Emergency Call System (eCall) Testing: What Manufacturers and Dealers Need to Know

The Emergency Call System (eCall) is a system integrated into vehicles that provides automatic or manual calling of emergency services in the event of accidents or other emergencies. The system is a key element in improving road safety and reducing the number of victims in road accidents.

Testing and certification of the Emergency Call System (eCall) according to TR CU 018/2011

To ensure reliability and efficiency, the Emergency Call System (eCall) undergo rigorous testing. These tests are divided into two types: as part of a vehicle and as a separate component.

Testing the Emergency Call System (eCall) as part of a vehicle:

Includes checking the operation of the device in various road accident situations. Particular attention is paid to the automatic and manual calling of emergency services, the accuracy of location determination and communication with operators. The test results are recorded in a protocol for obtaining Vehicle Type Approval (VTA).

Testing of Emergency Call System (eCall) as a separate component:

Aimed at verifying the device’s compliance with the requirements of the regulation, including functionality, electromagnetic compatibility, climatic and mechanical factors. Test reports are used to certify the device.

Who needs Emergency Call System (eCall)  testing?

— Car manufacturers: Before starting serial production and releasing cars to the market to obtain the VTA.
— Importers: Certificates and test reports are mandatory for importing cars equipped with Emergency Call System (eCall).
— Emergency Call System (eCall) manufacturers: To obtain a certificate of conformity and ensure competitiveness in the market.

Types of Emergency Call System (eCall) testing:

Testing of Emergency Call System (eCall) as a component:
1. Strength testing: The device must withstand impacts, vibrations and other mechanical influences.
2. Climatic testing: Emergency Call System (eCall) must operate effectively under various temperature and humidity conditions.
3. Electromagnetic compatibility: The device must not be subject to interference from other electronic devices in the car.
4. User interface testing: The device should be easy to use, especially in emergency situations.
5. Communication system testing: Effective communication with emergency services is the main task of the Emergency Call System (eCall).

Testing the Emergency Call System (eCall) as part of a vehicle:

1. Speakerphone: Checking the quality of the speakerphone in the vehicle cabin is an important step to ensure clear and reliable communication.
2. Automatic activation of the Emergency Call System (eCall) in case of a rollover: In the event of a vehicle rollover, the Emergency Call System (eCall) should automatically activate, transmit a minimum set of data (MSD) and establish a voice connection with the emergency response operator.
3. Automatic activation of the Emergency Call System (eCall) in frontal and side collisions: In the event of a frontal and side collision, it is checked whether the Emergency Call System (eCall) system has been activated automatically, whether the required set of data has been transmitted and whether a two-way voice connection has been established between the passengers and the emergency response operator.

The process of obtaining a permit document:

1. Submitting an application: Analyzing the request and providing information on the capabilities, deadlines and cost of the work.
2. Concluding a contract: Fixing the terms and drawing up a contract.
3. Testing: Conducting certification and control tests.
4. Analysis of the manufacturer's production: Checking resources and technologies to ensure quality.
5. Issuing the final document: Registration and issuance of the document by the certification body.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How long does it take to test a Emergency Call System (eCall)?

The time it takes to conduct tests depends on their type. Testing a Emergency Call System (eCall) as a separate component can last from one to six months, while testing as part of a vehicle usually takes 2-3 weeks.

2. How much does a Emergency Call System (eCall) test cost?

The cost of Emergency Call System (eCall) testing depends on many factors: whether the testing is carried out as a separate component or as part of a vehicle, and whether it is a certification or control test. Our specialists are ready to provide an accurate cost estimate based on your request.

3. What to do if non-conformities are found during testing of the Emergency Call System (eCall) as a component?

If non-conformities are found during testing of the Emergency Call System (eCall) as a component, the device is sent for revision. After the necessary changes have been made, re-testing is carried out.