ANCAP’s Top-Rated EV & Hybrid SUVs Available in Malaysia

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has announced safety ratings for five electric & hybrid SUVs currently available in Malaysia, with each earning a five-star rating. This underscores the industry’s growing focus on safety and sustainability in alternative-powered vehicles.

The Lexus LBX, a compact luxury SUV, earned strong scores with 82% for Adult Occupant Protection and 86% for Child Occupant Protection. It also achieved 79% for Vulnerable Road User Protection and Safety Assist, reflecting solid performance in pedestrian safety and crash prevention. While minor penalties were applied for the risk of injury from dashboard structures in frontal offset tests, the LBX remains a compelling option for those seeking safety and luxury in an eco-friendly package.

Volvo’s EX30 continued the brand’s tradition of safety excellence, scoring 88% for Adult Occupant Protection and 85% for Child Occupant Protection. With 79% for Vulnerable Road User Protection and 80% for Safety Assist, the EX30 offers a balanced suite of safety technologies. Available in hybrid and fully electric variants, it’s a versatile contender in the small SUV market.

Chinese automaker Leapmotor made an impressive debut with the C10 electric SUV. Scoring an outstanding 89% for Adult Occupant Protection, the model achieved full marks in side impact and pole crash tests. It also earned 87% for Child Occupant Protection, highlighting its family-friendly design. While its Vulnerable Road User Protection (77%) and Safety Assist (77%) scores were slightly lower than some competitors, the C10’s performance demonstrates Leapmotor’s commitment to raising the bar for EV safety.

The XPENG G6 electric SUV excelled across all categories, earning 88% for Adult Occupant Protection and 86% for Child Occupant Protection. It also achieved 81% for Vulnerable Road User Protection and 80% for Safety Assist. The G6 showcased exceptional Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) performance, effectively responding to vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Its innovative center airbag added extra protection for front-seat occupants, despite minor deductions for occupant-to-occupant contact during side impacts.

Zeekr made a strong debut with the Zeekr X, an electric SUV that scored a remarkable 91% for Adult Occupant Protection and 87% for Child Occupant Protection. It also achieved 84% in both Vulnerable Road User Protection and Safety Assist. The Zeekr X excelled in side impact tests, though there is room for improvement in vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility during crashes.

These ratings highlight the industry’s dedication to producing vehicles that are both environmentally friendly and exceptionally safe for all road users. The announcement follows ASEAN NCAP’s recent publication of a zero-star rating for the Neta V, another electric vehicle sold in Malaysia at a price of approximately RM100,000.