The Green NCAP organization, part of Euro NCAP, has published a list of the “greenest” cars tested according to the new, stricter sustainability protocols introduced in September last year. Five models dominated their categories for 2025, giving customers a clear view of the most environmentally friendly options. Among the winners were Dacia Spring as the best city electric car, FIAT 600e and CUPRA Born in the family and SUV segments, BYD SEALION 7 among large SUV models, while SEAT Ibiza triumphed in the petrol compact category.
In addition to sustainability itself, Green NCAP specifically highlighted three models that showed excellent results in the new user experience assessment. This segment of the assessment focuses on the daily challenges of drivers, especially with electric vehicles, including fuel efficiency and range, performance in extreme winter conditions, and the speed and quality of battery charging. FIAT 600e, Mercedes-EQ EQE 350+ and Kia EV9 won titles in that segment, each due to some of its advantages.
A revolution in testing
The introduction of new protocols last September marked a turning point in informing consumers about the impact of vehicles on the environment. Before these changes, the data was often complex or contradictory, while the new system offers a free and transparent resource to check the actual ecological footprint. So far, 20 new models have gone through these rigorous tests, creating a relevant basis for comparison on the modern market, and over time, the results of environmental testing should become as relevant for customers as the safety ones obtained from crash tests.
The test is based on two key pillars: Sustainability Assessment and Life Cycle Assessment “from cradle to grave”. While the first one measures energy and emissions during the actual use of the vehicle, the second takes into account all phases — from the extraction of raw materials and production, through distribution, all the way to the energy mix for power supply and recycling at the end of its working life. The result is a rating expressed in stars and the average total number of points.
An additional element of the analysis, “Driving Experience”, is designed to point out the trade-offs manufacturers must make. Green NCAP engineers analyze how the pursuit of greater range or comfort affects overall vehicle performance.
Category winners
A large SUV: In this category World Sealion 7 it achieved a rating of 4 stars (73%) with praise for its performance at temperatures as low as -7°C.
Small family electric: CUPRA Bornwith a rating of 4.5 stars (86%), stands out as a sporty alternative that shows extremely low energy consumption after the initial heating of the cabin.
City supermini electric: Maximum 5 stars and 100% score she won Dacia Spring, whose low weight and 27.6 kWh battery significantly reduce the ecological footprint during production and recycling.
Mali SUV: High 5 stars (96%) deserved i FIAT 600ewhich combines a lightweight construction and a moderate 51 kWh battery for superior sustainability in all driving conditions.
Petrol models: Although it uses fossil fuels, the gasoline model SEAT Ibiza it achieved an impressive 3.5 stars (67%) thanks to its compact dimensions and high efficiency of the exhaust gas treatment system.
Driving experience
Consumption and reach: FIAT 600e sets new standards with a mixed range of 340 km in hot and 225 km in cold conditions, with a very precise display of the remaining energy on the screen.
Performance in the cold months: For drivers who prioritize winter performance, Mercedes-EQ EQE 350+ dominates thanks to the large 96 kWh battery that enables a range of more than 300 km on open roads even in freezing conditions. The cabin preheating system while the vehicle is on the charger in this model can extend the city range by as much as 200 kilometers.
Charge: The charging speed segment marked Let’s EV9which can charge its 100 kWh battery from 10% to 80% in just 25 minutes with an average power of 182 kW. This large SUV also offers advanced functions such as manual preheating of the battery and the possibility of bidirectional charging of external devices.