Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features, and among the most crucial are emergency call systems, often referred to as eCall. These systems are designed to automatically or manually connect you with emergency services in the event of a serious accident or other critical situations. This article provides a comprehensive overview of eCall systems in vehicles, focusing on how they function, the data they utilize, and the different types of eCall services available, ensuring you understand this vital safety technology. While seemingly unrelated, understanding your vehicle’s systems might be as crucial as having the right tools for diagnostics, though in a very different context. Speaking of tools, some drivers are interested in software solutions for vehicle programming, but safety systems like eCall are paramount.
In emergency situations, such as a vehicle collision, fire, or other incidents, your vehicle is designed to help. After ensuring your immediate safety and the safety of those around you by setting up warning signs and moving to a safe distance (over 15 meters from the vehicle), your next step is to call for assistance. Many modern vehicles, like NIO models, offer built-in systems to facilitate this process.
One primary method is using the SOS button, typically located on the roof console. If your vehicle is connected to a network, pressing this button will initiate a call for roadside assistance. You’ll usually have a brief window (around 5 seconds) to cancel the call via the center display if needed. The SOS button’s backlight provides status information: a solid green light indicates the system is ready, a flashing green light means a call is in progress, and a red light (solid or flashing) signals the system is unavailable, requiring you to contact the service center directly.
Vehicles equipped with network connectivity can also automatically initiate an emergency call. In the event of an accident severe enough to deploy airbags or trigger seat belt pre-tensioners, the system will automatically contact emergency services. This automatic eCall feature is a significant safety enhancement, ensuring rapid response even if the occupants are unable to call for help themselves.
The 112-based eCall In-vehicle System: Standard in the EU
In the European Union, the 112-based eCall system is a mandatory feature for all new vehicle models. This system is designed to automatically connect you to the nearest Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) in case of a severe accident. Activation occurs automatically when the vehicle’s safety systems detect a serious incident, triggering seatbelt tensioners or airbags. You can also manually activate the 112-based eCall system by pressing and holding the SOS button on the roof console for a short duration (over 250 milliseconds but less than 10 seconds). This manual activation is designed to prevent accidental triggers. To cancel a manually initiated call, press and release the SOS button again within five seconds of the initial press.
The SOS button’s indicator light also provides status information for the 112-based eCall system. A solid green light signifies normal operation. Flashing green indicates an active emergency call. A flashing red light means a minor fault exists but the system can still be activated, while a solid red light indicates a major fault rendering the system unusable. In case of a malfunction, a fault notification will typically appear on the vehicle’s center display, and contacting the manufacturer’s service is recommended.
Data privacy is a crucial consideration with eCall systems. The 112-based eCall system is designed to comply with EU data protection regulations. It only collects and transmits essential data necessary for emergency response, and this data is strictly limited to handling emergency calls. The data transmitted includes:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Vehicle type (passenger vehicle)
- Vehicle propulsion type (e.g., electric, gasoline)
- Vehicle’s last three locations and direction of travel (randomly selected for privacy)
- Estimated number of occupants
- eCall activation log and timestamp
This data is transmitted only to the relevant PSAP and may be shared with emergency services like police, fire departments, and hospitals solely for emergency assistance purposes. The system is engineered to ensure data privacy: data is not accessible outside the system before an eCall, the system is not traceable in normal operation, and stored data is automatically and continuously removed. Vehicle location data is constantly overwritten, and activity logs are kept only for a limited time after an emergency call. For any data privacy related inquiries or to exercise your data rights, you should contact the vehicle manufacturer directly.
TPS eCall: A Third-Party Supported Service
In addition to the standard 112-based eCall, some manufacturers, like NIO, also offer a Third-Party Service (TPS) eCall option. NIO TPS eCall, for instance, utilizes ARC Europe SA as its TPS agency, providing 24/7 emergency call service.
TPS eCall offers several advantages. Agents can provide assistance in the user’s preferred language (based on vehicle settings), evaluate the legitimacy of an emergency before contacting PSAPs (reducing false alarms), and act as a translator between the user and local emergency services in situations where language barriers exist. TPS agents can also help redirect users to roadside assistance or insurance providers for non-emergency situations. In a confirmed emergency, the TPS agent will transfer incident details to the local PSAP and monitor the rescue progress.
TPS eCall can often be selected as the default eCall service in the vehicle’s settings, potentially replacing the statutory 112-based eCall. Once a choice is made, it is typically linked to the user’s profile. Unlike 112-based eCall, TPS eCall connections are usually ended by the TPS agent, ensuring proper handling of the emergency situation.
When TPS eCall is activated (manually, by collision, or through other triggers), vehicle data is collected and sent to the TPS provider to facilitate emergency response. This data, which is stored for a limited period (e.g., 6 months for NIO TPS eCall for accident analysis), includes:
- Driving service information: Crash type, delta velocity, vehicle location, speed, propulsion type, airbag deployment, language settings, number of passengers.
- Contact information (optional, if user registered): Name, email, phone number.
- Vehicle basic information: Make, model, color, model year, VIN.
This detailed data transmission allows TPS providers and emergency services to have a comprehensive understanding of the situation, enabling a more effective and tailored response.
Understanding your vehicle’s eCall system, whether it’s the standard 112-based system or a TPS eCall service, is crucial for your safety and peace of mind. Familiarize yourself with how to manually activate the system and be aware of the automatic activation features. In an emergency, knowing your vehicle is equipped to call for help can be a significant advantage.
