Full electric vehicles made up more than a third of all models tested by Euro NCAP last year.
According to its annual Year in Numbers review, 22 of the 65 models tested were zero-emission EVs. Meanwhile, five out of its six Best in Class winners were also electric.
The trend came in a year when Euro NCAP carried out more safety tests than ever before. Throughout the 12 months it published 73 safety ratings, of which 67 were for new car models. Underlining a continued focus on safety from vehicle manufacturers, Euro NCAP awarded 50 cars a five-star rating, with 15 other models achieving four stars. For the first time in its history, no models received three stars or less.
The review also identified centre airbags as one of the most popular new safety features of the year, with 72% of new cars examined including it.
Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP’s Secretary General, said, “For Euro NCAP, 2022 marked 25 years of making cars safer. Looking back on the progress we have made with our sponsors, test labs and partners, and how different safety looks for consumers today when we test cars – we are so proud of what we have accomplished.
“In 2023, we have huge developments ahead including a real step forward on the road to Vision Zero with new protocols in car testing that will consider the wider implications on vulnerable road users, but also consideration of a new target group that will be announced later in the year.”
