Tachograph Differences: G2 Version 1 vs Version 2

Many hauliers confuse the term "Smart Tachograph". Although both belong to Generation 2 (G2), the difference between Version 1 and the new Version 2 (G2V2) is vast in terms of control, geolocation, and data storage capacity under the European Mobility Package.

Chapter 1: The Technological Leap in Geolocation (GNSS)

The first fundamental difference lies in the utilization of the Galileo satellite constellation. While Version 1 (introduced in June 2019) used GNSS to record the position every 3 hours of accumulated driving, Version 2 revolutionizes this concept through dynamic event recording.

1.1. OSNMA Authentication: Shielding Against Fraud

The G2V2 Tachograph incorporates OSNMA (Open Service Navigation Message Authentication) technology for the first time. This feature is critical for the SEO of your legal certainty: it allows the device to confirm that the received satellite signal is authentic and not a simulation generated by an inhibitor or "jammer". If an inspector detects that your Version 1 tachograph has frequently lost the GNSS signal, they could initiate an inspection on suspicion of manipulation—an issue that V2 solves through its technical robustness.

1.2. Automatic Border Registration

This is the "Killer Feature" of the G2V2. In Version 1, the driver had to stop manually after crossing a border to enter the country symbol. In Version 2, the device detects border crossings in real-time and records them automatically in the .DDD file, eliminating 90% of sanctions due to country entry errors.

Chapter 2: New Logistic Recording Functions

The G2V2 stops being a simple hour counter and becomes a complete logistic record. This directly affects the management of multi-company fleets.

2.1. Loading and Unloading Operations

Version 2 includes a specific menu for the driver to record when they are loading or unloading goods. This record includes the GPS position. In Version 1, this activity could only be recorded generically as "Other Works" (the hammer symbol), which made it difficult to demonstrate actual rest time vs. operational time before Labor Inspections.

2.2. Type of Transport: Goods vs Passengers

The G2V2 software allows for more precise configuration of whether the vehicle is performing goods or passenger transport, adapting certain compliance alerts according to specific bus regulations.

Chapter 3: Data Capacity and Second Generation G2 Cards

Although they look physically identical, the internal storage architecture has changed drastically to comply with the 56-day inspection requirement.

3.1. From 28 to 56 Days of Control

Version 2 is designed so that, in the event of an inspection, the officer can extract and analyze the last 56 days of activity (compared to the traditional 28). This implies that the flash memory of the device and the G2V2 cards has higher capacity and new data fields for additional GNSS records.

Chapter 4: The ITS Interface and Bluetooth Connectivity

ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) technology is optional in Version 1 but becomes mandatory and more powerful in Version 2.

4.1. Communication with External Apps

Thanks to integrated Bluetooth and the ITS interface, the V2 tachograph can send data in real-time to mobile applications. This allows the driver to see predictive alerts on their smartphone regarding when they must stop before committing an infringement—a feature much more limited in Version 1 equipment.

Chapter 5: Impact on .DDD File Management

For the fleet manager, the most critical difference is not in the device, but in the data analysis.

5.1. New "Position Files"

The `.ddd` file generated by a G2V2 contains thousands of additional lines of geopositioning data that old readers do not know how to interpret. If you use outdated software, you could be ignoring loading events or border crossings, leaving you defenseless in a transport inspection.

5.2. Verification of Digital Seal Integrity

V2 security certificates are more complex. TachoTools has updated its analysis engine to validate these new seals, ensuring that the legal custody of your files is 100% valid for labor trials or fine appeals.

Frequently Asked Questions about G2 Versions