X_HeERO – eCall Next Generation 

 The project X_HeERO focuses on preparing Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in EU member states for the upcoming implementation of Next Generation (NG) eCall, based on the emergency number 112. X_HeERO aims to ensure that PSAPs across Europe are fully equipped to handle eCalls using modern packet-switched technology, which enables faster and more reliable data transmission during emergency calls. This transition is essential as mobile communication networks increasingly move away from circuit-switched technology. 


 X_HeERO aims for all participating PSAPs to be fully prepared for NG eCall as required from EU member states by 1 January 2026. 

Fact Sheet

Objectives 

 X_HeERO will create blueprints that guide PSAPs in upgrading their infrastructure to support NG eCall. The blueprints will cover hardware, software, and procedural upgrades necessary for PSAPs to be interoperable across borders and to handle digital data exchanges with other entities, such as traffic management centers. The project will include extensive testing to ensure that the entire communication flow – from vehicles to PSAPs – works seamlessly. 

 In addition to infrastructure upgrades, X_HeERO addresses key challenges in the eCall system:

• improving the integration of data from third-party service providers (TPS)
 • better handling of eCall data from vulnerable road users and autonomous vehicles
• optimising emergency response and network management within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T)  

Project duration

1 March 2024 – 30 June 2027

Project budget

19,2 m. Euro (EU funding 9,6 m. Euro)

co-funded by

the European Union as Connecting Europe Facility (Project 101175713 – 23-EU-TG-eCall NG) 

 About pan-European 112 eCall

 Pan-European 112 eCall is an automatic emergency call system for vehicles and mandatory in all new types of cars and light vans sold in the European Union since April 2018. 112 eCall is designed to automatically dial the European emergency number 112 if vehicle sensors detect a serious road accident or if the eCall system is activated manually by vehicle occupants in case of an emergency. 

 eCall uses satellite positioning and mobile networks to generate the emergency call, establish a voice connection and send a Minimum Set of Data (MSD) to the nearest Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). The MSD includes e. g. the exact geo-location of the collision scene, the vehicle make and model.  

 eCall aims at reducing the number of fatalities on European Roads and the severity of injuries by allowing rescue services to get aware of accidents even if the vehicle occupants are unable to call for help, to arrive at accident scenes faster and to be better prepared for the necessary rescue measures.
 

 The EU-wide harmonised eCall implementation and operation bases on common European standards defined by ETSI and CEN. 

More information*

From HeERO to X_HeERO: Development of the project familiy 

2011 – 2014 
HeERO

  • Harmonised eCall European Pilot 
  • State-of-the-art analysis and first pilot implementations of 112 eCall 

2013 – 2014
HeERO 2 

  • Harmonised eCall European Pilot – Phase 2
  • Extension to new Member States and demonstration of scalability  

2015 – 2018 
I_HeERO

  • Infrastructure Harmonised eCall European Deployment
  • Study on eCall for HGV and powered two-wheelers, PSAP data integration and compatibility on NG112 

 2019 – 2021 
sAFE 

  • Aftermarket eCall for Europe 

 2024 – 2027 
X_HeERO 

  • eCall Next Generation enables PSAPs for NG eCall 

Coordinator contact 

ITS mobility GmbH
Email: [email protected]

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Project consortium

The X_HeERO project consortium consists of 38 project partners from seven EU member states (Germany, Belgium, Cyprus, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, Romania) and one state with candidate status (Moldova), as well as six associated partners from four countries (Czech Republic, Finland, Romania, United Kingdom). 

Project partners 

  Associated partners