Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP) 2.0 is expected to be rolled out in 2027. The new iteration of the car safety rating program will be introduced with additional crash tests, along with the use of more advanced dummies and advanced driver-assist technologies, as per Autocar’s report.
The protocol currently in place has been used to evaluate 24 cars so far and operates voluntarily. It has been in place since October 2023 and will now be updated.
Vehicles are currently evaluated for Frontal (partial) impact: a deformable barrier impacts 40 percent of the front width from the driver’s side, in addition to Side impact assessments for lateral collision safety and Side pole impact tests to check the vehicle’s protection for occupants against collisions with narrow objects.
Beyond crash tests, the system assesses the installation of child restraint systems (CRS) and a range of safety-assist technologies. Each vehicle is given individual star ratings up to five for the protection of adult and child occupants.
Based on Autocar’s report, the upcoming Bharat NCAP will incorporate Full-frontal crash tests, unlike the existing partial offset test, which will replicate a head-on collision impacting the entire width of the vehicle. It will also introduce Rear crash impact tests, a first for the Indian program, aimed at evaluating whiplash protection, fuel system safety, and the safety of rear occupants.
The new iteration of the program will also include Advanced crash-test dummies that will generate more detailed data during side pole impacts and other evaluations, capturing accurate measurements of forces and potential injuries. Autocar also reported that these enhancements will provide more precise safety evaluations and allow automakers to refine their restraint systems, airbags, and structural reinforcements.