What a difference a decade makes.
After a patchy start for some imported brands in the early 2010’s, the latest batch of Chinese EV models are ranking among the best with ANCAP awarding them five-star safety ratings.
Three of the latest electric cars from new Chinese brands have been awarded five-star safety ratings, as the first cars roll into Australian showrooms.
The Leapmotor C10, Zeekr X and XPeng G6 have earned top marks from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in Europe to the latest and most stringent criteria.
The models and ratings
- The C10 was awarded category scores of 89 per cent for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 77 per cent for vulnerable road user (pedestrian and cyclist) protection, and 77 per cent for safety assist technology. It earned maximum points for how well its structure and restraints protected children in the frontal offset and side impact tests, though marginal protection of the driver’s torso, and poor protection of their pelvis, were recorded.
- The Zeekr earned the highest adult occupant protection score of the trio, at 91 per cent, plus 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 84 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 84 per cent for safety assist technology. ANCAP said the Zeekr X earned maximum points for adult protection in the side-impact crash test, and its front structure “presented a moderate risk to occupants of an oncoming vehicle” in the frontal offset crash test.