LG’s hybrid eCall system shows why connected cars still need 2G to 5G

LG Electronics has demonstrated a Hybrid Emergency Call (Hybrid eCall) system designed to keep vehicle emergency communications working in 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.

The company showcased the system at the 37th Meeting Week of the 5G Automotive Association in Gothenburg, Sweden, on April 23. The demonstration focused on LG’s telematics control unit abilities as carmakers prepare for changes to Europe’s vehicle safety rules. Emergency call systems have been mandatory in all new vehicle types sold in the European Union since March 31, 2018.

Emergency calls move to 4G and 5G

An eCall system automatically sends crash-related data to the nearest public safety answering point when a serious collision is detected or airbags are deployed. The data can include the vehicle’s location, incident time, and vehicle information.

The next regulatory step is already set. NG eCall is required for new vehicle types placed on the EU market from January 1, 2026, and for all new vehicles placed on the EU market from January 1, 2027.

NG eCall moves the service onto 4G and 5G networks. According to CEPT, NG eCall is an evolution of the existing eCall system that works on 4G and 5G, using IMS and the Session Initiation Protocol for voice calls.

That change creates a transition period for automakers, telecom operators, and emergency services. Older eCall systems were built around legacy mobile networks, while new rules require support for packet-switched networks.

LG’s Hybrid eCall system is designed for that overlap. It can operate in 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, allowing emergency communication to continue when one network is unavailable or coverage is uneven.

The system automatically switches between available networks and adjusts data transmission based on network conditions. LG said the design is intended to reduce delay and data loss during emergency communication.

The challenge of older networks

The legacy network issue is a practical concern for the automotive sector. BEREC has warned that many existing eCall modules in cars are 2G-only, and that 2G/3G switch-off would make eCall service impossible for affected vehicles unless alternative arrangements are in place.

Retrofitting is not always straightforward. BEREC noted that vehicle owners may need to contact the manufacturer or an authorised dealership, while retrofit devices also need suitable voice-over-LTE support to work reliably.

The issue differs from consumer device upgrades. EENA notes that cars typically remain in use for around 15 years, compared with much shorter replacement cycles for mobile phones, while current eCall technology is compatible with 2G and 3G.

Vehicles with older emergency call hardware will remain on European roads as newer models move to 4G- and 5G-based systems.

LG said its Hybrid eCall system has already been deployed in vehicles from major global automakers since last year. The company said the system has completed official certification and is moving toward mass production.

The system is based on LG’s telematics control unit technology. TCUs manage vehicle communications, location data, emergency calls, and other connected-car functions.

LG’s testing and certification work

LG also highlighted its in-house testing and certification abilities. The company said its Vehicle Solution Standard Testing Laboratory, part of the VS R&D Laboratory, has expanded its scope to include eCall compliance testing.

The lab received ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from the Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme in 2024. It was also designated an official certification lab by Europe’s Global Certification Forum and later received recognition from North America’s PCS Type Certification Review Board in 2025.

The certification work allows LG to test automotive components against international requirements, including eCall compliance.

LG has also been testing other forms of vehicle connectivity. At a 5GAA event in Paris last year, the company demonstrated satellite-based voice communication for vehicles using non-terrestrial networks.

That demonstration involved conversation-level voice communication while switching between terrestrial and non-terrestrial network environments. The work sits with LG’s broader efforts to support vehicle communication in different network types.

Sangyong Lee, head of the VS R&D Laboratory at LG Vehicle Solution Company, said the company would continue developing automotive connectivity technology while meeting European safety and regulatory standards.

(Photo by Josh Sorenson)

See also: EE expands 5G+ network using world-first RAN coordination tech

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