The rebooted Renault 4 E-Tech and Renault 5 E-Tech have achieved the highest five-star environmental rating from Green NCAP, underlining their low lifecycle impact and strong real-world efficiency.
Renault EVs top tests
The independent assessment considers the full lifecycle of a vehicle, from raw materials and production through to driving performance and end-of-life recycling and build on recent Euro NCAP safety ratings allowing drivers to weigh environmental impact alongside running costs and safety.
Green NCAP testing showed the Renault 5 achieved a 9.1 Clean Air Index and 9.3 for energy efficiency, while the Renault 4 delivered a 9.4 Clean Air Index, partly due to reduced tyre abrasion.
Both models achieved maximum scores for greenhouse gas emissions across their lifecycle. Bidirectional charging capability further enhances their real-world appeal, allowing energy to be fed back into homes or the grid where permitted.
“Renault should be congratulated for making desirable electric cars that are practical, efficient and affordable. The new 4 and 5 E-Tech deliver good scores in Green NCAP’s sustainability rating and an impressive driving experience – an interesting choice for consumers,” said Dr Aleksandar Damyanov, technical manager, Green NCAP.
Hybrid SUVs rival EVs
Green NCAP’s latest testing also highlighted narrowing environmental differences between hybrid and electric SUVs. The hybrid-powered Dacia Bigster and fully electric Cadillac Optiq both achieved three-and-a-half star ratings, scoring 63% and 67% respectively.
Both large, family-oriented SUVs offer five-seat practicality and generous load capacity, but despite the Optiq’s fully electric drivetrain and the Bigster’s hybrid-petrol setup, their overall environmental impact converges closely.
The Optiq’s sizeable 80kWh battery and kerb weight of close to 2.4 tonnes significantly influence its lifecycle score. While zero tailpipe emissions boost its Clean Air performance, the energy required for battery production, combined with higher consumption in cold weather and at motorway speeds, erodes some of that advantage.
Green NCAP notes that the Optiq’s DC charging speeds lag behind key rivals, with a 10% to 80% top-up taking around 40 minutes even in optimal conditions, which may be a consideration for high-mileage drivers.
By contrast, the Bigster’s hybrid system delivers a more consistent efficiency profile across varied use cases. Its ability to recuperate and deploy electric energy effectively in urban environments results in fuel consumption as low as 59mpg in warm conditions. Crucially, it avoids the production and weight penalties associated with large battery packs, helping it achieve a near-equivalent overall environmental score.
Supermini norms challenged
In the supermini segment, Green NCAP’s findings further challenge assumptions around vehicle size and sustainability. The Citroën C3 110 hybrid petrol demonstrates how mild electrification can deliver incremental but meaningful gains over a conventional petrol equivalent.
Its 48-volt system supports the engine under load, improving efficiency and reducing emissions, while its relatively low mass of 1,273kg limits the environmental cost of production and reduces tyre wear. These factors contribute to a 62% score and a strong three-and-a-half star rating, with particularly competitive fuel economy of 60 mpg in warm weather testing.
The Dacia Sandero, despite being Europe’s best-selling car, scored 59% score, leaving it short of the three-star threshold, held back by comparatively modest fuel efficiency at 50 mpg and less effective emissions control during cold starts. While its lower mass reduces manufacturing impact, higher in-use emissions and fuel consumption offset that benefit over the vehicle’s lifecycle.
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