ACE EV founder and chief executive officer Greg McGarvie disputes an Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) statement regarding what it says are “incorrect safety claims” attributed to the EV importer in relation to three potential new models entering the Australian vehicle fleet.
“We have serious concerns regarding the claims made by ACE Electric Vehicles in relation to the safety of their vehicles,” ANCAP chief executive James Goodwin says.
“Despite the claims made by the distributor in the media, these vehicles have yet to be independently tested for safety either here in Australia or by our European counterparts. The safety credentials of these vehicles are unknown,” he says.
But McGarvie says ANCAP appears to misunderstand the situation.
“I’ve said we’re aiming for an ANCAP five-star rating,” he says.
McGarvie says he made the statement ACE EVs is seeking an ANCAP five-star rating in media interviews – but a graphic appearing in one media outlet implied ACE EVs already had an ANCAP five-star rating.
“I didn’t put that graphic up,” says McGarvie who says he’s never given that impression.
“What I have said is that we’re seeking finance to get to that stage and can’t see any reason why we can’t get there.”
James Goodwin.
Goodwin says it is important to recognise that ANCAP is only in a position to test a vehicle once certified and approved for sale in Australia, and after it is compliant with the regulatory standards of the Australian Design Rules (ADRs.
“We would strongly caution any brand against making claims on safety performance prior to independent ANCAP assessment, but welcome the opportunity to discuss the claims and potential testing with the distributor.”
New vehicles must meet the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, including relevant ADRs.
ACE Electric Vehicles Group is promoting three models – the ACE Cargo (van), ACE Yewt (ute) and ACE Urban (micro car).
