LG Electronics has introduced a Hybrid Emergency Call (Hybrid eCall) system built to maintain vehicle emergency communications across 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G networks.
The company presented the solution during the 37th Meeting Week of the 5G Automotive Association in Gothenburg, Sweden, on April 23. The demonstration highlighted LG’s telematics control unit (TCU) capabilities as automakers prepare for upcoming changes in Europe’s vehicle safety regulations. Since March 31, 2018, emergency call systems have been mandatory for all new vehicle types sold within the European Union.
Emergency calls shifting to 4G and 5G
An eCall system automatically transmits crash-related information to the nearest public safety answering point when a serious collision is detected or airbags deploy. Typical data sent includes the vehicle’s location, time of the incident and vehicle identification details.
The regulatory roadmap is already defined: NG eCall is mandatory for new vehicle types entering the EU market from January 1, 2026, and for all new vehicles from January 1, 2027.
NG eCall moves emergency call services onto 4G and 5G networks. Per CEPT, NG eCall is an evolution of the current eCall service, operating over 4G and 5G using IMS and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) for voice calls.
This transition creates a period of overlap for vehicle manufacturers, telecom operators and emergency services. Existing eCall units were largely built around legacy mobile networks, while the new regulatory requirements expect support for packet-switched networks.
LG’s Hybrid eCall solution is designed to bridge that gap. It can operate across 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G, ensuring emergency communications remain possible when one network is unavailable or coverage varies.
The system automatically selects the best available network and adapts data transmission according to network conditions. LG says this approach reduces delays and minimizes data loss during emergency communications.
Challenges posed by older networks
Legacy network limitations are a pressing concern for the automotive industry. BEREC has warned that many existing in-vehicle eCall modules are 2G-only, and planned 2G/3G shutdowns could render eCall services in those vehicles inoperable unless suitable alternatives are implemented.
Retrofitting older cars is not always straightforward. BEREC points out that vehicle owners may need to contact manufacturers or authorised dealers for updates, and any retrofit devices must support voice-over-LTE reliably to ensure proper operation.
The situation differs from consumer device upgrades because cars typically remain in service for roughly 15 years, compared with much shorter smartphone replacement cycles. Many current eCall systems were designed with 2G and 3G compatibility in mind.
As a result, vehicles equipped with older emergency call hardware will continue to share roads with newer models that adopt 4G- and 5G-based solutions.
LG reports that its Hybrid eCall system has already been integrated into vehicles from several global automakers since last year. The company states the system has cleared official certification processes and is progressing toward mass production.
The solution is based on LG’s telematics control unit technology. TCUs handle vehicle communications, location reporting, emergency calls and other connected-car functions.
Testing and certification capabilities
LG also emphasized its in-house testing and certification capabilities. Its Vehicle Solution Standard Testing Laboratory, part of the VS R&D Laboratory, has broadened its remit to include eCall compliance testing.
In 2024 the laboratory received ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from the Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme. It was subsequently designated an official certification lab by the Global Certification Forum in Europe and later gained recognition from North America’s PCS Type Certification Review Board in 2025.
These certifications enable LG to test automotive components against international standards, including NG eCall compliance requirements.
LG has been experimenting with additional vehicle connectivity approaches. At a 5GAA event in Paris last year, the company demonstrated satellite-based voice communication for vehicles using non-terrestrial networks.
That demonstration showed voice-level communication while transitioning between terrestrial and non-terrestrial network environments, part of LG’s broader effort to support vehicle communications across different network types.
Sangyong Lee, head of the VS R&D Laboratory at LG Vehicle Solution Company, said the firm will continue developing automotive connectivity technologies while meeting European safety and regulatory standards.
(Photo by Josh Sorenson)
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