BYD’s Atto 3 electric vehicle (EV) has received a “not recommended” rating for its driver assistance system from Europe’s leading car safety agency, Euro NCAP, presenting a setback for the Chinese automaker as it aims to gain market share in Europe.
The Oct. 23 report cited critical shortcomings, including a lack of driver monitoring features and inadequate performance in preventing dangerous maneuvers, such as undertaking at speeds above 90 km/h (56 mph).
While Euro NCAP ratings do not carry regulatory weight, they are influential among European consumers, with manufacturers often promoting high scores to enhance their market appeal.
According to the agency, the Atto 3’s driver assistance system fell short of minimum expectations for collision avoidance in critical situations, limiting its competitive standing among EVs with advanced driver assistance features. The vehicle was scored zero on driver monitoring, an area increasingly prioritized in Europe’s safety evaluations.
Chinese automakers, including BYD, have been leveraging strong Euro NCAP ratings as validation for their vehicles’ safety features, with BYD previously promoting the Atto 3’s five-star Euro NCAP safety rating from earlier in 2023 as a testament to its commitment to safety standards.
Meanwhile, several European models tested in recent Euro NCAP assessments, including the BMW i5, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volkswagen ID.7, and Volvo EC40, received high scores for their driver assistance systems, further highlighting the competitive pressure on BYD to meet European safety expectations.
