Automotive E-ssentials

The European Commission’s intention is that this automatic emergency call system will help to reduce road accident fatalities and the severity of injuries, by automatically dialling 112 (Europe's single emergency number) if the vehicle’s occupants or eye witnesses are unable to do so.

The in-vehicle system comprises several components, including the control (telematic) unit, microphone, loudspeaker, antenna (GSM,UMTS, GPS or Galileo), the button for launching the system manually, and the cables connecting these systems. The automatic launch mechanism is linked to the vehicle’s own accident protection systems, such as airbags, and will send data (vehicle position, accident time, direction of travel etc.) to the eCall centre. Based on the telephone call with the vehicle’s occupants, the call centre operator may decide to deploy the rescue services where necessary.

Key elements of eCall regulations include:

• Framework Regulation (EU) 2015/758 - defines the type approval requirements for the deployment of eCall in-vehicle systems.
• The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/78 - sets out administrative requirements defining the necessary documents and background information.
• The Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/79 - specifies detailed technical test procedures for the type-approval of vehicles, separate technical units and components in relation to the eCall system.
• The GNSS receivers, which obtain positioning information as part of the eCall system - require compulsory testing to ensure compliance with the essential requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU.

TÜV SÜD global support

TÜV SÜD’s eCall compliance service supports customers, wishing to market new vehicles after 1^st April 2018 within the European Union, with pre-testing and type approval testing to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements of Regulations 2017/78 and 2017/79. In addition, TÜV SÜD also provides testing and certification services for GNSS (i.e. Galileo,GPS and SBAS) receiver testing in accordance with the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU.

TÜV SÜD is one of the world’s leading independent certification bodies for telecommunications and certifies wireless products for the European Union, USA, Canada and Japan. As an EU Notified Body, it is authorised to evaluate products for compliance with the requirements of the RED and approve the use of the CE Mark. We also offer a range of services to assist manufacturers and their agents, including:

• Testing – As TÜV SÜD is accredited for radio and telecommunications testing, we can conduct testing and assessments of radio equipment in our fully accredited laboratories or at your own site.
• Documentation – We can review the content of your product documentation and advise of any changes necessary to ensure compliance with country-specific requirements.
• Regulations – TÜV SÜD technical experts keep up-to-date on worldwide regulations and standards applicable to radio and telecommunications equipment, and participate in a number of key industry groups and trade organisations. We can advise which standards and directives are applicable to your product in every country.
• Extended support – We can offer support in complying with certification requirements in conjunction with other regulations and standards applicable to radio equipment and devices.

For any enquiries, please contact us at [email protected].