- Hyundai model achieved top rating in the first Green NCAP assessment
- Zero-emissions IONIQ electric also scored highly for energy efficiency
- Green NCAP will support consumer choices for sustainable mobility
March 24, 2019 – Hyundai has achieved the maximum possible score in the first official New Car Assessment Program that rates vehicles for their environmental performance.
The inaugural Green NCAP, hosted and supported by the European New Car Assessment Program, rated 12 cars from nine manufacturers, using tests designed to reflect real-world driving conditions. Hyundai’s IONIQ Electric achieved the maximum five stars, with only one other vehicle – the BMW i3 – sharing the highest rating.
As an electric vehicle, IONIQ Electric scored 10 out of 10 points in a ‘clean air’ index. It also scored 8.5 out of 10 on an ‘energy efficiency’ index – which reflects the efficiency with which the vehicle converts its energy source into movement. This includes factors such as powertrain losses, aerodynamic drag, tire friction and vehicle mass, which all affect how much energy is used to move the car forward.
“Hyundai is making great investments in sustainable mobility, so it is very satisfying to see one of our green models rated so highly for meeting important environmental goals,” said Hyundai’s Head of Operations for the Middle East and Africa Headquarters. “NCAP testing has transformed road safety by empowering car buyers to make informed purchasing decisions, and the Green NCAP will give consumers the same type of quick and easy reference point when comparing different models for sustainability.”
In its assessment, Green NCAP noted that as an all-electric model, the IONIQ Electric’s emissions were zero, and that energy efficiency for the IONIQ is also very good. Testing found that energy consumption did not exceed 20kWh/100km in any of the tests, including in a high-load highway test, demonstrating that full electric propulsion is the greenest means of transportation currently available.
The first round of Green NCAP included passenger cars powered either by internal combustion engines or fully electric. It measured four tailpipe emissions that are harmful to human health and the environment, as well as energy efficiency. The organization is refining its testing procedures to consider hybrid vehicles, and intends to include greenhouse gases and ‘whole of life’ ratings – which would include emissions and energy used in manufacturing the vehicles – in the future.