Now, is the envisaged vehicle environmentally friendly or not? So far, there has been no certified and therefore comparable classification of how ecological the corresponding car is.
Ratings based on the model of the ADAC Ecotest
The Green NCAP initiative evaluates the environmental friendliness of passenger cars according to uniform standards – based on the model of the ADAC Ecotest. The focal points for the Green NCAP star rating are pollutant emissions, fuel and energy consumption and greenhouse gases that are harmful to the climate.
Green NCAP is an initiative of Euro NCAP – the safety standards of cars have been evaluated there for years. The test procedures carried out at Green NCAP are divided into a part with exhaust gas measurements in the laboratory and a part with exhaust gas measurements on the road.
In addition to the standard exhaust gas components, the laboratory tests measure carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, particles and pollutants such as ammonia and nitrous oxide.
Stricter exhaust gas measurements in the laboratory and on the road
In 2022, more stringent procedures were developed for the laboratory tests, based on the current WLTP exhaust gas measurement method and its new WLTC test cycle (Worldwide harmonized Light Duty Test Cycle). The vehicles have to be tested three times and once on the road.
Only those who get at least 3.5 out of 10 points in each of the three categories in these basic tests and also an average of at least 5 points have to face four further tests to prove the robustness of their performance.
Up to eleven emissions tests are part of the test. It is measured in the laboratory and in action on the road.
Only vehicles with good exhaust aftertreatment stand a chance of passing this test. In addition, there are three more times on the road. A high payload and a sporty driving style as well as tests with the most economical driving style possible or a traffic jam simulation round off the second test stage.
Green NCAP also includes emissions from fuel and electricity production
Since 2022, the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the provision of energy have also been counted (well-to-wheel basis). To date, ten models have been tested using the new Green NCAP procedure, including eight petrol, one diesel and one electric car.
As in the Euro NCAP crash test, the result is a rating of up to five stars. The Audi Q4 e-tron was the only vehicle in the field to secure the full five stars.
There is also criticism of the Audi Q4 e-tron: the electric SUV consumes a high 30 kWh per 100 km on the freeway or at -7 degrees Celsius.
VW Caddy and Renault Kangoo with solid results
Lynk & Co gets at least 3.5 stars with its model 01. Only increased particles and problems with CO₂ emissions are noticeable.
Honda HR-V: Full hybrid with a three-star rating
Three Green NCAP stars for the Honda HR-V: Its hybrid drive shines more with good emission control than with low fuel consumption.
