Understanding eCall and Its Certification Across Different Countries

What is eCall?

eCall is an automatic emergency call system designed to enhance vehicle safety by providing immediate assistance in the event of an accident. When a severe crash occurs, the system automatically dials the emergency number 112, establishing a voice connection with the nearest emergency response center and transmitting a Minimum Set of Data (MSD). This data includes the vehicle’s exact location, the time of the incident, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and the direction of travel, helping emergency services respond quickly and efficiently.

eCall Certification in European Union

In the European Union, eCall has been mandatory for all new models of passenger cars (M1 category) and light commercial vehicles (N1 category) since April 1, 2018. To ensure compliance, manufacturers must obtain type approval for their eCall systems according to EU regulatory requirements.

The certification process involves the following key steps:

1. Regulatory Framework
   The primary legislation governing eCall in the EU is Regulation (EU) 2015/758, which sets the type-approval requirements for in-vehicle eCall systems using the 112 emergency service.
2. Technical Standards
   Compliance with the following technical standards is required:
   • CEN EN 16454:2015 – End-to-end conformance testing for eCall.
   • ETSI TS 103 412 & TS 103 428 – eCall application interoperability tests.
   • ETSI TS 102 936-1 – GSM/UMTS compatibility testing.
   • ITU-T P.1140 – Voice quality requirements for emergency calls.
3. Testing and Certification
   Certification must be carried out by a designated Notified Technical Service, which performs comprehensive tests to ensure compliance with functionality, durability, and interoperability requirements.

eCall Certification in Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, the certification of eCall systems is regulated under the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union (TR CU 018/2011), also known as “On the Safety of Wheeled Vehicles.” These regulations ensure that vehicles equipped with eCall systems comply with the safety requirements applicable within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan.

The certification process in Kazakhstan includes:

1. Compliance with TR CU 018/2011, covering technical, safety, and operational requirements for emergency response systems.
2. Testing for environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, vibrations, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
3. Integration with local emergency response infrastructure, ensuring proper communication with national services.
4. Verification of location accuracy and data transmission, including compatibility with the regional navigation system (GLONASS/GPS).
5. Inspection of power supply reliability, ensuring functionality under various vehicle operating conditions.

To obtain certification under TR CU 018/2011, manufacturers must submit technical documentation, conduct laboratory tests, and pass conformity assessments to receive an official EAEU certificate.

eCall Certification in UNECE Member States

Beyond the EU, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) introduced UN Regulation No. 144 (UN-R 144), which establishes uniform requirements for the approval of eCall systems in 56 member countries. This regulation ensures compliance in countries outside the EU, offering a harmonized approach to vehicle safety.

Key areas covered under UN-R 144 certification include:

1. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) – Ensuring no interference with other vehicle electronics.
2. Positioning Accuracy – Verifying precise location data transmission.
3. Durability Testing – Ensuring system reliability in crash scenarios.
4. Hands-Free Audio Performance – Guaranteeing clear communication with emergency services.

Global eCall Variations

Different countries have adopted or adapted eCall technology according to their regulatory frameworks:

1. United Arab Emirates (UAE). eCall implementation has been mandatory for all new vehicles since November 2020, requiring compliance with national standards.
2. United States. There is no federal mandate for eCall, but similar systems such as OnStar provide emergency assistance through private networks.
3. China. Developing its own emergency response call system integrated with the BeiDou satellite navigation system.

Future Developments in eCall Technology

With the transition from traditional GSM/UMTS networks to LTE and 5G technologies, next-generation eCall (NG eCall) systems are being developed to operate over IP-based networks. These systems will offer faster data transmission, enhanced reliability, and improved connectivity in rural or remote areas. Standards such as CEN TS 17240 and ETSI TS 103 683 outline the technical requirements for NG eCall systems.