ASEAN NCAP introduces EV crash test assessment protocol, public advisory on EV accident safety

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has released three new guidelines on electric vehicle safety at its PC3 crash test lab in Melaka today. Among those is a new ASEAN NCAP assessment protocol for electric vehicles with high-voltage batteries, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars.

Part of the agency’s wider 2026-2030 protocol, the said document outlines procedures for lab personnel to avoid being electrocuted before and after an EV crash test, as well as for the measurement of residual electrical energy and the checking of any electrolyte leaks post-crash – both of which can cause battery fires in an accident.

At the moment, ASEAN NCAP will not grade EVs based on how well or otherwise they fare in this assessment, meaning that their usual star ratings for crash and active safety performance will be unaffected either way. However, vehicles that pass its criteria will be given a “Safe” compliance label that will be reflected in the test report.

The next document is the (rather unwieldily named) Safety Guide for Road Users and Public Concerning Electrified Vehicle Incident Management (MyEVIM). This, MIROS says, is a “comprehensive framework to ensure the safety and preparedness of road users and the general public” in the event an electrified car, bike, bus or lorry is involved in an accident, a fire or a flood.

It includes procedures to handle high-voltage battery hazards, electrical shock risks, and other hazards such as toxic gas emissions and thermal runaway fires. Lastly, MIROS has published EV-specific safety guidelines specifically for personnel at the PC3 lab when conducting crash tests. This is aimed at ensuring the safety of officers, technicians and observers as well as minimising the risk of injuries.

The launching of these documents, as well as the concurrent conducting of the first EV crash test at the PC3 lab, is said to be in line with the Malaysia Road Safety Plan 2022-2030, which aims to at least halve road deaths by the end of the decade. It also supports increased safety by enabling the public to better understand how to deal with an EV after an accident, according to MIROS.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.