by Crash test failure: Dongfeng Box EV received only three safety stars
The Chinese electric vehicle Dongfeng Nammi Box demonstrated unsatisfactory results in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests. This compact model, similar in size to the Renault 5 or BYD Dolphin, received only three out of five possible stars, while its competitors earned four or five stars.
Structural problems and danger for the driver
During the frontal overlap collision test, numerous weld points that could not withstand the load were revealed. This increased the risk of cabin deformation and reduced passenger protection. The safety organization noted that the test was conducted at a speed of 50 km/h with 50% overlap, simulating the type of collision that most often leads to fatal accidents on the roads.
In addition to structural problems, deficiencies in the safety system were identified: insufficient pressure in the steering wheel airbag led to the driver’s head contacting the steering wheel. Also, after the collision, the doors did not unlock automatically, which could complicate rescuers’ access to the victims.
Criticism from Euro NCAP and comparison with other models
The Dongfeng BOX does not meet the safety level of other small electric vehicles tested by Euro NCAP. There was concern that the weld seams did not withstand the loads during the tests and could be even more damaged in accidents at higher speeds. Such shortcomings must be eliminated to compete with other manufacturers in the electric vehicle market
The model received only 69% for adult passenger protection and 67% for vulnerable road user protection, which is significantly lower than the indicators of most modern small EVs in Europe. Euro NCAP also criticized the manufacturer for the lack of a system to prevent passenger collision on the front seats during a side impact.
Context of other tests and improvement opportunities
However, the Dongfeng Box is not the only vehicle with a low rating. The Volkswagen T-Cross crossover also received three stars, while other models of the concern, such as the Audi Q3, Skoda Octavia, and VW Golf, earned maximum scores. The Chinese manufacturer Chery also proved that safety can be improved: after refining the rear airbag system, its Tiggo 7 and 8 models received five stars in repeated testing.
These results emphasize that the safety standards of Chinese automakers remain very diverse. While some models already meet European requirements, others need serious improvements. For buyers, this means that choosing an electric vehicle requires careful study of not only technical specifications but also the results of independent crash tests, especially given the rapid growth of Chinese EV offerings in the European market.
