IRIS Highlights - April 2025

KEY NEWS  1/4 — EU

European Commission Updates eCall System Regulations for Vehicles

The European Commission has released a draft regulation aimed at updating Regulations (EU) 2015/758 and 2017/79 to align eCall in-vehicle systems with evolving technology and ensure their long-term functionality. The proposal applies to M1 and N1.

The eCall system , designed to automatically dial 112 in the event of a serious accident, must now adapt to a critical challenge: the progressive shutdown of 2G and 3G mobile networks across Europe. In response, the draft introduces new test procedures for backup power sources and technical requirements to ensure the system can be properly assessed during periodic roadworthiness inspections (PTI).

Key Changes Proposed

• Update of Technical Standards : CEN/TS 17184:2022 and CEN/TS 17240:2018 will be replaced by their harmonized versions EN 17184:2024 and EN 17240:2024 , and EN 16072:2022 will be updated to EN 16072:2025 .
• Extension of Type-Approval Procedures : The regulation allows for exemption from full-scale crash tests for eCall systems where only the communication component is modified, provided that proper documentation is submitted.
• New Testing Requirements : A new Annex X to Regulation 2017/79 introduces procedures for testing secondary power supplies , which are essential in the event of main battery failure.
• Technical Amendments to Annexes I, II, III, IV, VII and VIII : The draft includes revised testing procedures and enhancements to self-diagnostic capabilities, requiring individual assessment of failure modes .

Key Implementation Dates

• 1 January 2026: Voluntary application for new types or extensions not in compliance with the new standards, upon manufacturer request.
• 1 January 2027: Mandatory application for new types or extensions not compliant with EN standards or the new backup power requirements in Annex X.
• 1 January 2028: Mandatory compliance for new types regarding readiness for periodic technical inspections, as specified in Annex VII of Regulation 2017/79.

Additionally, from 1 January 2027, vehicles approved after 31 March 2018 that do not meet the updated standards will have their Certificate of Conformity invalidated for the purposes of Article 48(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/858.

KEY NEWS  2/4 — US

European Commission Unveils Draft Regulation on Euro 7 Type-Approval Testing Procedures

As part of its broader strategy to reduce pollutant emissions from road transport, the European Commission has published a draft implementing regulation setting out the detailed methods, tests, and technical requirements for the Euro 7 type-approval of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (categories M1 and N1).

This proposal complements Regulation (EU) 2024/1257, which formally established the Euro 7 emission standard, and amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/683 to incorporate the new testing framework. It addresses the full vehicle lifecycle through updated procedures for:

• Production conformity
• In-service conformity
• Market surveillance

The public consultation period is open until 13 May 2025, and the regulation is expected to be adopted by the Commission during Q2 2025.

Key Implementation Dates

• 29 November 2026: Mandatory for all new vehicle types.
• 29 November 2027: Applies to all new registrations.
• 1 July 2030: Compliance deadline for small-volume manufacturers.

Highlights of the Draft Regulation

• Comprehensive Emissions Testing: The proposal details procedures for six types of tests, including:
• Laboratory testing of regulated pollutants (Type 1).
• Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing under normal conditions (Type 1A).
• Evaporative emissions (Type 2).
• Crankcase gas control (Type 3).
• Durability testing of pollution control systems (Type 4).
• Emission levels at idle (Type 6).
• Anti-Tampering Requirements: Explicitly prohibits defeat devices and manipulation strategies, requiring manufacturers to design systems that prevent unauthorized interference.
• Enhanced On-Board Diagnostics (OBD): Expands the scope and precision of OBD systems to monitor pollutant emissions and detect failures in real-time.
• Compliance Over Vehicle Lifespan:
• Vehicles must demonstrate conformity over 200,000 km or 10 years, whichever comes first.
• Includes market surveillance mechanisms to verify ongoing compliance post-registration.
• Replacement and Retrofit Components: Introduces specific requirements for pollution control devices to be used as replacements, ensuring they meet performance and durability standards.
• Fuel and Energy Monitoring: Mandates the integration of devices to track fuel consumption and electric energy use, enhancing transparency and sustainability monitoring.

This regulation is a key enabler of Euro 7, aiming to reduce health-harming pollutants such as NOx and particulates while supporting the EU’s Green Deal and zero pollution ambitions.

KEY NEWS  3/4 — EU

195TH Session of the WP.29

The 195th session of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29), held from March 4 to 7 at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, concluded with the adoption of one of the most ambitious regulatory packages in recent years. A total of 38 amendments to existing regulations and one new regulation were unanimously approved and will enter into force simultaneously on September 26, 2025.

Regulatory harmonization for a changing mobility landscape

Representatives from 36 contracting parties to the 1958 Agreement endorsed a set of regulatory updates that cover virtually every aspect of modern vehicles—from braking systems and electric propulsion, to lighting devices and driver assistance technologies.

These changes reflect the rapid transformation underway in the automotive sector, driven by electrification, automation, and global commitments to road safety and emissions reduction.

Key changes to cornerstone regulations

Among the most significant updates is the 15th series of amendments to UN R.013, which introduces major changes to the braking systems of heavy vehicles (categories M2, M3, N, and O), with a direct impact on the commercial vehicle industry.

Likewise, UN Regulation No. 100, a key standard for electric vehicles, has been strengthened with a 05 series of amendments enhancing electric safety requirements. This update is complemented by additional supplements to series 03 and 04, in line with the exponential growth of the EV market.

