EU updates its automotive regulations to prepare for 4G/5G

The current eCall regulation shall be amended to reflect the transitioning away from 2G/3G networks in the European Union.

The industry welcomes this initiative but also requests longer transitioning periods.

In the backdrop of the EU plans to gradually phase out circuit-switched networks by 2030, the existing system for eCalls needs to be adapted. Current mobile networks 2G/3G will be replaced by 4G/5G, which requires an updating of the regulatory standards for the transition of eCall to 4G and 5G networks.

For the industry, the move from circuit-switched to packet-switched telecommunication networks is ongoing and must be reflected in the regulatory framework. To address this, the EU has issued a draft regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2015/758 as regards the standards relating to eCall. Feedback period for the draft act has now been closed. The industry largely welcomes the initiative but requests a longer timespan for the transitioning, exceeding the current date of application for new vehicle types from 1 January 2027. Furthermore, it shall be clarified that the updated standards shall only apply to vehicles homologated after 31 March 2018, and whether it is possible to still resort to 2G/3g in areas where 4G/5G networks are not available.

The draft lies currently with the European Commission and is subject to amendments based on feedback. Proposed date of entry into force is 1 January 2026 with the application for new types of vehicles/systems starting on 1 January 2027 and for existing types approved from 31 March 2018.