- Chinese manufacturer BYD enters the European long-haul sector with its new electric challenger, the ETT 44, achieving a five-star Euro NCAP rating and CitySafe award for vision.
- Electric vs diesel: As the first long-haul electric truck tested by Euro NCAP, the BYD ETT 44 gives fleet operators a benchmark for electric truck safety, demonstrating that the transition from diesel to electric need not come at the expense of safety performance.
- Five-star safety for established brands: Mercedes-Benz and Scania broaden their five-star with CitySafe award line-ups, making Euro NCAP's highest level of rating available in their long-haul vehicles.
- Standard fitment advice: Euro NCAP warns fleet buyers to compare standard specifications carefully to ensure five-star protection for operators and road users.
- IVECO lags behind: The IVECO S-WAY, a regional distribution truck, achieves a two-star rating.
Leuven, Belgium – Euro NCAP has released its latest safety ratings for long-haul commercial trucks, in alignment with the opening of IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, Germany.
The tests include a new challenger in the competitive long-haul truck sector, the BYD ETT 44. It is one of the first long-haul electric trucks to be assessed by Euro NCAP, and its results compare well with European diesel models from Mercedes-Benz and Scania. All achieve a five-star safety rating and a CitySafe award.
However, not all models are equipped with potentially life-saving technology as standard. As fleet operators evaluate the total cost of ownership, operational efficiency, and safety of their future transport fleets, Euro NCAP’s new results provide critical, independent guidance on truck safety performance across the market.
BYD ETT 44
Making a major entrance into the European long-haul truck sector, Chinese manufacturer BYD secures a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and the CitySafe award on its first attempt with the new ETT 44. As the first long-haul heavy electric truck evaluated under Euro NCAP's truck safety regime, the ETT 44 demonstrates how new market entrants are prioritising safety just as much as the performance of new electric powertrains. Fleet operators considering transitioning from diesel will be carefully weighing up the benefits of both top-tier safety and electric running costs.
Tested as a tractor unit with a 4x2 axle configuration, the ETT achieved 89 per cent in Safe Driving, driven by excellent direct vision from its low cab mounting height, lower door vision window, and digital eMirrors which use a camera-based monitoring system (CMS). However, Euro NCAP’s testing highlighted areas where BYD’s active safety functions still have room for improvement. With a 73 per cent Crash Avoidance score, performance fell slightly behind leading competitors in relation to frontal vehicle-to-vehicle and lane departure collision prevention, indicating that several driver assistance systems require further refinement.
Mercedes-Benz Actros F-series
Previously awarded a four-star rating by Euro NCAP, the updated 2026 Mercedes-Benz Actros F (assessed in both 4x2 Tractor Unit and 6x2 Rigid configurations) earns a maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating and a CitySafe award. Building on previous tests, the Actros F recorded 79 per cent in Safe Driving and 82 per cent in Crash Avoidance, bolstered by upgraded driver assistance technology that performed better in potentially dangerous scenarios including lane departure and cyclist nearside turn. Overall, the Actros F stands out as a balanced choice for operators requiring a truck that divides time between urban roads and highways.
Scania G- and R- series
Like the Mercedes Actros F, the Scania range of G- and R-series trucks have received updates for 2026. The updated long-haul lineup saw the Scania G-series awarded 82 per cent for Safe Driving and 96 per cent for Crash Avoidance, and the Scania R-series 76 per cent and 96 per cent respectively. Scania models delivered near-full scores in active crash avoidance systems, including vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist protection scenarios. However, much of the safety equipment that enables it to achieve a five-star rating, and CitySafe award is optional not standard fitment.
IVECO S-WAY
From the Regional Distribution category, the IVECO S-WAY (4x2 Rigid) is behind the competition, securing only a two-star rating with standard equipment. Scoring 67 per cent in Safe Driving and 20 per cent in Crash Avoidance, the S-WAY suffered from limited direct vision and a lack of active safety technologies designed to protect pedestrians and cyclists, especially in urban environments.
Euro NCAP welcomes BYD as a new challenger to the European heavy vehicle market. This long-haul electric truck will cause a stir, with a strong focus on safety and a five-star rating. We look forward to working with BYD on further developing the company’s safety strategy in commercial vehicles.
Mercedes achieves yet another five-star performance, demonstrating the company’s continued commitment to safety. Euro NCAP applauds the steady improvements made by Scania to safety in their fleet with five-star ratings introduced across even more vehicle sectors. Euro NCAP encourages operators to specify the safety technologies required to ensure the highest levels of protection for all European road users.Matthew Avery, Director of Strategic Development Euro NCAP
Long Haul | Variant | Safe Driving | Crash Avoidance | Post Crash Safety | Rating | City |
BYD ETT 44 (Electric) | 4x2 Tractor Unit | 89% | 73% | 80% | 5 | ✔ |
Mercedes-Benz Actros F | 4x2 Tractor Unit | 79% | 82% | 80% | 5 | ✔ |
Mercedes-Benz Actros F | 6x2 Rigid | 79% | 82% | 80% | 5 | ✔ |
Scania | 4x2 Tractor Unit | 82% | 96% | 80% | 5 | ✔ |
Scania | 6x2 Rigid | 82% | 96% | 80% | 5 | ✔ |
Scania | 4x2 Tractor Unit | 76% | 96% | 80% | 5 | ✔ |
Scania | 6x2 Rigid | 76% | 96% | 80% | 5 | ✔ |
Regional Distribution | Variant | Safe Driving | Crash Avoidance | Post Crash Safety | Rating | City |
IVECO | 4x2 Rigid | 67% | 20% | 80% | 2 |