Three Chinese electric vehicles have achieved five-star safety ratings in the latest Euro NCAP assessments, highlighting the growing ability of Chinese carmakers to meet Europe’s increasingly demanding safety standards.
The AION UT, GEELY E2 and Leapmotor B05 were all assessed under Euro NCAP’s latest 2026 protocols, with each model securing the maximum five-star rating.
The results underline the increasing competition between Chinese newcomers and established European, Korean and Japanese manufacturers in the European market.
Chinese vehicles accounted for around seven per cent of new-car sales in the EU last year and nearly 10 per cent in the UK. Since 2021, the number of Chinese vehicles assessed by Euro NCAP has increased almost ten-fold.
AION UT – 5 Stars
Safe Driving: 66%
Crash Avoidance: 74%
Crash Protection: 91%
Post-Crash Safety: 88%
The AION UT is an electric family hatchback competing with models including the Mini Aceman, Renault 4 and Volkswagen ID. Polo.
It delivered good results across the four assessment areas, although Euro NCAP highlighted its heavy reliance on the centre screen for key controls. Its road-based speed-limit recognition system achieved 68% accuracy, while the lack of child presence detection also cost points.
The UT’s crash avoidance systems generally performed well, apart from frontal monitoring involving cars and motorcycles crossing at junctions. With 91% for Crash Protection, it still managed to secure a five-star result.
GEELY E2 – 5 Stars
Safe Driving: 79%
Crash Avoidance: 72%
Crash Protection: 86%
Post-Crash Safety: 95%
The GEELY E2, known as the EX2 in some markets, is a small electric hatchback that was China’s best-selling car last year.
Euro NCAP praised its use of physical controls for important driving functions and infotainment, while its standard direct Child Presence Detection system also contributed to the result.
However, the E2’s automatic emergency braking performance was inconsistent across different test scenarios. It also lost points in a front-offset crash after failing to adequately protect the driver’s legs, while the 10-year-old child dummy’s seatbelt partially slipped from the shoulder.
Leapmotor B05 – 5 Stars
Safe Driving: 66%
Crash Avoidance: 77%
Crash Protection: 92%
Post-Crash Safety: 89%
The Leapmotor B05 is another Chinese electric model targeting established European family hatchbacks such as the Renault Megane and Volkswagen Golf.
Its strongest area was crash protection, where it achieved a 92% score. The B05 received maximum points in both side barrier and side pole impacts, while its centre airbag provided full protection against occupant head contact.
Its AEB system performed particularly well in high-speed and junction scenarios, complemented by a near-perfect lane-departure prevention system. Protection for vulnerable road users was also strong, with pelvis and femur protection reaching 100%.
Euro NCAP noted that the B05 has Child Presence Detection but lacks an adaptive restraint system for different occupant statures. It also does not recognise an unsafe front passenger position, such as feet being placed on the dashboard.
The latest results show that three Chinese EVs have achieved five-star ratings under Euro NCAP’s stricter 2026 testing protocols, providing another indication that Chinese manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on meeting European safety expectations.
Euro NCAP said the number of Chinese vehicles submitted for assessment has roughly tripled since 2021. Chinese brands now account for seven per cent of new-car sales in the EU and almost 10 per cent in the UK.
