How connected cars can save your life?

In an era dominated by high-tech, artificial intelligence, and the ever-expanding territory of autonomous driving, we often find ourselves immersed in conversations about the future of the automotive world. Yet, amidst these discussions, there exists a life-saving feature of connected cars that remains surprisingly unknown to many people. Few realize that this feature, known as « eCall, » could make all the difference in critical moments. In this article we will shed light on how connected cars can save your life with its emergency call service.

The evolution of Emergency calls in modern cars

The journey of emergency calls in modern cars has been nothing short of remarkable.

Initially, eCall systems were confined to expensive navigation systems, requiring the insertion of a SIM card and an active subscription to enable the service. This limitation meant that a significant portion of vehicles equipped with these systems were unable to use them during emergencies, leaving more than 50% of the fleet without this crucial safety net.

A transformative shift occurred with car manufacturers seeking to enhance the safety of their vehicles. This marked the rise of eCall solutions built around a telematics control unit equipped with GPS, SIM card, and cellular connectivity. However, despite this monumental leap in automotive safety, knowledge about these advancements remained elusive, as communicating on the emergency services topic has proved to be a challenging topic for car manufacturers.

Consequently, even though the first car produced standard with the eCall system emerged in 2010, a considerable number of drivers today remain unaware of this life-saving feature at their fingertips.

You can find more information about the Pan-European eCall initiative on the following website: Pan European ecall

How Emergency Calls Work in Connected Cars?

Understanding how eCall systems function within connected cars is crucial. These systems rely on a telematics control unit (TCU), which communicates with various car sensors and is armed with GPS and SIM card cellular technology. This combination provides emergency services with vital information about accidents, including the time of occurrence, precise location, and vehicle direction. This data drastically reduces response times, ultimately saving lives.

The Telematics Control Unit (TCU)

At the core of the eCall system is the telematics control unit, a sophisticated onboard computer that acts as the nerve center of your connected car. This TCU is linked to various sensors within the vehicle and is equipped with GPS technology and a SIM card with cellular connectivity.

GPS, or Global Positioning System, plays a pivotal role in eCall. It enables your vehicle to determine its precise location. In the unfortunate event of an accident, this feature provides emergency services with invaluable information, including the exact coordinates of the incident. This accuracy can significantly reduce response times and, as a result, save lives.

The telematics control unit, using a SIM card, establishes a real-time connection to the outside world through cellular networks. This connection serves as the lifeline for transmitting eCall data to emergency services.

Data Transmission in an Emergency

When an accident or emergency occurs, the eCall system springs into action. It can operate in two primary ways:

Automatic Activation:

Upon impact, the car sensors trigger an automatic eCall. Even if the driver is unable to make the call, the system takes over, ensuring that emergency services are alerted promptly.

Manual Activation:

Drivers also have the option to initiate an eCall manually. This feature allows individuals to take control in emergency situations, whether it’s their own or someone else’s.

In either case, the eCall system gathers critical information related to the accident, including the time of the incident, the precise location, the vehicle’s speed, and other relevant data. This data is compiled into what is known as the Minimum Set of Data (MSD), which is then transmitted to the nearest Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).

Before the European eCall, the Third-Party Service (TPS) eCall was a prevalent solution. In this variant, a call center managed by the car manufacturer takes charge, offering additional features such as responding in the driver’s language. The TPS call center contacts the best-located Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) with detailed information about the incident.

Both systems are currently deployed depending on the car manufacturer’s eCall strategy.

Which Cars are equipped with eCall?

The adoption of eCall technology in vehicles has seen significant growth over the years. Several forward-thinking car manufacturers were early adopters of eCall services, introducing them as options in their vehicles as far back as the late 2000s. Companies such as PSA Peugeot Citroen, BMW, VW, and Volvo were among the pioneers, recognizing the potential of eCall in enhancing road safety and emergency response.

With the advent of European regulations, the landscape of connected car safety underwent a transformative change. Since 2018, eCall systems have transitioned from being optional features to becoming a universal standard in all new vehicles produced within the European Union. This regulatory shift ensures that every car rolling off the assembly line is equipped with eCall technology, offering enhanced safety and peace of mind for all drivers and passengers.

Here are a few examples of what to look for as car product names, note that eCall is often built into the connected product portfolio of the car manufacturer:

- - BMW Connected Drive
  - Peugeot Connect SOS
  - Citroen Connect box
  - Volvo Connect
  - Audi Connect
  - Mercedes me
  - VW Connect and We Connect
  - Fors Sync
  - GM Onstar
  - Opel Connect
  - Nissan Connect

It’s not always easy to even find a clear description of the eCall service on the websites, you can check-out on the following selected links:

Check it out on your car dealer’s website!

Do you have eCall in your car?

Now, it’s time for you to take action. Check if your car is equipped with the eCall feature, as it may save your life or the lives of others in an emergency situation. Learn where the eCall « SOS » button is located in your vehicle and how to use it, both automatically and manually.

Seek for the eCall SOS button in your car!

eCall in the IoT Ecosystem

As a conclusion, eCall is a remarkable example of how the Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming our lives. In the IoT ecosystem, an object or machine, such as your car, connects through cellular technology to an application, in this case, the eCall service. It’s an embodiment of how technology can serve as a guardian angel on the road.

What is your experience with eCall? Interact and share your personal experience with your car’s eCall service by inserting a comment below.