Watch: Electric car trio score five-star NCAP safety ratings

Three electric vehicles, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volvo XC40 Recharge, and Ford Mustang Mach-E have been confirmed as receiving five-star safety ratings from ANCAP and Euro NCAP, respectively. 

The Ioniq 5 was recently tested. The XC40’s plug-in hybrid and full EV variants, meanwhile, have been granted the same scores as their pure internal combustion engine cousins. 

The 5 scored 88% for Adult Occupant Protection, 87% for Child Occupant Protection, 63% for Vulnerable Road User Protection, and 89% for Safety Assist. The Volvo, meanwhile, got 97%, 84%, 71%, and 78% across the same categories.

“The Ioniq 5’s good measure of safety performance coupled with its green drivetrain provides families and fleet buyers with a good all-round choice,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg.

“We know safety and environmental performance are top-of-mind considerations for the majority of new car buyers today, and it’s pleasing to see Hyundai prioritise 5 star safety in this new market offering.”

Hoorweg noted in the organisation’s release that both NCAP organisations perform added tests to electrified vehicles to make sure their advanced battery technology isn’t vulnerable in the event of a crash. 

“To ensure safety is not compromised for consumers wanting to buy an alternative-powered vehicle, for battery and hybrid electric vehicles we conduct additional checks to make sure they don’t pose unique risks such as battery rupture or electrical hazards to the occupants or first responders,” Hoorweg added. 

“This gives consumers peace-of-mind and assists fleet buyers in meeting their safety and environmental targets.”

Meanwhile, the Mustang Mach-E was awarded five stars by Euro NCAP (ANCAP not acknowledging the result since the model hasn’t been confirmed for the Australasian market as of yet).

In the same tests, it scored 92% for Adult Occupant Protection, 86% for Child Occupant Protection, 69% for Vulnerable Road Users, and 82% for Safety Assist. Euro NCAP noted it was impressed with the model’s standard safety kit.

These weren’t the only new models to receive new five-star ratings overnight. The new Hyundai Tucson also received five stars; ANCAP awarding it 86%, 87%, 66%, and 70% across the four categories, respectively.