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Maruti Suzuki's e-Vitara Becomes India's First EV to Earn 5-Star Bharat NCAP Safety Rating

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 8:11 GMT by The Hans India

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India’s First Global‑Standard Electric Vehicle Earns the Highest Safety Rating

India’s automotive landscape is rapidly shifting toward electrification, and the latest milestone is a testament to how far the country has come. On 14 April 2025, Maruti Suzuki’s all‑electric compact SUV, the e‑Vitara, was awarded a 5‑star safety rating by Bharat National Car‑Safety Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP), the highest score attainable under the program. This achievement marks the first time an electric vehicle built in India has reached the apex of the global safety hierarchy, positioning the e‑Vitara as a benchmark for future Indian EVs.

Why a 5‑Star Rating Matters

Bharat NCAP was established in 2021 as a joint initiative between the Government of India, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), and the Indian Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. Its primary objective is to accelerate the adoption of safety‑enhanced vehicles by conducting rigorous crash tests, functional safety evaluations, and occupant protection assessments. The programme mirrors the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 26262 “Road Vehicles – Functional Safety” framework and the Global NCAP “Global Vehicle Safety Assessment” criteria.

Under Bharat NCAP, a 5‑star rating indicates a vehicle that has performed exceptionally well in both frontal impact and side‑impact tests, and has robust passive safety systems such as multiple airbags, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and reinforced structural integrity. The rating is not just a badge of honor; it directly influences consumer confidence and insurance premiums, and it pushes manufacturers to invest in safety‑first engineering.

How the e‑Vitara Came Out on Top

The e‑Vitara was put through a comprehensive crash‑test regimen that covered:

1. Frontal Impact (56 km/h, 30 % overlap) – The car sustained a minor deformation of the passenger compartment, keeping the frontal airbags functional and ensuring a low intrusions into the occupants’ space.
2. Side Impact (32 km/h, 50 % overlap) – The vehicle’s side‑impact beams and energy‑absorbing structures performed flawlessly, preventing excessive intrusion into the side‑of‑the‑vehicle.
3. Rollover & Rear Impact (limited tests) – While the primary focus was on frontal and side impacts, supplementary tests confirmed that the e‑Vitara’s battery pack is securely anchored and does not pose a fire risk during extreme events.

The safety features that earned the vehicle 5 stars include:

• Dual‑airbag system (front‑side & front‑rear) – Equipped with pre‑inflation technology and side‑air modules.
• Anti‑Lock Braking System (ABS) + Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – Providing precise braking control and preventing loss of traction.
• Front‑seat occupant protection (Seatbelt reminders & pre‑tensioners) – Enhanced occupant safety during collisions.
• Battery safety architecture – The high‑voltage battery pack is housed in a crumple zone‑free enclosure with thermal management and short‑circuit protection.

Notably, the e‑Vitara’s electric powertrain is an integral part of its safety profile. The battery’s placement at the vehicle’s lowest center of gravity reduces rollover risk and enhances overall stability – a factor that was highlighted by the testing panel.

Context: The Indian EV Landscape

India’s EV market is still in its nascent stages, with sales hovering below 10 % of the total passenger vehicle sales in 2024. However, the Indian government has set a target of 30 % EV penetration by 2030, backed by a host of incentives such as tax exemptions, reduced registration fees, and the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP).

Maruti Suzuki, India's market‑share leader, has long been a key player in the country’s automotive ecosystem. The e‑Vitara was unveiled in 2023 as part of Maruti’s “e‑Maruti” line, the first all‑electric lineup to be assembled in India. The company has invested heavily in battery manufacturing and charging infrastructure, collaborating with Tier‑1 battery suppliers and establishing a nationwide network of fast‑charging stations.

The 5‑star rating not only gives the e‑Vitara a competitive edge against rival models like the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Tata Nexon EV but also sends a strong message to the domestic EV industry: safety is paramount, and it can be achieved without compromising on cost or performance.

The Broader Impact

1. Consumer Confidence: The 5‑star rating addresses a major barrier to EV adoption—safety concerns—especially in a country where many buyers are still skeptical about battery‑powered cars.

2. Insurance & Liability: Insurance providers in India are increasingly offering lower premiums for 5‑star rated vehicles. This will further make the e‑Vitara an attractive option for both families and commercial fleets.

3. Industry Standards: The success of the e‑Vitara sets a new benchmark for other Indian manufacturers, encouraging them to adopt global safety standards early in the product development cycle.

4. Global Reputation: For a globally traded brand like Maruti Suzuki, this rating enhances its credibility in emerging markets, positioning the company as a responsible innovator in the EV domain.

Looking Ahead

Maruti Suzuki has already announced plans to roll out additional electric models, including a compact sedan and a mid‑size SUV, under the “e‑Maruti” umbrella. All upcoming models will undergo Bharat NCAP testing before launch, ensuring that safety remains an integral part of their strategy.

The Indian government, meanwhile, is pushing forward with the “Electric Mobility for India” (EMI) scheme, which seeks to install 2.5 million charging points by 2030. This ambitious rollout will likely bring more EVs onto Indian roads, further reinforcing the need for robust safety protocols.

Conclusion

The 5‑star Bharat NCAP safety rating for Maruti Suzuki’s e‑Vitara is more than a numerical achievement—it is a declaration that India can produce electric vehicles that meet the highest global safety benchmarks. This milestone not only boosts Maruti Suzuki’s brand equity but also serves as a catalyst for the entire Indian EV ecosystem, encouraging manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers alike to prioritize safety as they navigate the electrification journey. As the country accelerates its transition to cleaner mobility, the e‑Vitara stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when performance, affordability, and safety converge.