Every new car sold in Europe has had eCall since 2018. When a severe collision is detected, the system automatically contacts the nearest emergency services and transmits location, vehicle data, and time of incident. No driver action required.
Starting in 2027, that mandate gets an upgrade. All new-model vehicles sold in Europe will need to support Next Generation eCall over 4G and 5G networks, enabling faster and more accurate accident data transmission than the current 2G and 3G-based system allows.
The problem is coverage. Real-world driving does not happen exclusively on 5G networks. Rural roads, tunnels, older infrastructure zones, and cross-border routes all create network gaps. A system that only works on 4G and 5G fails exactly when reliable emergency communication matters most.
LG Electronics showcased its answer at the 37th 5GAA Meeting Week in Gothenburg, Sweden on April 23, 2026. Its Hybrid eCall solution operates across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, automatically transitioning between available networks and adapting data transmission to maintain emergency communication regardless of what signal is present.
Why hybrid matters for the 2027 mandate
Europe’s NG eCall requirement is clear on the destination but silent on the journey. Automakers selling into Europe need systems that meet the 4G/5G transmission standard while remaining functional in environments where those networks are unavailable.
A pure NG eCall solution that fails on 2G or 3G coverage creates liability exposure for automakers in markets where legacy network infrastructure remains common. Germany, France, and Scandinavia have strong 4G and 5G penetration in urban areas, but coverage drops significantly in rural and mountainous regions across much of the continent. Emergency calls that fail because the vehicle dropped to 2G are not acceptable outcomes.
Hybrid eCall resolves this by treating network selection as an automatic, real-time decision rather than a fixed configuration. The system uses whatever network is available and optimizes data transmission accordingly.
LG’s position in the telematics market
LG holds the top position in global telematics market share according to TechInsights estimates. Its Hybrid eCall solution designed to meet NG eCall requirements has already been deployed in vehicles from major global automakers since 2025, completing official certification and moving toward full-scale mass production ahead of the 2027 deadline.
The certification infrastructure behind that deployment is worth noting. LG’s VS Standard Testing Laboratory earned ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from Korea’s KOLAS in 2024 and was designated an official certification lab by Europe’s Global Certification Forum. In 2025, North America’s PTCRB recognized it as well. KOLAS-accredited test reports are recognized globally under the ILAC-MRA framework, which means LG can run compliance testing internally with results accepted across major international markets.
For automakers managing complex multi-market regulatory requirements, a tier-1 supplier that handles development, testing, and certification under one roof reduces both timeline and coordination risk.
According to McKinsey’s analysis of connected vehicle technology, regulatory mandates around vehicle connectivity and safety systems are becoming one of the primary drivers of telematics unit adoption globally, with European safety legislation consistently setting the standard that other markets follow. The 2027 NG eCall mandate is already influencing telematics procurement decisions in markets well outside Europe.
LG demonstrated satellite-based voice communication for vehicles at a 5GAA event in Paris last year, completing what it described as the first uninterrupted conversation-level voice communication while switching between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. The Hybrid eCall showcase in Gothenburg positions the same underlying connectivity platform as the compliance solution for the 2027 mandate.
Sources
- McKinsey — Connected Vehicle Technology
- 5GAA — Connected Mobility Standards
- LG Vehicle Solution — Official Website
Editorial disclosure
This article is based on a press release issued by LG Electronics and has been independently rewritten and editorially expanded. It covers LG’s Hybrid eCall solution presentation at the 37th 5GAA Meeting Week in Gothenburg, Sweden. LG Electronics trades on the Korea Exchange. Market share figures are sourced from TechInsights estimates as cited by LG. Market context is sourced from McKinsey. Commentary reflects the author’s own assessment. The information provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. Our content is derived strictly from verified online sources to ensure accuracy and objectivity. This analysis does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making decisions based on this information. For more information, please see our full DISCLAIMER.
