Three Chinese EVs Earn Top Safety Scores in European Crash Tests

The European safety organization Euro NCAP has released the results of its latest round of crash tests for four electric vehicles, with three Chinese models achieving the highest possible rating. The Aiways UT, Geely E2, and Leapmotor B05 all secured five-star safety ratings without significant caveats.

The Aiways UT, an electric hatchback set to launch in Israel in two weeks, received five stars with strong scores in occupant protection and post-crash safety, though Euro NCAP noted its heavy reliance on touchscreen controls and the absence of a child reminder system.

The Geely E2, a compact electric car slated for Israeli release in early 2024, also earned five stars. While excelling in post-crash safety, the organization pointed out inconsistencies in its emergency braking system and noted that protection for the driver's legs was insufficient in certain tests. Additionally, a 10-year-old child dummy's seatbelt partially slipped off the shoulder.

The Leapmotor B05, a compact family car, achieved a five-star rating, with Euro NCAP highlighting its occupant protection and accident avoidance systems. However, testers observed a lack of occupant detection for incorrect seating positions and also preferred physical buttons over touchscreen operation.

The only European car tested, the Cupra Raval, received a four-star rating in its standard configuration. With an optional safety package, its score improved, but it still lacked a child reminder alert. Euro NCAP also deemed the protection offered by its impact protection column to the chest as borderline.

Additionally, Euro NCAP updated previous test results for the Kia K4, confirming its four or five-star rating depending on the safety package, and the Mercedes-Benz CLE, which maintained its five-star rating for both coupe and convertible versions.