Important ANCAP rating changes coming soon

ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) has detailed forthcoming changes to its assessment criteria that will focus on pre-, during-, and post-crash stages of safety.

The new generation protocols will come into effect for vehicles assessed from 1 January 2026 and, as was the case previously (2023-2025 protocols) were developed in conjunction with Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Program).

Full details of the new 2026-2028 protocols are yet to be revealed, however it is understood the changes will centre on EV batteries, overly intrusive ADAS technologies, and the fitment of so-called ‘hard buttons’ in place of the reliance of cheaper touchscreen interfaces.

ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg said the updates to vehicle crash and safety testing are based in part on the Haddon Injury Prevention Index which examines what happens before, during, and after a crash.

“You’ve spoken and we have listened. The Stages of Safety approach will allow ANCAP to incorporate useful feedback, enhance existing tests and incorporate new areas of focus,” she said.

“This new approach also provides a structure that can adapt to the technological developments that will shape the automated driving future.

Ms Hoorweg detailed several other changes within the new crash test protocols that include electrically operated door handles that must remain operational after a crash, EV post-crash battery isolation, and EV notification to first responders.

ANCAP said it will also perform more extensive on-road testing to better assess the real-world capabilities of ADAS and other on-board technologies, examining “how well the vehicle’s technology reads and responds to road conditions”.

“Our role is to continually push for improvements in all areas of vehicle safety, and our 2026 protocols reflect that,” added Ms Hoorweg.

“The outcome will be better protection of vehicle occupants and those around them, through the active prevention of crashes, superior protection in the event of a crash, and improved post-crash management.

2026 Stages of Safety at a glance:

1. Safe driving: Considers the vehicle technologies and features that assist in providing a safer driving experience for the driver and vehicle occupants.
2. Crash avoidance: Assesses the crash avoidance systems that help prevent or mitigate critical incidents through warnings or autonomous intervention.
3. Crash protection: Evaluates the performance of traditional crash protection elements, including vehicle structure, seatbelts, airbags and head restraints to mitigate injuries to vehicle occupants, pedestrians and cyclists.
4. Post crash: Addresses the ‘golden hour’ of emergency response through post-crash rescue information and assistance systems.

ANCAP says that each of the four stages will be scored out of 100 points (as is currently the case) expressed as a percentage for consumers seeking that next level of information beyond the simple star rating.

Minimum thresholds will also continue to apply for each stage, determining the overall star rating.

Additionally, in acknowledging the importance post-crash response time plays in crash survival, the safety body will place greater emphasis on the availability and performance of eCall systems.

ANCAP says more than 40 per cent of all new vehicles sold in Australia in 2024 featured technology capable of automatically connecting with emergency services following a crash, known as eCall.

“Our updated protocols set a clear benchmark for emergency call systems fitted in vehicles,” continued Ms Hoorweg.

“We want to encourage manufacturers to enhance existing systems and provide an incentive for all brands to fit this life-saving technology.”

Ms Hoorweg said that despite this progress, eCall technology remains limited in New Zealand, with fewer than 10 per cent of new vehicles sold over the past 12 months equipped with the technology.

“New Zealanders should not be left behind when it comes to life saving technologies such as eCall, the potential for it to make a difference on New Zealand’s roads is too big for manufacturers to ignore,” she added.

“Through these upgraded protocols, ANCAP is setting a clear bar that will continue to challenge industry beyond regulation, inform consumers, and help reduce road trauma.

“Our goal remains focused: helping you stay safe, every drive (and) we look forward to seeing vehicle manufacturers continue to meet the highest levels of safety in a competitive market.