In addition, UN Regulation No. 171, covering Driver Control Assistance Systems (DCAS), receives its first major revision with the 01 series of amendments, acknowledging the fast-paced development of these transformative technologies.

New regulation for electrified vehicle power measurement

This session also marked the adoption of a new regulation: UN Regulation No. 177, which for the first time establishes a harmonized method for measuring system power in electric and hybrid vehicles equipped with more than one propulsion motor. Applicable to M1 and N1 category vehicles, the regulation aims to enable objective comparisons of power ratings across different electrified models, supporting technical transparency and market clarity.

AI and fleet retrofitting on the agenda

Anticipating emerging technological challenges, WP.29 approved the creation of two new informal working groups:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Working Group: Proposed by the UK and Germany, this group will focus on identifying best practices, evaluating risks, and advising WP.29 on the safe and responsible integration of AI in vehicles.
• Working Group on Retrofitting Vehicles to Clean Technologies: Led by France and supported by China, Russia, Sweden, and the EU, this group will work through 2027 to develop regulatory frameworks for converting conventional vehicles to electric or hydrogen fuel cell propulsion.

Airbag safety under review

One of the most notable interventions came from the French delegation, which raised concerns over premature aging of original airbags due to environmental conditions, despite compliance with current standards. The issue will be studied by the Working Party on Passive Safety (GRSP), which is considering expanding UN Regulation No. 114—currently limited to replacement airbags—to cover original equipment systems as well.

Strengthening international cooperation

WP.29 also highlighted the importance of regional collaboration by announcing an informal session of the GRVA (Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles), scheduled for June 2025 in Bangkok, organized jointly with the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Such regional initiatives are key to fostering global harmonization of vehicle regulations and ensuring that the mobility transition is safe, inclusive, and equitable worldwide.

Implementation timeline

All newly adopted regulations and amendments will come into force on September 26, 2025, allowing manufacturers approximately five months to integrate the changes into production and ensure compliance.

The updates will affect a broad range of vehicles, including passenger cars (M), commercial vehicles (N), motorcycles (L), agricultural tractors (T), and trailers (O)—part of a globally coordinated effort to enhance road safety, reduce environmental impact, and adapt to next-generation mobility technologies.

The WP.29 will reconvene in June 2025 for its 196th session, where it is expected to present detailed terms of reference for the new working groups and assess progress in the implementation of the adopted regulations.

IRIS Knowledge Base

All the amendments and consolidated regulations are available in the IRIS Knowledge Base, a cutting-edge online platform that provides structured automotive technical knowledge.

KEY NEWS  4/4 — US

NHTSA Proposes Update to Recall Notification Methods with Electronic Means

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed an update to the regulations regarding vehicle recall notifications, with the aim of modernizing communication methods and ensuring that more vehicle owners receive the information more quickly and efficiently.

Electronic Notifications

The proposal seeks to require vehicle manufacturers to supplement traditional postal mail recall notifications with electronic means. These could include email, text messages, social media, in-vehicle notifications, phone calls, and even radio and television. The new regulation would create a two-tier system: first, manufacturers would attempt to contact owners using the available contact information. If this is not possible, additional notifications would be sent through other electronic channels.

Furthermore, electronic notifications would include a link to detailed recall information, or in non-personalized cases, direct owners to VIN search tools.

Requirements and Deadlines

Manufacturers would be required to submit their electronic notification proposals to NHTSA's Recall Management Division at least five days before distribution. Every five years, they must submit a general plan outlining the electronic means they will use. NHTSA would also retain the discretion to require additional methods if it considers the chosen ones insufficient to reach all owners.

Language Modifications in Notifications

Another significant change proposed is the modification of language used in recall notifications. The goal is to increase the urgency of the communication and encourage vehicle owners to take action more promptly. The wording on the envelopes would change from "SAFETY RECALL NOTICE" to "URGENT SAFETY RECALL," and the heading in the letters would change from "IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL" to "URGENT SAFETY RECALL." These changes are based on research showing that high-impact words are more effective in motivating prompt responses from vehicle owners.

Administrative Updates

The proposal also includes administrative updates, such as changing office references from "NVS-215" to "NEF-107" in NHTSA's Recall Management Division, as well as updating the website from www.safercar.gov to www.nhtsa.gov. Additionally, it would standardize the language regarding Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) noncompliance, replacing "failure to conform" with "does not comply with," better aligning the terminology with legal language and common usage.

Invitation for Public Comments

NHTSA has opened a public comment period on this proposal, allowing interested parties to express their views before the final adoption of the regulation. Comments can be submitted through the Regulations.gov website.

This initiative aims to improve communication and the effectiveness of vehicle recall notifications, a crucial step in ensuring driver safety and reducing risks associated with vehicle defects.

This government-controlled system ensures that every battery undergoes an official evaluation and approval process, eliminating the possibility of biased or partial certifications. By maintaining strict oversight, South Korea guarantees the quality and safety of its battery technologies, emphasizing transparency and accountability.

The South Korean certification model represents a direct, hands-on approach to regulating battery technologies, with safety and public trust as top priorities. This regulatory framework sets a high standard for the industry, aligning with global calls for better safety protocols in battery production.

You can find these and other news in our Regulatory Monitoring Report.