HOW SAFE ARE ELECTRIC CARS IN A CRASH?

EV Channels Review

John Cadogan critically examines the safety of electric vehicles (EVs) in crash scenarios, highlighting significant discrepancies and potential misinterpretations in current safety ratings. He argues that while all vehicles must pass mandatory ADR crash tests for homologation, optional tests like those conducted by ANCAP are often misleading. Cadogan points out that ANCAP frequently relies on Euro NCAP results, which may not be directly applicable to Australian conditions or current vehicle models, citing Tesla, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, Mercedes EQA/EQC, and MG ZS EV as examples where data is outdated or cut-and-pasted. A key concern raised is the lack of independent testing for critical aspects like handling at the limit, especially for EVs converted from internal combustion engine platforms, due to 'modal separation'. The review concludes that consumers seeking definitive safety information face a confusing landscape, with ANCAP's methodology appearing more focused on funding than consumer clarity.