EVs shine in latest round of Euro NCAP safety scores

Euro NCAP has released the results of its most recent safety tests, with all but one of the cars tested achieving the maximum five-star rating.

The cars tested this November include the two, fully electric Tesla Model S and the new-to-market NIO ET7, that also achieved top marks in the Green NCAP rating last week.

Also released are the five-star results for the long-awaited electric Toyota bZ4X and its official twin Subaru Solterra. The other cars achieving 5-star results were another family car, the Hyundai IONIQ 6, scoring a commendable 97% in Adult Protection, the Nissan Ariya and the Honda Civic e:HEV.

Other than the NIO ET7, two further Chinese cars achieved maximum scores in this month’s test – the new small-off roader smart #1, now jointly owned by the automotive company Geely, and another small-off-roader the appealingly-named WEY Coffee 02.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP’s Secretary General, said: “Manufacturers are keen to achieve good scores in this year’s tests as next year protocols become more stringent and provide increased challenges for vehicle development. In 2023, in line with its Vision 2030, Euro NCAP will be focusing on a range of new aspects. For example, we are putting in place autonomous emergency braking (AEB) protocols for motorcycles as well as new scenarios in passive safety for pedestrians and cyclists, extending the area where these two vulnerable users might interact with a vehicle.

“This is necessary progress in safety for other road users, and we are collaborating closely with industry to ensure we meet Vision Zero objectives and that the demands of the protocols are met.”

Euro NCAP has been independently testing cars since 1997, measuring most of the new models which go on sale against its constantly-evolving criteria. In addition to testing the actual physical strength of the cars in various simulated collisions, the organisation also tests and scores accident prevention technology.