The refreshed Tesla Model 3 and two of the latest EVs to land in Australia have received the top score of 5 stars from ANCAP safety rating.
Australia’s best-selling electric sedan, the Model 3, Kia EV3 and MGS5 EV have all received the top scores, thanks to the various safety features and technologies offered in these cars.
The Model 3 achieved full points in the side impact and oblique pole tests. It also scored highly by having a strong crash test performance, scoring 90% for Adult Occupant Protection.
When it comes to protecting children, the Tesla Model 3 achieved 95%, the highest result ever recorded on the ANCAP’s 2023-2025 criteria.
Part of this safety success is thanks to the car’s ability to detect children and notify the driver. On top of that, the car automatically turns on the air conditioning and opens the windows.
The Model 3 is also equipped with an active bonnet system that’s reduces the injury to pedestrians upon impact by lifting the bonnet surface.
This feature was verified by ANCAP and it worked in various conditions.
These updates were included as part of the Model 3 refresh which was released over 18 months ago and the great result from ANCAP applies to all refreshed vehicles delivered.
Carla Hoorweg, ANCAP CEO said: “The upgraded Tesla Model 3 has again delivered all-round safety performance, with standout results for child occupant and vulnerable road user protection, making it a reassuring choice for families,”.
The newly launched Kia EV3 also received five stars, in line with the bigger EV5 and EV9 SUVs. It received 83% in Adult occupant protection and 86% in child occupant protection.
The child detection system is not available on all variants locally, so it was not assessed.
For vulnerable road user protection and safety assist categories, the EV3 achieved 78% and 81%, respectively.
“Following in the footsteps of the larger EV9 and EV5 models, the Kia EV3 has demonstrated the brand’s continued prioritisation of safety for its Australian and New Zealand customers,” said Ms Hoorweg.
The MGS5 is the newest of the 3 EVs and it also received 5 stars from ANCAP. It received 90% in Adult occupant protection and 86% in child occupant protection. The child detection system is not available on all variants locally, so it was not assessed.
For vulnerable road user protection and safety assist categories, the EV3 achieved 82% and 79%, respectively.
Hoorweg added: “Following a series of mixed safety outcomes for MG in recent times, the addition of this new five-star model is encouraging. It reinforces MG’s ability to meet the highest safety standards, and we look forward to seeing this level of commitment carry through to future new model releases,”.
With many EVs ranking so highly in ANCAP’s testing, drivers across Australia have assurance that not only are EVs the cleanest but also the safest option on our roads.
ANCAP Results for these three electric cars:
Tesla Model 3
Adult Occupant Protection – 90%
Child Occupant Protection – 95%
Vulnerable Road User Protection – 89%
Safety Assist – 88%
Kia EV3
Adult Occupant Protection – 83%
Child Occupant Protection – 86%
Vulnerable Road User Protection – 78%
Safety Assist – 81%
MGS5 EV
Adult Occupant Protection – 90%
Child Occupant Protection – 86%
Safety Vulnerable Road User Protection – 82%
Safety Assist – 79%
Riz is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.