Another Chinese EV myth busted as GAC, Geely, and Leapmotor ace Euro NCAP — SkimNews
Get the Energy newsletter
Daily energy & climate — solar, EVs, oil, the policy fights and tech bets shaping the transition. Free.
- GAC, Geely, and Leapmotor each earned five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings for the Aion UT, E2 (also sold as EX2), and B05 models, respectively, with results released on September 3 alongside Tesla's Cybercab unveiling.
- Euro NCAP is significantly stricter than the US NHTSA's testing regime, which allows automakers to self-certify their vehicles' compliance, according to a 2019 Forbes assessment by Tanya Mohn.
- Geely E2 achieved a Crash Protection score of 86% and a Post Crash Safety score of 95%, with standard Child Presence Detection earning it extra marks; the E2 was China's best-selling car last year.
- Leapmotor B05 scored maximum points in both side barrier and side pole impacts, with its centre airbag ensuring full occupant head protection and 100% pelvis and femur protection for vulnerable road users.
- GAC Aion UT, a family hatchback competing with the Mini Aceman and Renault 4, scored 91% Crash Protection and 88% Post Crash Safety, though its frontal monitoring fell short in junction scenarios with cars and motorcyclists.
- Dr. Aled Williams, Euro NCAP Programme Director, said the results 'clearly demonstrate that Chinese carmakers are still working hard to match the high standards expected by European consumers.'
Why it matters: European carmakers now face Chinese competitors that meet the continent's top safety benchmarks, while a Financial Times analysis last March found EU models are on average 33% safer than US models in common front-side crashes — meaning the safety gap Chinese EVs needed to close has now narrowed substantially, reshaping the competitive landscape for legacy automakers like Renault and Volkswagen.
Ask SkimNews
