The EU’s new generation NG eCall certification regulations mark a major technological leap — upgrading in-vehicle emergency call systems from legacy 2G/3G to 4G/5G-based architectures. Below is a structured overview of the 2025 regulation changes, certification scope, and transition timeline.
| Aspect | Core Content |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Basis | Regulation (EU) 2024/1180, amending Regulation (EU) 2015/758 |
| Technical Upgrade | Transition from CS eCall (2G/3G) to NG eCall (4G/5G) based on packet switching and IMS technology, allowing concurrent voice + data transmission |
| Transition Period | • From Jan 1, 2025: Start applying for type approval for new models under the new regulation. • From Jan 1, 2026: No new type approvals accepted for models that only comply with old rules. • From Jan 1, 2027: Only new regulation-certified products recognized in the EU market. |
| Main Test Standards | EN 17240:2024 — end-to-end conformance testing for NG eCall functionality |
The NG eCall upgrade is not merely a telecom transition — it reshapes how connected vehicles handle emergency data.
NG eCall leverages the high bandwidth and low latency of 4G/5G networks to deliver:
Enhanced Minimum Set of Data (MSD V3): Includes richer vehicle and accident data.
Real-Time Communication: Enables simultaneous transmission of voice + sensor data + potential live footage, significantly improving emergency response times.
Higher Reliability: Ensures continuity even during heavy network loads.
To ensure smooth migration across EU markets:
Development of Hybrid NG eCall solutions for 4G and 2G/3G interoperability.
Standard CEN TS 18052 is under progress for hybrid test specifications.
ETSI NG eCall interoperability specification expected to finalize by June 2025, ensuring consistent performance validation across manufacturers and telecom operators.
The industry is actively adapting to the new framework:
Test System Collaboration: Equipment vendors (e.g., Rohde & Schwarz, Anritsu) are co-developing test platforms with Qualcomm and other chipset leaders.
Test Standard Implementation: The EN 17240:2024 test standard has become the global benchmark for verifying NG eCall communication integrity.
To stay compliant and maintain market access, manufacturers must act within these key milestones:
| Date | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2025 | Type approvals for NG eCall-ready models may begin. |
| Jan 1, 2026 | Old-generation approvals no longer accepted. |
| Jan 1, 2027 | Only new-generation certificates valid in EU markets. |
Recommendation: Begin certification planning no later than early 2025 to avoid capacity bottlenecks at EU technical services and testing labs.
OEMs: Must upgrade telematics control units (TCUs) to 4G/5G-compatible architectures with IMS support.
Chipmakers: Need to verify modem and GNSS components under EN 17240.
Testing Labs: Must align setups with ETSI & CEN standards for conformance, performance, and interoperability testing.
Ensuring your vehicle systems comply with NG eCall certification requires early preparation and expert testing guidance.
Contact BLUEASIA Technology:
Phone: +86 135 3422 5140
Email: king.guo@cblueasia.com
Our specialists provide end-to-end consulting, including:
Technical document review
Type approval guidance
Pre-compliance EMC and wireless performance testing
EU RED & NG eCall combined certification strategy
Q1. Is NG eCall mandatory for all new vehicles in the EU?
Yes. From January 2027, all new vehicles must integrate NG eCall systems to meet EU type approval requirements.
Q2. What happens if my vehicle still uses 3G eCall?
After 2026, type approval for 3G-only eCall systems will no longer be accepted, and such products may lose EU market access.
Q3. Can older models remain on the market?
Existing certified models can remain until their type approval expires, but renewal or new models must comply with the 4G/5G-based NG eCall.
Q4. How long does NG eCall testing take?
Typically 6–12 weeks, depending on system complexity, test lab queue, and interoperability validation.
Related News
