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The evolving designs of vehicle interiors often feature fewer buttons and more touchscreen interfaces. However, for the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) to award their highest safety ratings, cars will soon need to include more tangible controls. Buttons have long been favored for their ease of use without requiring drivers to take their eyes off the road, thus enhancing safety. Approximately two years from now, this will be formally recognized in safety evaluations in Europe, mandating cars to have a certain number of physical inputs for essential functions in order to obtain an optimal Euro NCAP rating.
Despite the future criteria changes, there’s no specific mandate yet that non-critical controls—such as those for HVAC or audio systems—must be operated by physical inputs instead of touchscreens. Euro NCAP’s criteria are more focused on ensuring necessary safety functions, such as hazard warning lights, indicators, windscreen wipers, SOS calls, and horns, are controlled by buttons, dials, or stalks, as reported by The Verge and The Times of London.
While the change may not encompass all controls and settings, it’s seen as a positive step forward. Automakers like Tesla, criticized for their touch-sensitive turn signals, might need to adjust to comply with these new requirements, thus improving safety not only for Tesla drivers but for other road users too.
The 2025 Volkswagen GTI’s updated interior features hard buttons on the steering wheel. Volkswagen
It is important to note that Euro NCAP’s testing standards are voluntary, akin to the U.S.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s tests. Despite this, manufacturers often promote high ratings in their marketing, as the Euro NCAP’s criteria tend to be more demanding than some national regulations. Consequently, designs developed for European markets frequently influence models elsewhere due to the efficiencies in maintaining standard features across different regions.
While the new standards won’t revolutionize car interiors overnight, they will encourage incremental improvements. This trend aligns with several carmakers’ efforts to reintroduce tangible controls in response to consumer preferences. For instance, Volkswagen is enhancing its GTI and Golf R models, replacing frustrating touch controls with physical ones, and Hyundai is pursuing similar initiatives. The hope is that more manufacturers will follow suit.
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FAQ Section
When will cars need buttons to get perfect safety ratings in Europe?
The requirement is expected to come into effect in about two years from the announcement date.
What functions will require physical buttons under the new Euro NCAP criteria?
Cars will need to have physical inputs such as buttons, dials, or stalks for functions like hazard warning lights, indicators, windscreen wipers, SOS calls, and the horn to qualify for the best Euro NCAP safety rating.
Is the Euro NCAP a mandatory safety standard?
No, the Euro NCAP standards are voluntary and not legally mandated.
Could the changes in European car safety criteria affect vehicles in the United States?
It is possible since car manufacturers often harmonize features across different markets to reduce costs and complexity.
Conclusion
The decision to require physical buttons for certain critical functions in car interiors is a significant shift reflecting the importance of tangible controls for driver safety. While the Euro NCAP guidelines are not law, the influence they hold over manufacturers and consumers will likely result in wider adoption of these safety principles, potentially shaping car design trends worldwide. The move garners support not just from safety advocates but also from customers who find touchscreens less intuitive or distracting. Time will tell how quickly and broadly these changes will be embraced across the automotive industry.
