A claim some months ago that the Tesla Model Y has a code in the car’s software that could maximise crash test results has resurfaced online since test operator ANCAP published its 2022 safety findings.
The small all-electric SUV (above) recorded one of the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme’s highest-ever overall scores, with an average 92.6% across all four assessments: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection, and Safety Assist. It achieved 97% for adult protection and 98% for safety assist, the efficiency of its bundle of electronic aids.
Hanging over the result is a finding by a US Tesla expert of unusual coding details that could allow Tesla to detect safety testing programmes and game the results. Tesla decoder Green (@atgreentheonly on Twitter) unearthed hidden computer codes that detect when Tesla vehicles are being used for crash testing.
Media sites have reported that Green has been a consistent researcher of the US brand, reporting everything from new features to safety. He posted on Twitter last September about “ANCAP support” in the code of Tesla vehicles.
Green posted: “Tesla just added ANCAP support in their code. This is in addition to already existing ‘I VISTA’ (Chinese testing grounds) EuroNCAP and Korea NCAP. One wonders why do it (they also give testing houses one-off builds with the testing house in the name (with tweaked settings?)”.
Green did not accuse Tesla of wrongdoing, but he asked why it would bother with the special codes to identify safety testing, or the locations of the test centres.
Observers have since speculated the code could allow the vehicle’s computer to sharpen the response of its electronic anti-collision systems, which would make a difference during crash safety testing.
Green’s post triggered a response from ANCAP, the body responsible for providing independent safety ratings in Australia and New Zealand. “We’re aware of the claims made on Twitter and are looking into it,” a spokesperson said.
Volkswagen did something broadly similar in what became known as the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal. It came about after the carmaker was found to have used ‘defeat devices’ on its diesel vehicles. It was a special programme to cheat emissions testing.
The top four performers in the 2022 ANCAP safety tests were: Tesla Model Y, Lexus NX, and Chinese-built LDV Mifa people movers. The Tesla and the Mifas are all-electric, the Lexus is a plug-in hybrid.
Ford Ranger, Ford Everest, Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Pathfinder shared the highest score for Child Occupant Protection (93%). Toyota Corolla Cross achieved the highest score for Vulnerable Road User Protection (87%).
Sixty-one of the 69 vehicle models (88%) rated by ANCAP over the past three years achieved a maximum five-star safety rating. “This clearly shows the desire and commitment of vehicle manufacturers to offer the safest vehicles they can into the Australian and New Zealand markets, and the continued appetite of consumers and fleet buyers who expect the highest level of safety,” said ANCAP chief executive Carla Hooorweg.
The Honda HR-V was rated lowest in 2022 by ANCAP, with a four-star score. Three other four-star cars also available in New Zealand are: Citroen C4, Opel Mokka and Fiat 500e.
Over the past three years, ANCAP has tested 69 vehicles with one-third of the work done in Australia and two-thirds in Europe. The overall top safety scorer in 2021 was the Subaru Outback. The full list of vehicles rated by ANCAP can be viewed at www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings.