The Global New Car Assessment Programme, or Global NCAP, has released the crash test results for its first-ever electric vehicle, the new Tata Tigor EV, and the electric sedan has scored a 4-star safety rating. The crash test was conducted as part of the safety watchdog's 'Safer Cars For India' initiative. What's worth mentioning here is that the updated Tata Tigor EV, which goes on sale in India on August 31, 2021, scored 4 stars for both adult and child occupant protection, getting a better score compared to the regular petrol engine-powered Tigor that was crash-tested last year.
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In early 2020 when Global NCAP tested the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) version of the Tata Tigor, the subcompact sedan had received 3 stars for child occupant protection, with a score of 34.15 out of 49.00. Whereas, the 2021 Tigor EV has received a score of 37.24, thus receiving a 4-star rating for child occupant protection. However, while both cars might have received a 4-star rating for adult occupant protection, the petrol Tigor had received a better score of 12.52 out of 14, compared to the Tigor EV which has got 12 out of 17. Global NCAP tested the base variant of the Tata Tigor EV which comes fitted with two front airbags and seat belt reminder for driver and passenger as standard.
The petrol Tata Tigor had received 3 stars for child occupant protection, where the Tigor EV has received a 4-star rating
Alejandro Furas, Secretary General of Global NCAP said, "Tata has shown 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. Tata should be recognised and applauded for this commitment to improving their vehicles in response to Global NCAP's call to democratise vehicle safety."
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Global NCAP tested the base variant of the Tata Tigor EV which comes fitted with two front airbags and seat belt reminder for driver and passenger as standard
David Ward, President of the Towards Zero Foundation said, "It is deeply satisfying to see Tata's continuing commitment to safety as they innovate with new power train technologies in order to achieve wider environmental and sustainability goals. Safety and sustainability improvements are possible for all manufacturers operating in the Indian market, and Global NCAP would encourage them to follow Tata's lead."
The protection offered to the driver's head was good, while the same for the front passenger's head was adequate
With regards to adult occupant protection, the report says that the protection offered to the driver's head was good, while the same for the front passenger's head was adequate. Both front occupants' necks showed good protection, however, the protection offered to the driver's chest was rated as adequate, while the same for co-driver was rated as good. Protection for both, the driver and the front passenger's knees, was rated as marginal, as they could be impacted by the structures behind the dashboard supported by the tran fascia tube. At the same time, the driver and front passenger's tibias showed adequate and good protection, respectively.
The 2021 Tata Tigor EV launched in India comes with the company's Ziptron powertrain technology
As for child occupant protection, the Tigor EV tested by Global NCAP did not come with ISOFIX child seat anchorage. This means both the child seats, for the 3-year-old and 1.5 years old, were installed rearwards facing with the adult seatbelts, which were able to prevent excessive forward movement during the impact. Even protection to the chest and head were rated as good. The car only comes with a lap belt in the rear centre position so you cannot keep a child seat there. This, and the lack of ISOFIX mounts are the reasons why the car only received a 4-star rating for child occupant protection.
The Tigor EV could have received an even better rating if it had ESC, side-impact protection, 3-point belts for seats and ISOFIX seat mounts as standard
All that said, the Global NCAP report also mentions that the bodyshell was rated as unstable and was not capable of withstanding further loadings. The footwell area was rated as unstable. In its report, the safety watchdog also says that the Tigor EV could have received an even better rating if it had Electronic Stability Control (ESC), side-impact protection, 3-point belts in all seating positions and ISOFIX seat mounts as part of standard offerings.
