Nick Carey

LONDON, (Reuters) – French carmaker Renault (PA) received an ejection for the Zoe electric car model on Wednesday from European New Car Assessment Programme. The European New Car Assessment Programme, NCAP gave it a zero safety rating during European Standards.

After years of over-expansion, the carmaker is now reducing costs and trying to improve its performance. The electric Dacia Spring model also earned a 1-star rating.

Euro NCAP reported that the most recent Zoe has a lower-performing seat-mounted airbag than previous versions. Euro NCAP pointed out that the Renault Laguna was the first vehicle to be awarded a 5-star rating.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, stated that Renault used to be synonymous with safety. “But the disappointing results of the ZOE/Da Dacia Spring reveal that safety has become collateral damage as the group transitions to electric vehicles.”

Through October 2013, the Zoe was Europe’s third most-sold fully electric car, just behind Tesla (NASDAQ) and Volkswagen (DE) in first place.

Thatcham Research, a UK-based insurance company noted that the Zoe initially had a 5-star rating in 2013.

Matthew Avery of Thatcham, chief research strategist officer and Euro NCAP board Member said: “It is shame that Renault threatens a safety pedigree which was built from the inception”

Euro NCAP’s 2021 final round of test results did not include Tesla cars. Eleven cars were rated.

A variety of vehicles were also awarded five-star ratings including the BMW electric IX, Daimler OTC:’s electric Mercedes-Benz EQS, Nissan Qashqai, and Volkswagen’s VW Caddy.