Five stars for two of NZ’s cheapest EVs as ANCAP’s tougher tests bite

Two of the cheapest electric cars on sale in New Zealand have earned five-star ANCAP ratings under the organisation’s tougher 2026 criteria, with the Leapmotor B05 and Geely EX2 only the second and third models assessed against the new Stages of Safety protocol.

The EX2, priced from $32,990, and the B05 hatch, from $43,990, both received five stars, with ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg saying the results show a more affordable EV does not have to mean compromising on safety.

“The B05 and EX2 are among the first models assessed against our new criteria, setting a strong early standard for five-star safety,” Hoorweg says. “With more brands and models entering the Australian and New Zealand markets, safety is another area where manufacturers need to compete.”

Leapmotor B05

The B05 scored 92% for Crash Protection, the assessment that from 2026 factors in occupants of different sizes across a range of impact speeds, which ANCAP credits to a well-designed structure and restraints. Its lane departure collision prevention system scored close to full points and its autonomous emergency braking performed well across most scenarios, though some of ANCAP’s new low-speed start-from-stop tests, designed around pedal misapplication and driveway run-over risks, remain areas for development.

Every B05 sold in Australia and New Zealand carries eCall hardware, which automatically alerts emergency services to a crash’s location and severity. The function is not yet active; Leapmotor is expected to switch it on for all existing and new cars in the coming months. The rating joins those already held by the B10 and C10.

Geely EX2

The EX2 scored 79% for Safe Driving, helped by an occupant monitoring system that recognises incorrect seatbelt use, such as a driver wearing only the lap portion, and adjusts restraints to the stature of front-seat occupants. Its driver monitoring performed strongly in detecting distraction, and its lane support system was particularly effective at preventing collisions with oncoming and overtaking vehicles and motorcycles.

ANCAP recorded an elevated risk of leg injury for the driver in the frontal offset test and has encouraged Geely to address it in future updates. The car’s crash compatibility with other vehicles was rated as impressive, which ANCAP attributes to its small size and the crush space freed by the absence of an engine. Post-crash, battery isolation and fire risk management were effective, and doors, buckles and the tailgate remained operable. As with the B05, eCall hardware is fitted from launch, with Geely expected to activate it within 12 months.

The EX2 result gives Geely five-star ratings across its entire New Zealand range, alongside the EX5 and Starray EM-i.