Global Smart Mobility Regulations: 2024-2025 Outlook & Impact

The global smart mobility landscape is rapidly evolving with significant regulatory changes shaping the future of connected and autonomous transportation across major markets. In 2024-2025, we're seeing unprecedented collaboration between automotive, telecommunications, and government sectors to establish frameworks that support safe, secure, and sustainable connected mobility while addressing critical challenges in cybersecurity, cross-border operations, and infrastructure deployment.

Key Takeaways

Commercial self-driving services is planned to be legalized in the UK by 2025, while Germany and Japan implement comprehensive frameworks for Level 4+ autonomous vehicles.
The global connected car market is projected to more than double from $12.4 billion in 2024 to $26.4 billion by 2030.
International standards for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications are being harmonized through ITU's Resolution 104 and collaborative industry initiatives.
Cybersecurity regulations like UNECE WP.29 are becoming prerequisites for vehicle type approval in major markets including the EU, Japan, and China.
By the end of 2025, an estimated 85 million electric vehicles will be on roads globally, with government policies shifting from purchase incentives to infrastructure investment.

Global Automotive Regulatory Milestones

Several major markets are implementing landmark regulations for connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) in 2024-2025. The UK is set to fully legalize commercial self-driving vehicle services in 2025 via the Automotive Vehicles Bill, creating one of the world's most advanced legal frameworks for autonomous mobility. Meanwhile, Germany is implementing mandatory insurance requirements for Level 4+ autonomous vehicles by 2025, and Japan is mandating remote monitoring systems for all Level 4 AVs with specific teleoperation requirements.

Dubai continues pushing its ambitious Smart City strategy with a target of 25% autonomous transport by 2030, setting progressive benchmarks for regulatory innovation. The EU is advancing implementation of the European Green Deal, including the 2035 ban on new combustion engine vehicles, with intermediate targets affecting manufacturers throughout 2024-2025.

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications are being phased in through coordinated efforts between the US Department of Transportation and EU initiatives, creating a foundation for safer transportation ecosystems. These mandates will require new vehicles to have specific communication capabilities that enhance safety through real-time data sharing.

Telecommunications and Connectivity Standards Evolution

A critical development in 2024 is the International Telecommunication Union's WTSA Resolution 104 (October 2024), which offers a global framework for vehicular communications. This resolution encourages cross-sector collaboration between automotive, telecommunications, and infrastructure stakeholders to accelerate standardization.

The EU's 5G strategic plan through 2025 specifically targets transportation and mobility applications, allocating spectrum and resources to support connected vehicles. Meanwhile, the integration of satellite connectivity with terrestrial networks is advancing rapidly, with the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) predicting initial deployment in vehicles by 2027.

The 2024-2025 period is particularly focused on trials using hybrid satellite/5G networks for emergency messaging and seamless coverage in remote areas. These trials are laying groundwork for future standards that ensure consistent connectivity regardless of location.

Looking further ahead, 6G non-terrestrial network (NTN) projects running from 2023 to 2025 are emphasizing autonomous network setup, energy efficiency, and broadband connectivity to vehicles and drones. These projects are establishing technical requirements for global coverage and service continuity that will influence future regulations.

Security and Privacy Frameworks

Cybersecurity is taking center stage in connected vehicle regulations, with the UNECE WP.29 cybersecurity and software updates regulations (CSMS and SUMS) becoming prerequisites for vehicle type approval in the EU, Japan, and China. These frameworks establish minimum security standards that all vehicles must meet before they can be legally sold.

2024-2025 regulations increasingly mandate hardware-based encryption, secure key storage, and lifecycle management for vehicle systems. There's a growing alignment with global privacy standards like GDPR, with new requirements for on-board data encryption and protection against remote access threats.

Regulatory bodies are also implementing robust authentication requirements for over-the-air (OTA) updates, recognizing that remote software management creates potential security vulnerabilities. The EU Regulation 2023/1804, effective April 2024, sets specific requirements for interoperability in connected transport systems, ensuring security while enabling cross-platform communication.

