Chinese EVs from GAC, Geely, and Leapmotor Earn Top Euro NCAP Safety Ratings

Three new electric vehicle models from Chinese manufacturers have achieved the maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. The results, released on September 3, 2026, confirm that the GAC Aion UT, Geely E2 (also known as the EX2 or Xingyuan), and Leapmotor B05 have all passed the organization's updated and more stringent 2026 assessment protocols.

The testing revealed high performance across several critical safety categories. The Leapmotor B05 specifically earned maximum points in both side barrier and side pole impact tests, while providing 100% protection for the pelvis and femur of vulnerable road users. Meanwhile, the Geely E2 was recognized for its inclusion of standard Child Presence Detection (CPD) and its continued use of physical controls for key functions.

The Push for European Validation

These results come as Chinese automakers aggressively seek to validate their engineering credentials in the West. The European New Car Assessment Programme is widely regarded as more rigorous than the U.S. NHTSA tests, which rely on manufacturer self-certification. To combat perceptions that their vehicles are less safe than Western counterparts, Chinese brands have increased their submissions for Euro NCAP testing nearly tenfold since 2021.

Dr. Aled Williams, Programme Director at Euro NCAP, noted that the latest results "clearly demonstrate that Chinese carmakers are still working hard to match the high standards expected by European consumers."

Market Implications

This safety milestone arrives as Chinese-manufactured vehicles gain significant traction in European markets. Currently, these vehicles account for approximately 7% of new car sales across the EU and nearly 10% in the UK. By meeting the world's highest safety benchmarks, these manufacturers are removing a primary psychological barrier for consumers who may have previously been skeptical of the build quality of affordable Chinese EVs.

Future Outlook

As these brands continue to scale, the industry will be watching to see if this trend of high safety scores becomes the standard across all Chinese exports. While these three models have set a high bar, the broader challenge remains for these companies to maintain this level of consistency across their entire fleets as they expand further into the North American and European markets.