Cars With Touchscreen Controls May Not Qualify For Top Euro NCAP Safety Ratings – CleanTechnica

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Elon Musk started the touchscreen craze in automobiles with the introduction of the Tesla Model S. It was a seminal moment in the car industry, one that ushered in the “car as computer on wheels” phenomenon and marked the beginning of the era of over the air updates. If your car really is a computer, why shouldn’t you be able to update its software just as you do our smartphone or laptop? But Elon being Elon, he didn’t stop there. He deleted most of the traditional array of levers, knobs, push buttons, and switches drivers were accustomed to and embedded digital versions of them in that central touchscreen. Things like wipers, heat and air conditioning, seat warmers, and even finding a station on the radio station were now part of computer menus.

That idea does not sit well with the European New Car Assessment Program, which is the leading automotive safety body in Europe. In 2024, it announced updates to its rating scheme for vehicle safety that are due to take effect on January 1, 2026. The new standard is meant to encourage manufacturers to use physical controls for five basic functions — using the horn, operating the windshield wipers, activating turn signals, engaging the emergency flashers , and activating SOS features. A car that does not adhere to the new guidelines will not be eligible for the organization’s top Five Star rating. That poses a problem for Tesla cars that have deleted the turn signal stalk.

Fatal car crashes have been on the rise in Europe in recent years, with more than 20,000 deaths in 2022, a 4% increase over the previous year. As the digital controls in vehicles become more complex and require drivers to take their eyes off the road to adjust them more frequently, the risk of crashes caused by distraction is increasing. Touchscreens can result in drivers taking their eyes off the road for between 5 and 40 seconds. Matthew Avery, Euro NCAP’s director of strategic development, notes that there is an inherent lag with touchscreens and no haptic feedback to confirm the command was received, which can prompt drivers to devote more attention to the touchscreen. Additionally, the illumination level of a touchscreen at night can have a negative impact on a driver’s ability to see, which poses additional safety risks for motorists and pedestrians.

Euro NCAP Rules

While Euro NCAP’s safety rules are not mandatory, manufacturers receive many intangible benefits from complying with the rules and earning a five-star safety rating. Euro NCAP is highly regarded by European consumers. Receiving a five star safety rating from such a trusted organization is an important aspect of building a reputation for safety. Once that five star rating is received, anything less may signal to consumers that the quality and safety of a manufacturers’ entire fleet of vehicles may leave something to be desired. Although touchscreen interfaces can be more cost effective, complaints from consumers and growing concerns from automotive safety groups should be considered when designing new vehicles or updating legacy models, the ratings agency believes. Distracted driving is becoming a greater issue for the automotive industry. In addition, consumer expectations are shifting away from aesthetic and streamlined in-cabin designs and back to accessible and low distraction controls.

Initially, automakers embraced touchscreens as a way to modernize dashboards, simplify interfaces, and reduce manufacturing costs. Physical buttons and dials require complex wiring and additional materials, whereas a software-based interface can be updated remotely. Some of the biggest names in the industry, including Tesla, Mercedes, and Volkswagen, have gone all-in on touchscreens, eliminating traditional controls in favor of digital alternatives, Autoblog says.

Tesla has removed stalks for turn signals in some models. The Volkswagen ID.7 requires drivers to control air vents through a climate control menu on the car’s touchscreen. The Volvo EX30 buries mirror adjustments and the rear window defroster within a sub-menu. While these design choices might streamline manufacturing and enhance visual appeal, they come at the cost of usability. Many drivers find it frustrating — and even dangerous — to perform basic functions through a screen, especially while moving. Another key motivation behind the touchscreen revolution has been the rise of over-the-air software updates, which allow manufacturers to add new features and fix issues remotely, which reduces the need for physical recalls. However, that approach often prioritizes software flexibility over user experience, resulting in interfaces that are difficult to navigate while driving.

Pushback From Drivers & Safety Advocates

As the use of touchscreens has proliferated, complaints from consumers, safety advocates, and industry experts have surged. Edmund King, president of the UK’s Automobile Association (AA), recently tested the latest Tesla Model 3 and described the experience as “daunting,” particularly due to the lack of any dashboard dials behind the steering wheel. He noted that “car controls need to be intuitive for all drivers so they can concentrate on the road ahead rather than the screen to the side.” Research supports these concerns. A report by the European Road Safety Observatory found that drivers engage in distracting activities for about half of all driving time, with infotainment systems being one of the primary culprits. Unlike traditional physical controls, which can be operated by feel, touchscreens require drivers to look at them, diverting their attention from the road. The backlash has also extended to repairability, as some touchscreen systems are costly to replace if they malfunction, creating an additional burden for car owners.

While the new Euro NCAP safety standards are not legally binding, they hold significant weight. A five star safety rating is a major selling point, and manufacturers strive to meet these benchmarks to reassure customers and regulators alike. Automakers that fail to comply risk losing their competitive edge in safety conscious markets. Some manufacturers have already started to shift their approach. Mazda has resisted the trend of eliminating physical controls, maintaining traditional buttons and dials for key functions. Toyota has also expressed skepticism about fully touchscreen based interiors, opting for a mix of digital and physical interfaces. Other carmakers may soon follow suit as they adapt to the upcoming regulations.

Some automakers are considering advanced voice activated systems that could allow drivers to interact with vehicle functions without taking their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road. However, voice controls are not foolproof and may struggle with background noise, different accents, or complex commands. Some drivers also find them unreliable or less than intuitive, meaning they are unlikely to be a complete replacement for physical buttons.

The pushback against touchscreens marks a pivotal moment in automotive design, Autoblog says. While digital interfaces are unlikely to disappear entirely, manufacturers need to strike a better balance between aesthetics, cost efficiency, and driver safety. The upcoming Euro NCAP rules will likely accelerate this shift, encouraging carmakers to re-introduce physical controls where they are most needed. Many drivers who are accustomed to such physical controls will welcome a return to some buttons and knobs. A car may be a computer on wheels, but it is also so much more.