In a recent evaluation conducted by the Global New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), the Citroen e-C3 electric vehicle has failed to meet safety standards, sparking concerns among consumers and industry experts alike.
The assessment, conducted as part of the ‘Safer Cars For India’ campaign under Bharat NCAP, revealed significant deficiencies in both adult and child occupant safety. The Stellantis-owned and India-manufactured Citroen e-C3 scored a shocking zero stars in adult occupant safety rating and only managed to secure one star in child occupant safety.
Bharat NCAP, India’s authoritative voice on vehicle safety, assigns star ratings based on performance in crash tests, providing consumers with essential information regarding safety features. The e-C3’s poor performance in adult occupant safety is attributed to inadequate protection for both the passenger and driver’s chests. Furthermore, it faltered in child occupant protection due to the absence of three-point belts in all positions and the lack of a passenger airbag disconnection switch.
Global NCAP Secretary General Alejandro Furas expressed strong condemnation of Stellantis’ safety standards, describing the e-C3’s results as “appalling”. Furas lamented the apparent regression in safety standards, particularly considering the esteemed safety ratings once associated with Peugeot SA, which merged with Fiat to form Stellantis in 2021.
In response to criticism, Stellantis, the parent company of Citroen, acknowledged the need for enhanced safety measures, signaling a commitment to addressing the deficiencies.
Despite being marketed as an affordable electric car for global markets, the Citroen e-C3’s crash test failure raises serious questions about its suitability for consumers. Launched in Europe in 2023 as the first European affordable electric car, it was anticipated to be a game-changer in the electric vehicle market.
However, the future of partnerships and contracts involving the Citroen e-C3 now hangs in the balance. BluSmart, an Indian e-cab hailing service, had previously announced plans to integrate 4,000 Citroen e-C3 electric vehicles into its fleet. The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Citroen in March signaled a significant investment in the e-C3 model.
With safety concerns mounting, the fate of BluSmart’s deal with the French automaker remains uncertain. The incident underscores the importance of prioritizing safety features in procurement decisions, aligning with the principle of Pareto efficiency.
Pareto efficiency advocates for the optimal allocation of resources, emphasizing the expansion of benefits for all parties involved. BluSmart may need to reconsider its procurement strategy, prioritizing safer vehicles to enhance brand equity and ensure passenger safety.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, safety must remain a paramount concern, ensuring the well-being of consumers and promoting trust in the market.
