EVs with five-star safety
Ancap has announced top safety ratings for three new electric vehicles (EVs) – the Tesla Model Y, Kia Niro and Genesis GV60.
The Model Y, pictured, impressed across all four pillars of assessment achieving a record of 98 per cent for the safety-assist pillar test and the highest adult-occupant protection score to date against the latest 2020-22 rating criteria at 97 per cent.
The Tesla demonstrated high levels of performance for its ability to avoid a collision with another vehicle, pedestrian or cyclist, and maximum points were awarded across the majority of crash-avoidance test scenarios.
The Model Y is also fitted as standard with a direct driver-monitoring system (DMS). This uses on-board camera-based monitoring to detect a distracted driver and automatically enhances the sensitivity of the forward-collision warning system to be more reactive if distraction or impaired motoring characteristics are detected.
From 2023, direct DMS functionality will be assessed under Ancap’s 2023 test and rating criteria – a shift from indirect monitoring systems that form part of the current criteria.
Solid scores were recorded by the GV60 with full points scored for protection of the front-seat passenger in the frontal offset test, the driver in the side-impact test and for both child occupants in the frontal and side-impact crash scenarios.
While still within the five-star threshold, the GV60’s overall vulnerable road-user protection score was somewhat lower than its segment counterparts at 63 per cent.
The Genesis’ front bumper provided good protection to a struck pedestrian’s lower legs. Protection of the pelvis was predominantly poor with just 0.45 points out of a possible six scored.
All battery electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants of the new Kia Niro offer five-star safety performance with maximum points scored for front-row occupants in the side impact and oblique pole tests.
Maximum points were also scored in the upper and lower leg-impact tests for pedestrians, and for the Niro’s ability to actively avoid or mitigate a crash with another vehicle in intersection-turning scenarios.
The design of the Kia vehicle’s front was also shown to be a relatively “benign” impact partner – presenting a low risk to occupants of an oncoming struck vehicle in the frontal-offset crash test.
“The results we’ve released will give confidence to those in the market for an alternative-powered small SUV,” says Carla Hoorweg, Ancap’s chief executive officer.
“All three models offer high levels of safety performance across the range of assessment areas demonstrating the clear ability for EVs to tick the safe and green checkboxes.
“The results demonstrate why Ancap is encouraging all levels of government to ensure subsidies and incentives for alternative-powered vehicles are only provided to models offering the highest levels of safety.”
