There will be a requirement for some physical buttons and controls to get five stars in Euro NCAP’s crash tests going forward.
Removing physical buttons and levers saves money and simplifies the visual experience of the driver’s environment, but is a safety risk as the eyes are forced to a screen, Euro NCAP believes.
– The overuse of touch screens is a problem throughout the industry and almost all car manufacturers are moving key functions to a centrally located touch screen. It requires drivers to take their eyes off the road, which increases the risk of accidents due to inattention, says Matthew Avery, Euro NCAP’s head of strategic development, to Ars Technica.
The car brand that has been at the forefront of this development is Tesla, where almost everything is controlled from the touch screen and several models lack turn signal levers. Because Tesla has been very successful and profitable, other car manufacturers are following suit, including Volvo, which has no driver instruments except for the central display in the new Volvo EX30.
From 2026, cars without important buttons and controls will receive a lower safety rating from Europ NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme). Some of the buttons and controls they want to see are for blinkers, hazard warning lights, windshield wipers, horn and SOS functions (eCall).
Over the years, Euro NCAP’s rating has influenced the automotive industry. To launch a new car that does not reach five stars is considered by many to be a failure. Therefore, it is likely that car manufacturers will also adapt to Euro NCAP’s requirements in the future.
– New Euro NCAP tests planned for 2026 will encourage manufacturers to use separate, physical controls for basic functions in an intuitive way, limiting the time when the eyes are off the road and therefore promoting safer driving, says Matthew Avery of Euro NCAP to Ars Technica.
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