ANCAP, AUSTRALASIA’S INDEPENDENT vehicle safety authority has today expressed concerns regarding incorrect safety claims made by electric vehicle importer, ACE Electric Vehicles Group, in relation to three potential new models entering the Australian vehicle fleet.
“We have serious concerns regarding the claims made by ACE Electric Vehicles in relation to the safety of their vehicles,” said ANCAP Chief Executive, James Goodwin.
“Despite the claims made by the distributor in the media, these vehicles have yet to be independently tested for safety either here in Australia or by our European counterparts. The safety credentials of these vehicles are unknown,” Mr Goodwin added.
“It is also important to recognise that ANCAP is only in a position to test a vehicle once certified and approved for sale in Australia, and after it is compliant with the regulatory standards of the Australian Design Rules (ADRs).”
“We would strongly caution any brand against making claims on safety performance prior to independent ANCAP assessment, but welcome the opportunity to discuss the claims and potential testing with the distributor.”
ACE Electric Vehicles Group is currently promoting three models – the ACE Cargo (van), ACE Yewt (ute) and ACE Urban (micro car).
ACE CEO Greg McGarvie made the claims on Channel 7’s Sunrise program that the ACE product range, based on German designs, meets a safety standard equivalent to ANCAP in Europe. His actual words were: “The vehicle is German-designed and has been designed to European standards, and they have ANCAP ratings over there.”
Of course, they don’t. European cars are tested to EuroNCAP standards which differ from ANCAP standards, even though some ANCAP ratings are derived from EuroNCAP.
ACE imports the vehicles in a flat-packed state using parts built overseas, and will be assembling the vehicles in Adelaide.
All new vehicles in Australia must meet the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, including the relevant Australian Design Rules. Electronic stability control has been an ADR requirement for all new vehicles sold in Australia since 2013, but ESP is listed as an option for the ACE Cargo (van) and Yewt (ute).