless Adapter Boxes: Devices that enable wireless screen projection for legacy car systems. They feature relatively single functions and the smallest testing scope. Still, connection stability and compliance requirements are strictly enforced.
3. Key Updates to Align with HiCar V6.0 (Critical Changes in 2026)
Huawei officially released the HiCar V6.0.0 acceptance standard and application packages on March 31, 2026. All new applications have fully migrated to V6.0. Continuing to follow V5.x rules will lead to common pitfalls.
·Upgraded Requirements for Test Mobile Phones: Previously, devices running HarmonyOS 4.X or 5.X were acceptable for testing. V6.0 mandates test devices running HarmonyOS 4.X and HarmonyOS 6.X, while HarmonyOS 5.X devices are no longer recognized as standard test equipment. In addition, only flagship Mate and P series smartphones released by Huawei in the current or previous year are approved for certification tests. This rule ensures the test environment matches real-world usage of mainstream flagship devices.
·Mandatory OTA Update Testing: This is a newly added requirement in V6.0, which was optional in older versions. Applicants must verify HiCar functional stability during and after vehicle system OTA updates. HiCar connection and all related functions must work properly before and after firmware upgrades. Poor decoupling between OTA modules and HiCar modules will easily cause test failures.
·Tighter Security Compliance Rules: ISO 26262 ASIL-B functional safety, GB/T 41871 domestic information security standard and AES-256 data encryption are listed as mandatory inspection items in V6.0. Loose enforcement of these rules under V5.x is terminated. V6.0 strengthens requirements on encrypted data transmission, identity authentication, OTA security and information security filing. For products exported to the European market, EU automakers usually require additional TISAX assessment in procurement contracts. Though not a compulsory item for HiCar certification, relevant preparation is recommended in advance.
·Early Adaptation for HarmonyOS NEXT: Huawei promotes HarmonyOS NEXT for vehicle terminals at a different pace compared with mobile phones. New features such as Super Device, card-based desktop and universal service cards are on the roadmap. These are not mandatory under V6.0, but automakers shall take this trend into account for long-term planning instead of only focusing on Android-compatible ecosystems.
HiCar V6.0 also expands the overall test scope with 84 new test cases, covering file transfer, mobile desktop mirroring, UI adaptation, audio output, screen projection and wireless connection stability. Besides, three formerly optional functions — audio splitting, vehicle OTA capability and concurrent audio recording — are upgraded to mandatory items. Products without these functions will fail certification directly.
4. Full Breakdown of HiCar Certification Process & Time Schedule
The entire process consists of five major phases, with estimated lead time for smooth progress stated below.
Phase 1: Ecosystem Access & SDK Acquisition
Complete enterprise real-name registration on Huawei DevicePartner Platform (1 to 3 working days). Sign the HiCar Ecosystem Cooperation Memorandum and relevant agreements to obtain SDK download permission and access to the certification system. It is recommended to reserve at least two weeks for this phase, as qualification review delays will hold up subsequent work.
Phase 2: SDK Integration & Internal Self-Testing
This is the core phase that tests technical capabilities. After developing core functions including device discovery, connection establishment, audio & video transmission and data sharing, applicants must pass 100% of all official self-test cases. Applications with incomplete self-test results will be rejected immediately.
Use the latest official template: HUAWEI HiCar Vehicle Access Acceptance Self-Test Report_V6.0.0. Old templates are invalid. For OEM products, this phase takes 1 to 3 months; aftermarket products take a shorter period, yet technical challenges should not be underestimated.
Phase 3: Application Submission & Sample Delivery
Online application review takes 1 to 3 working days. Sample requirements differ greatly between OEM and aftermarket products:
·OEM Vehicle Projects: Prepare 3 complete test benches (bench chassis, main unit, display, power supply, microphone, speaker, steering wheel control buttons, GPS antenna and all wiring harnesses) plus one complete vehicle for road tests. The vehicle must be fully configured for mass production, with valid temporary license plates (valid for no less than 90 days and covering the test area), effective compulsory traffic insurance and commercial insurance. Incomplete documents or unqualified license plates are the top reasons for sample rejection.
·Aftermarket Products: No complete vehicle is required. Only 3 finished product samples need to be delivered.
Phase 4: Laboratory Testing
This is the most unpredictable phase. Initial testing takes 4 to 8 weeks for OEM products, and 3 to 4 weeks for aftermarket products. Each round of rectification and retest adds 1 to 2 weeks. Multiple rounds of revision are common if self-testing is insufficient.
Equivalent Acceptance Testing Rules (Updated 2026): This expedited channel is available for three scenarios: migrating an existing infotainment platform to new vehicle models, minor software version upgrades for qualified vehicles, and aftermarket product shell replacement without core hardware changes. Products with chip replacement, system reconstruction or core communication module modification are not eligible for equivalent testing.
Phase 5: Huawei Final Review & Certificate Issuance
Official review lasts 2 to 3 weeks. Huawei verifies test data and conducts random inspections on key test items. Supplementary document requests will extend the process by about 1 week. Electronic certificates will be issued within 1 to 2 working days after approval, which can be used for official promotion and store listing. Paper certificates will be delivered separately by courier.
5. Total Lead Time for Different HiCar Certified Products
·New OEM infotainment system (full certification): 4 to 8 months. The cycle will be longer with multiple revisions or road test issues.
·Aftermarket wireless devices (HiCar dongles, smart car screens): 2.5 months at the earliest, 3 to 4 months normally.
·Aftermarket wired screen projection devices: 2 to 3 months.
·Equivalent testing: 2 to 3 months for OEM products, 1 to 2 months for aftermarket products.
·Certificate Renewal: Only core test cases are required for remote online testing (no sample delivery needed). The whole process takes 4 to 6 weeks, and the certificate is extended for 1 year.
BlueAsia has deep expertise in HUAWEI HiCar certification services, covering full-range certification agency and technical support for OEM infotainment systems, aftermarket wireless and wired devices. We have assisted numerous domestic and overseas automakers and Tier 1 suppliers to obtain certification and launch compliant products. For inquiries, please contact our consultant: 13534225140 (Benson).
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