SIM, Connectivity Hardware and Manufacturing Regulations

Connected vehicles rely heavily on secure connectivity components, and regulations are evolving to address manufacturing and security concerns. Standards for eSIM and eUICC technology adoption in vehicles are expanding, with manufacturing guidelines increasingly referencing GSMA and industry best practices.

Device manufacturing requirements are aligning with secure provisioning processes for SIMs and embedded modules, ensuring that connectivity components are tamper-resistant and properly authenticated. Data privacy regulations are creating additional compliance requirements for SIM and module production, particularly for vehicles operating across international borders.

The Asia-Pacific region, especially China and India, is leading in rapid SIM and module production for the connected automotive sector. These countries are developing manufacturing capabilities while implementing their own regulatory frameworks for vehicular connectivity.

eCall requirements are being updated to mandate emergency call functionality in new vehicles, with an expansion to satellite-enabled communications ensuring that vehicles can request help even when outside conventional cellular coverage. Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are increasingly being leveraged to facilitate eCall services in areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable.

Cross-Border Trade and Market Access Policies

The EU and US are advancing harmonization efforts on software and data transfer rules for automotive platforms, addressing a critical challenge for globally connected vehicle ecosystems. These efforts aim to create consistent frameworks that allow vehicle data to move securely across borders while protecting consumer privacy.

The European Green Deal and "Fit for 55" policy package mandate minimum recharging infrastructure requirements that affect both domestic and imported vehicles. Ongoing disputes around EV import/export tariffs between China, EU, and US are significantly impacting global supply chains for smart mobility components and vehicles.

There's a notable shift from purchase incentives for EVs to direct investment in public charging networks, changing how governments support electrification. Many markets are implementing bans or phased reductions in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle imports alongside incentives for zero-emission vehicles.

Cross-border considerations for digital data flow, software updates, and connected vehicle imports create complex compliance requirements for manufacturers. These considerations require careful navigation of varying privacy laws, security standards, and technical specifications across different markets.

Electric Vehicle Policy and Infrastructure Mandates

By the end of 2025, projections indicate that 85 million EVs will be on roads globally, with 73% being battery electric. Over 20% of all car sales are expected to be electric by the end of 2025, driven by regulatory mandates and improving technology.

Government policies are shifting from purchase incentives to infrastructure investment, recognizing that charging availability is crucial for mass adoption. The EU Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy emphasizes zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure deployment, setting specific targets for member states.

Alternative fuels directive implementation is accelerating across markets, creating parallel pathways for reducing transportation emissions. Charging infrastructure requirements are increasingly affecting cross-border travel and market access, with standardization efforts focusing on interoperability and payment systems.

Regional Market Developments and Implementation Timelines

China and India are rapidly adopting connected car features and developing domestic standards that reflect their unique market conditions and policy priorities. The Asia-Pacific region as a whole is leading in technology deployment and manufacturing capacity for connected vehicles, establishing regional expertise and supply chains.

Implementation schedules for autonomous vehicle regulations vary significantly across regions, creating challenges for global manufacturers. Regional differences in spectrum allocation for V2X communications necessitate market-specific hardware and software solutions.

Emerging markets are developing country-specific frameworks for connectivity and autonomous features, often adapting regulations from established markets to fit local conditions. The projected timeline for regulatory alignment across major markets extends from 2024 to 2030, reflecting the complexity of harmonizing these systems globally.

Emerging Technologies and Future-Focused Regulations

Trusted and accurate positioning via satellite networks is being prioritized for both safety and compliance, with regulations increasingly requiring redundant positioning systems in autonomous vehicles. Standards development for satellite-to-vehicle communications in emergency scenarios is advancing, particularly for remote areas where cellular coverage is limited.

Enhanced spectrum flexibility and optimized traffic routing between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks are being addressed in technical standards and spectrum allocation policies. Preliminary regulatory frameworks for upcoming technologies, including cellular-V2X evolution, are being established to provide guidance for development.

Remote operation requirements for autonomous vehicles are establishing precedents for teleoperation, with safety standards and operator certification being defined. Preparations for 6G rollout and integration with vehicular communications are beginning in 2025, with early regulatory considerations addressing spectrum needs, security requirements, and cross-network compatibility.