Connectivity has evolved from a convenience feature to a safety‑critical core system in modern vehicles. Once limited to services such as traffic updates or remote vehicle access, connectivity now underpins essential safety functions including eCall and V2X communication. As a result, connectivity failures are no longer merely inconvenient-they can directly compromise occupant and road user safety, delay emergency response, and weaken advanced driver assistance systems that rely on external data. Recent regulatory and assessment updates have therefore made robust connectivity testing a mandatory part of vehicle development and certification.

Regulatory requirements in Europe have tightened significantly. Updated EU eCall regulations mandate 4G/5G‑capable emergency call systems for new vehicle types from 2026 and for all new M1/N1 vehicles by early 2027. Emergency calls must function reliably even under weak signal conditions, during network congestion, cell transitions, or degraded radio performance. This raises expectations for uninterrupted connectivity, reliable packet‑switched calls, seamless fallback behavior, and full compatibility with public safety answering point (PSAP) systems, including successful transmission of the minimum set of data (MSD).

In parallel, Euro NCAP’s 2026 assessment protocols formally bring connectivity into the vehicle safety domain. Manufacturers are required to declare the V2X technology used such as ITS‑G5 or C‑V2X and demonstrate reliable operation and interoperability with roadside infrastructure. Connectivity now contributes to new “Post‑Crash Safety” and “Safe Driving” scoring categories, where timely and reliable data exchange with first responders and other road users directly influences overall safety ratings. Following years of standardization and pilot programs led by ETSI, 3GPP, and 5GAA, V2X technologies are now mature and entering large‑scale deployment, extending beyond vehicles to include infrastructure components and vulnerable road users.

These developments create significant new challenges for OEMs and Tier‑1 suppliers. To address them, NOFFZ offers a comprehensive connected vehicle test rack designed as an all‑in‑one solution for validating every major aspect of vehicle connectivity. The platform supports GNSS positioning, cellular communication, and V2X message exchange within a single, fully integrated test environment.

The solution includes a cellular base station emulator covering technologies from 2G to 5G, enabling thorough testing of data throughput, call reliability, eCall and NG‑eCall functionality, and multi‑network scenarios. A V2X remote traffic participant simulator allows realistic interaction with simulated vehicles, infrastructure elements, and vulnerable road users using multiple radio access technologies and message types. Advanced GNSS simulation enables highly accurate multi‑standard positioning tests, including interference, differential GNSS, and multi‑vehicle scenarios. All components are integrated into a turnkey system designed for continuous, automated operation in R&D, validation, and EMC testing environments.

With this test platform, development teams can confidently meet current Euro NCAP and eCall requirements while remaining prepared for future connectivity regulations. The system improves testing efficiency, reduces complexity, and allows engineers to focus on performance and safety-while NOFFZ manages the technical challenges of comprehensive connectivity validation.