Euro NCAP makes biggest changes to its test protocols in nearly 20 years and Tesla could be in trouble as a result

The car safety agency Euro NCAP has just announced some major changes.

They are, in fact, the biggest changes since the safety rating system was introduced in 2009.

These changes are as wide-ranging as they are impactful.

And Tesla could be in trouble as a direct result.

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Euro NCAP introduces massive safety changes

Euro NCAP has just announced a massive shake-up.

And it could affect some big names within the EV industry.

For those who are unfamiliar, allow us to explain.

The European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) is an independent organization responsible for providing safety ratings for new cars.

Euro NCAP does so based on rigorous crash tests and safety assessments using its famous five-star system to provide consumers with knowledge about the safety of different vehicles.

Now, the organization has just announced some massive changes.

And major EV brands, including Tesla, could be in trouble.

The 2026 protocols are being expanded to include assessments in new categories, including safe driving behaviour, passive safety, active safety, and post-crash safety.

You might be wondering what makes these changes so major.

Well, they will likely force manufacturers to redesign the way their vehicles work.

And it is this fact that puts Tesla square in the crosshairs.

Euro NCAP is widely hailed as one of the core reasons behind cars becoming safer.

Its harsh testing criteria mean manufacturers have to evolve and make cars ever-safer, which can only be a good thing.

But now, the 2026 safety protocols will mark a complete overhaul.

Why brands such as Tesla could be in trouble

The new process is expected to include four stages, each of which will be scored out of 100, and each with a minimum threshold to meet.

The first of the four stages will be built around Safe Driving.

This is aimed at ensuring drivers remain alert during the entire drive.

Stage Two is referred to as Crash Avoidance.

As you can probably guess, smoothness and effectiveness of safety assist programs will now contribute to higher scoring.

Euro NCAP will award more points to vehicles able to recognize and reduce the risks of pedal misapplication and cyclist dooring.

Stage Three, Crash Protection, will remain similar, but use advanced simulations to avoid the number of vehicles crashed during tests.

But it’s the fourth stage that could be the biggest hurdle, as it’s been established to address post-crash safety.

Euro NCAP will assess whether door handles remain operable after a crash in order to enable easy access for first responders.

This is just one area where Tesla will likely struggle quite badly, as the maker has already been flagged around the world by multiple regulators for this exact issue.

Euro NCAP often brings in changes around every three years.

But these changes are considered the most radical since the system was introduced in 2009.