This is what the crash test of a car with 0 stars looks like

Electric car news

Did you think all modern cars were safe? Think again. The recent crash test of a Chinese electric vehicle has revealed alarming safety flaws that call into question industry standards.

A catastrophic score that calls out

The Neta V, a compact electric SUV manufactured in China and marketed in Southeast Asia, has just received the lowest possible rating in crash tests conducted by ASEAN NCAP, the Asian equivalent of Euro NCAP . With an overall score of 0 stars out of 5this vehicle is positioned as one of the least safe new models in the world.

This catastrophic result is explained in particular by a score of 0 points on the frontal crash test. The dummies used to simulate the occupants suffered significant damage, with protection deemed “poor” for the driver’s head, neck, chest and legs. The vehicle also received a zero score for motorcyclist protection, an important criterion in Asian countries.

Worrying security gaps

Detailed analysis of the crash test reveals major structural defects on the Neta V. After the frontal impact at 64 km/hthe experts noted a significant deformation of the structure, with a movement of the A pillar and the steering wheel. These elements demonstrate a fragile bodywork which fails to properly absorb the energy of the shock.

Even more worrying, the Neta V suffers from a glaring lack of essential safety equipment:

• Only two front airbags
• Absence of belt pretensioners
• No force limiters on the belts
• No driver assistance system (ADAS)

These shortcomings largely explain the disastrous score obtained by the vehicle. With a total of 28.55 points out of 100the Neta V is very far from current standards in terms of passive safety.

An attractive price that raises ethical questions

Marketed between 16 500€ et 20 200€ depending on the market, the Neta V is positioned as an affordable electric alternative. This aggressive pricing positioning, however, raises questions about the compromises made to reach such a price level.

By targeting young customers looking for a first accessible vehicle, is the manufacturer taking its responsibilities in terms of safety? The question is worth asking, especially since the Neta V is sold in several Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand.

An isolated case or the tip of the iceberg?

If the case of the Neta V is particularly striking, it is unfortunately not isolated. Other recent electric vehicles have also obtained worrying scores in crash tests, such as the Renault Zoe or the JAC E10x, another Chinese car.

These worrying results raise questions about the safety of certain low-cost electric models. The race for electrification and price reduction must not be to the detriment of occupant safety. It is crucial that regulatory authorities and independent bodies such as ASEAN NCAP continue their monitoring work to ensure a minimum level of safety on all new vehicles.

Towards a strengthening of safety standards?

Faced with these alarming results, we can expect a reaction from the regulatory authorities. Crash tests carried out by independent organizations play a crucial role in highlighting the shortcomings of certain vehicles and pushing manufacturers to improve their standards.

In the case of the Neta V, a complete overhaul of the structure and safety equipment seems necessary to reach an acceptable level. It is likely that the manufacturer will be forced to review its copy if it wishes to continue to market its vehicle on international markets.

This case reminds us that car safety should never be taken for granted. Even in the age of electrification, it is essential to remain vigilant and not sacrifice occupant protection on the altar of price or autonomy. As consumers, we also have a role to play by paying attention to the results of crash tests before purchasing a new vehicle.

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