Green NCAP has identified five vehicles as category leaders in its 2025 sustainability ratings, following the September 2024 launch of its updated assessment protocols. The winners span electric city cars, electric SUVs, and one petrol hatchback, with 20 models tested under the new methodology.
Highlights
- Dacia Spring earned a perfect 5-star/100% sustainability rating, benefiting from its small 27.6-kWh battery and energy-efficient operation
- FIAT 600e achieved 5 stars/96%, combining powertrain efficiency with a moderate 51-kWh battery and low tire/brake emissions
- Kia EV9 demonstrated strong charging performance, reaching 10-80% charge in 25 minutes with 182 kW average and 213 kW peak power
- Mercedes-EQ EQE 350+ excelled in cold weather testing, delivering 280 km real-world range at -7°C with its 96-kWh battery
Assessment Methodology
Green NCAP’s evaluation consists of two components. The Sustainability Rating measures energy consumption and emissions during vehicle use. The cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment examines raw materials, manufacturing, distribution, energy supply mix, and end-of-life recycling.
The Driving Experience assessment evaluates three practical factors: consumption and range, cold winter performance, and charging capability.
Category Winners by Segment
BYD SEALION 7: Large Electric SUV
The BYD SEALION 7 earned 4 stars with a 73% score. Key specifications include:
- Battery capacity: 82.6 kWh
- Cold weather testing: Efficient operation at -7°C
- Strengths: Effective cabin pre-warming and heat retention
- Area for improvement: Home charging efficiency
CUPRA Born: Small Electric Family Car
The CUPRA Born achieved 4.5 stars with an 86% score. Notable attributes include:
- Battery capacity: 60 kWh
- Positioning: Sporty alternative to VW ID.3 and Renault Megane E-Tech
- Performance: Strong efficiency in highway testing
- Cold weather note: Cabin heating increases electricity demand initially, then consumption drops significantly
Dacia Spring: Electric City Car
The Dacia Spring received the highest rating of 5 stars and 100%. Specifications include:
- Battery capacity: 27.6 kWh
- Key advantage: Lower manufacturing and recycling impact due to small battery size
- Trade-off: Limited driving range
FIAT 600e: Small Electric SUV
The FIAT 600e earned 5 stars with a 96% score. Performance data includes:
- Battery capacity: 51 kWh
- Warm weather consumption: 16.4 kWh (mixed driving)
- Cold weather consumption: 24.8 kWh at -7°C
- Driving range: 340 km (warm) / 225 km (cold)
SEAT Ibiza: Petrol Hatchback
The SEAT Ibiza achieved 3.5 stars with a 67% score, performing well for a conventional petrol vehicle due to compact size, low weight, and efficient exhaust after-treatment.
Driving Experience Standouts
Charging Performance: Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 (100 kWh) delivers strong charging metrics:
- 10-80% charge time: 25 minutes
- Average charging power: 182 kW
- Peak charging power: 213 kW
- Range added in 10 minutes: 100-160 km depending on consumption
- Additional features: Battery preheating via navigation or manual button, vehicle-to-grid capability, external device charging
Cold Weather Range: Mercedes-EQ EQE 350+
The Mercedes-EQ EQE 350+ demonstrated cold weather capability with its 96-kWh battery:
- Mixed driving range at -7°C: 280 km
- Rural/highway range in freezing conditions: Over 300 km
- Pre-warming benefit: Adds approximately 200 km for city driving or 140 km on mixed routes compared to cold starts
Dr. Aleksandar Damyanov, Technical Manager at Green NCAP, said the organization aims to help consumers identify sustainable vehicles that combine low environmental impact with strong real-world performance.
Full results are available at www.greenncap.com and Green NCAP’s newsroom.
Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news!
