Electric vehicles dominated the latest round of Euro NCAP testing, with all but one of the models assessed achieving a five-star safety rating.
Setting the benchmark was the Tesla Model Y, which achieved the highest score ever (98%) in the Safety Assist category. It also scored 97% in Adult Occupant Protection.
Matthew Avery, Chief Research Strategy Officer, Thatcham Research, said, “The Tesla Model Y has aced testing, securing outstanding all-round safety ratings. However, it’s a shame that unresolved issues remain with regard to the safe operation of its Autopilot system.”
Meanwhile, Chinese models the ORA Funky Cat and WEY Coffee 01 scored 93% and 94% in Safety Assist respectively, falling short of the Model Y only in crash-avoidance capability.
Matthew added, “All the cars tested in this group are EVs, as electrified powertrains continue to dominate the market, and it’s reassuring to see that EVs are continuing to match, if not exceed, the safety performance of their petrol-powered counterparts.
“Also of note are the five-star Euro NCAP ratings awarded to two new entrants from China. This is comforting news for those who were concerned that an influx of new market entrants from China might bring the safety standard down.”
