We are preparing emergency call centers across Europe for the upcoming introduction of next generation (NG) eCall.
Work on the new EU project on eCall was due to start in March 2024. With the receipt of the approved funding application in October, the project partners and thus also the colleagues from OECON Products & Services GmbH can now officially start work. The project is funded by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and is an infrastructure project in the field of transport and intelligent mobility.
As a leading provider of eCall products & test systems, OECON is looking forward to contributing its know-how and expertise to the new EU project.
Background
The continued operation of eCall in many EU countries is at risk due to the further development of mobile networks, as some countries have already started to switch off 2G and 3G networks in favor of newer technologies.
The advantage: The use of these modern networks not only offers sustainability, but also enables significantly faster transmission of the eCall data in the minimum set of accident data (MSD), as this can be transmitted in parallel to the call in the so-called SIP header.
Problem: Although eCall is basically defined as technology-independent, the vehicles delivered to date only use 2G and 3G modems for the automatic emergency call ‘eCall’. However, in order to be able to receive eCalls in the future, the emergency call centers must update their technology.
Objective of the X_HeERO project:
The X_HeERO project focuses on preparing public PSAPs in the EU Member States for the upcoming introduction of Next Generation eCall (NG eCall), based on the 112 emergency number. The project aims to ensure that PSAPs across Europe are fully equipped to handle eCalls with the more advanced technology.
The X_HeERO project is developing a holistic plan to help PSAPs modernize their infrastructure to support NG eCall. This plan includes necessary upgrades in hardware, software and procedures to ensure that PSAPs are interoperable across borders and can successfully manage digital data exchange with other institutions, such as traffic management centers.
The project also includes extensive testing to ensure that the entire communication flow – from the vehicle to the emergency call center – functions smoothly. In addition to improving the infrastructure, X_HeERO will address several key challenges of the eCall system. These include optimizing the integration of third-party data (TPS), improving the processing of eCall data from vulnerable road users and autonomous vehicles, and increasing the efficiency of emergency call handling and network management in the trans-European transport network (TenT).
The project will also examine the problems identified in previous initiatives and develop solutions to improve the user-friendliness and range of the eCall system. The expected results include shorter response times in emergencies, improved cross-border interoperability and greater overall road safety throughout Europe. By 2026, all participating emergency call centers should be fully prepared for NG eCall in order to reduce the number of accident victims and optimize the management of traffic accidents on European roads.
Role OECON Products & Services GmbH
OECON will support ITS mobility GmbH with project management and conduct a study on upgrading PSAPs for NG eCall. This will also include an analysis of the current status of eCall introduction in Europe.
Based on the study, OECON will prepare drafts for updating existing eCall systems in emergency call centers with Next Generation eCall, carry out an assessment with regard to possible safety aspects and prepare resulting recommendations. The data integration of additional PSAP services will be another part of OECON’s work.
Project key data:
The X-HeERO project runs under CEF 2 Transport – Measures for Intelligent and Compatible Mobility (CEF-T-2023-SIMOBGEN), which includes projects related to the deployment and/or upgrade of ITS infrastructures and services. This also includes upgrading PSAPs to receive and process eCalls.
- Runtime: 40 months (03/2024 – 06/2027)
- Project number: 101175713
- Project acronym: 23-EU-TG-eCall NG
- Call: CEF-T-2023-SIMOBGEN
- Topic: CEF-T-2023-SIMOBGEN-ITS-WORKS
- Category: CEF Infrastructure Projects
- Number project partners: 38
What is eCall
The eCall system is an important safety function in modern vehicles. It enables a fast and efficient emergency response by automatically establishing a connection to the emergency call center in the event of an accident and simultaneously transmitting important information about the accident and the vehicle. This can be crucial in providing rapid assistance and increasing the occupants’ chances of survival. Compliance with the European standards of ETSI and CEN ensures that eCall functions uniformly in different countries.
Operating Principle
The eCall emergency call system (112) is activated either manually by the occupants of the vehicle or automatically by activating the vehicle’s own sensors after an accident. As soon as the system is activated, a voice connection is established directly to the relevant emergency call center. At the same time, basic accident data (MSD), which includes the location and other vehicle information, is sent to the operator of the emergency call center, who answers the call. The eCall service is based on the uniform European standards defined by ETSI and CEN.
