Home-grown automaker Tata Motors’ Tigor EV, the first Electric Vehicle (EV) ever tested by Global NCAP achieved four stars for both adult and child occupants in the latest crash test.
Tata Tigor EV, which was launched today, was assessed in its most basic safety specification, fitted with two airbags as standard.
Further improvement could be made to the Tigor rating by equipping the model with standard fitment of Electronic Stability Control (ESC), side impact protection, three-point belts in all seating positions and ISOFIX connectors.
Alejandro Furas, Secretary General, Global NCAP complemented Tata Motors for showing consistent safety improvements throughout its fleet range. “The Tigor demonstrates that improvements are also possible with EV models, which can pose a technical challenge because of the electric powertrain system,” Furas said.
David Ward, President, Towards Zero Foundation said it is deeply satisfying to see Tata’s continuing commitment to safety as they innovate with new powertrain technologies in order to achieve wider environmental and sustainability goals.
Adult occupant protection
The tests found that the protection offered to the driver head was good and passenger’s head was adequate. Both front passenger’s neck showed good protection.
Driver chest showed adequate protection and passenger chest showed good protection. Driver and passenger knees showed marginal protection as they could impact with dangerous structures behind the dashboard supported by the tran-fascia tube. Driver and passenger tibias showed adequate and good protection.
Meanwhile, the body shell was rated as unstable and it was not capable of withstanding further loadings. Foot well area too was rated as unstable. The car offers standard Seat Belt Reminder (SBR) for driver and passenger.
Child occupant protection
The Tata Tigor EV earned four star for child occupant protection. Child seats for a three-year-old and 1.5-year-old were installed rearwards facing with the adult seatbelt and were able to prevent excessive forward movement during the impact. Chest and head protection was good.
Child Restraint Systems (CRS) marking was permanent. The recommended CRS did not show incompatibility. The vehicle offered a lap belt in the rear centre position. The car does not offer ISOFIX anchorages.