12.13.2024
5 stars: Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Kona, BYD Atto 2 and Opel/Vauxall Corsa (electric); 3.5 stars: Mazda MX-30 (plug-in hybrid); 3 stars: Dacia Duster TCe 130 (mild-hybrid) and Mercedes GLA 250e (plug-in hybrid); 2 stars: Chery Omoda5 (petrol)
Eight cars analyzed by Green NCAP in the fifth and final series of tests in 2024: pure electric, Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Kona, BYD Atto 2 and Opel/Vauxall Corsa; petrol, Chery Omoda5; plug-in hybrid, Mazda MX-30 and Mercedes GLA 250e; mild-hybrid, Dacia Duster TCe 130.
The Mazda MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), thanks to the relatively high capacity of 17.8 kWh, can travel in electric mode for long distances: we have calculated up to 81 km of electric range absolute. When the battery is discharged, the combustion engine (a rotating generator) works as a range extender, providing the necessary power to the electric motor. Average score of 64% and 3 and a half green stars.
The other plug-in hybrid, 2024 model of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e, is the cleanest car Green NCAP has ever tested with a petrol engine. With a fully charged 11.7 kWh battery, Green NCAP measured an electric range of 51 km in the standard mixed on-road test and almost 67 km in the light-load on-road test. It gets an average score of 57% and 3 green stars.
The Opel/Vauxhall Corsa is a fully electric vehicle (BEV), the 115 kW version was tested, equipped with an optional 11 kW on-board charger and a battery with a useful capacity of 51 kWh. It achieved the lowest consumption values ever in the Green NCAP standard cold and hot tests. The electricity requirement in the motorway tests and in the cold environmental test at -7°C is among the best ever recorded, the tests then demonstrated that 91% of the electricity taken from the grid is available for battery use . The Corsa receives an average score of 99% and 5 green stars, ranking it as one of the most energy-efficient electric vehicles Green NCAP has ever tested.
The rear-wheel drive Tesla Model 3 (BEV) is a highly energy-efficient electric vehicle that sets an extraordinary record: only 20.8 kWh/100 km in the BAB 130 highway test without any compromise on comfort for the driver and passengers . It gets an average score of 98% and 5 green stars.
The new Hyundai KONA electric (BEV) has a very good driving range thanks to a larger battery and significantly lower consumption values. The power of the vehicle has also increased from 100 to 160 kW, while low consumption is possible thanks to the very high efficiency of 92% between grid and battery. Average score of 98% and 5 green stars.
BYD’s ATT 2 is an electric SUV, which arrived on the European market last January. It weighs only 1590 kg and a battery capacity of 42.4 kWh. Improvements in charging efficiency could easily help it further reduce fuel consumption and increase driving range. Average score of 96%, awarded 5 green stars.
The Dacia Duster TCe 130 equipped with a 1.2-liter turbo engine, 6-speed manual gearbox and a 48V mild-hybrid system, achieves good fuel consumption values and a good score in the Clean Air Index. Earn 3 green stars with an average score of 50%.
The CHERY Omoda5 is a compact SUV with a 1.6-liter petrol engine, conventional transmission and automatic transmission. Overall it gets an average score of 38% and 2 green stars.
“Green NCAP often urges car manufacturers to take into account the needs of consumers who want to reduce their impact on the environment – declared Aleksandar Damyanov, Green NCAP Technical Manager. While on the one hand the Mazda deserves praise for its interesting propulsion system and the good scores obtained, on the other the performance of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e, the electric Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, the new Tesla Model 3 and the Hyundai KONA are a source of pride for their respective engineers.”