by European Commission Tightens Car Safety Requirements
The Euro NCAP program, known for its car safety ratings, is implementing large-scale changes to its testing procedure starting in 2026. The main focus is on the usefulness and level of irritation of driver assistance systems (ADAS), as well as the real-world effectiveness of these systems under everyday operating conditions.
Four Stages of Safety
The updated rating system divides vehicle safety into four distinct stages: safe driving, collision avoidance, crash protection, and post-accident safety. Each category receives its own score, and the overall star rating will depend on high results in all these areas. The goal is to ensure that cars not only prevent dangerous situations but also effectively protect passengers in the event of a crash, as well as facilitate their rapid rescue.
Challenges of Electric Vehicles and Driver Assistance Systems
One of the most important changes is the requirement for electric vehicles with retractable or electrically powered door handles to keep them operational even after a collision. Rescue services have repeatedly reported problems with opening the doors of some electric cars after an accident, which slows down rescue and in some cases can cost lives. Euro NCAP demands that this issue be resolved as soon as possible.
Driver assistance systems are also undergoing serious testing for real-world effectiveness. Previously, most ADAS assessments were conducted on closed test tracks where systems demonstrated ideal behavior. However, in real road conditions, the situation is often different. Automatic lane-keeping can jerk the steering wheel at unexpected moments, and constant beeps and notifications prompt drivers to turn these systems off, completely negating their protective potential.
Encouraging Physical Buttons and Driver Monitoring
Starting in 2026, cars will be able to earn extra points for advanced driver monitoring systems that actually track the driver’s condition, not just detect blinking. Incentives are also planned for systems capable of recognizing signs of alcohol or drug use and taking appropriate measures.
Furthermore, a long-awaited change will finally reward cars that retain physical buttons for essential functions. After years of touchscreen dominance, drivers have clearly expressed their dissatisfaction with this practice.
Expansion of Collision Avoidance Tests
Collision avoidance tests will be expanded to include more realistic scenarios involving motorcyclists, cyclists, and urban obstacles. An important aspect will be the smoothness of system operation. For example, a lane-keeping system that jerks the steering wheel will lose points even if it technically avoided a collision. Vehicles capable of recognizing when a driver accidentally presses the accelerator instead of the brake will also be encouraged.
Updated Crash Test Methods
Crash protection will also be assessed in more detail. Dummies of different body sizes, ages, and genders will be used for testing to better represent real passengers. This approach is also being introduced in US crash tests. To improve simulation accuracy, sled tests will be supplemented with full-scale crash tests, allowing for more detailed information on protection against side impacts and risks to pedestrians associated with structural elements like the windshield.
Modern Post-Accident Requirements
At the final stage concerning post-accident safety, modern requirements are being implemented, including rules for electric vehicle battery isolation, the aforementioned door handle requirements, and automatic emergency call functions that must inform rescuers of the number of people in the car, even if seat belts were not fastened. Electric vehicles must also warn drivers of the risk of battery fire even after a collision.
The new protocols are the biggest update to NCAP testing since 2009, but the next major update won’t take another 17 years. The organization plans to update its protocols every three years starting in 2026, reflecting the rapid pace of development of driver assistance technologies in modern cars.
These changes in safety testing could significantly impact the design and functionality of new cars, especially in the context of the growing popularity of electric vehicles and autonomous systems. Manufacturers will have to find a balance between innovation and practicality to meet safety requirements and driver expectations. In particular, the return to physical buttons could be an important step in improving driver-vehicle interaction, reducing distraction on the road.
