Trystan Casey
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, with a global sales increase from 2% in 2018 to 18% in 2023. As the market for EVs grows, so does the need for safety. Safety is a key issue when choosing a vehicle, and all electric vehicles are not created equal in this regard. The safest electric vehicles are those that have been awarded the Top Safety Pick (TSP) or Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and five stars by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2024, several electric vehicles were recognised by these institutions for their safety, including the Audi Q4 e-tron, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Genesis GV70, the Nissan Ariya, and the Tesla Model Y.
Safest Electric Vehicles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Audi Q4 e-tron | 300 miles on a single charge, TSP, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with lane guidance, blind-spot monitoring, pre-sense warning system, top-view camera system, head-up display, traffic sign recognition |
| Audi Q8 e-tron | 300 miles on a single charge, TSP, adaptive cruise control with lane guidance, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, pre-sense warning system, top-view camera system, head-up display, traffic sign recognition |
| Genesis GV70 | TSP, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, blind-spot view monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, rear park assist, safe exit alert, all-wheel drive |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | IIHS Top Safety Pick, engaging performance, excellent fuel economy, futuristic tech, roomy cabin, generous cargo space, driver-assistance technology |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
| Lexus RZ | automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, lane-keep assist, luxurious SUV |
| Nissan Ariya | 304 miles on a single charge, blind-spot warning with steering assist, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, surround-view camera, rain-sensing wipers |
| Rivian R1S | 3-row SUV, 400-mile range, standard battery and an EPA-rated maximum range of 270 miles, other battery and motor configurations deliver ranges of up to 400 miles |
| Subaru Solterra | comfortable ride, composed handling, roomy and stylish interior, standard dual-motor AWD, generous ground clearance |
| Tesla Model Y | IIHS Top Safety Pick+, 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, Autopilot suite of driver-assist tech, sharp and accurate steering responses, spacious frunk and cargo area |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | ample passenger and cargo space, standard features including driver-assistance tech (stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and park assist), quick acceleration |
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What You'll Learn
Top-rated EVs with cutting-edge safety features
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, with a global sales increase from 2% in 2018 to 18% in 2023. This boom can be attributed to their increasing mass appeal, longer driving ranges, and improved efficiency. As a result of stricter safety laws, improved vehicle design, and increased consumer demand for safety features, cars and SUVs are becoming safer.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a well-rounded electric SUV that combines performance, fuel economy, and futuristic tech. It offers a spacious cabin and generous cargo space. The long list of standard features includes driver-assistance technology, such as lane-keeping assist and lane-following assist, and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Ioniq 5 has received the IIHS Top Safety Pick award, recognising its crashworthiness and safety standards.
Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback
The Audi Q4 e-tron and its Sportback variant are compact luxury SUVs that come loaded with safety features. They offer rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with lane guidance, and blind-spot monitoring. The Q4 e-tron shares its safety rating with the Volkswagen ID.4, which offers ample passenger and cargo space, along with driver-assistance technology.
Genesis Electrified G80
The Genesis Electrified G80 is a full-size luxury sedan that excels in crash safety performance. It has been recognised as one of the most crash-resistant vehicles in the world by the IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award. The G80 Electric comes with advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, lane-keeping assist, and a head-up display.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is a mid-size luxury SUV that combines performance and practicality. It offers a spacious interior, a large central touchscreen, and a spacious cargo area. The Model Y has earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It comes equipped with the Autopilot suite of driver-assistance technology, enhancing its safety credentials.
Nissan Ariya
The Nissan Ariya is Nissan's first fully electric SUV, offering a compact design with a range of up to 304 miles. All trim levels of the Ariya come standard with advanced safety features, including blind-spot warning with steering assist, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trim levels add features like a surround-view camera and rain-sensing wipers.
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Safety awards and ratings
Safety is a key issue when choosing a vehicle, and electric vehicles (EVs) are no exception. In fact, as EVs become more popular for family road trips, safety becomes even more critical. Fortunately, EVs are held to the same standards and requirements as all other cars. Arguably, they are even safer, as they often feature the most up-to-date safety technology.
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are two organisations that conduct extensive tests and award safety ratings to vehicles. The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award is given to vehicles with superior safety performance, while the NHTSA awards a five-star rating to those with excellent safety features.
IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2024:
The Hyundai Motor Group, including the Hyundai and Genesis brands, stands out for its dedication to safety standards. Here are some of their EVs that made the IIHS Top Safety Pick list for 2024:
- Hyundai Ioniq 5: This affordable, feature-rich, and high-quality small SUV received the Top Safety Pick award. Its long list of standard features includes driver-assistance technology, a roomy cabin, and generous cargo space.
- Genesis GV70: This sporty and beautiful Electrified GV70 received the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS for vehicles built after April 2024. It comes loaded with safety features like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Hyundai Ioniq 6: This EV earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for 2024, a step up from its close sibling, the Ioniq 5, which only received the Top Safety Pick status.
Other notable mentions for the IIHS Top Safety Pick award include:
- Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 Sportback E-Tron: These compact luxury SUVs come standard with safety features like rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
- Lexus RZ: While not eligible for the Top Safety Pick+ status due to an untested IIHS moderate front overlap crash test, it received the Top Safety Pick designation with good scores in all other crashworthiness tests. It includes standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure alert.
- Subaru Solterra: Although limited by short-range and slow charging, this comfortable and stylish EV received the Top Safety Pick designation.
NHTSA Five-Star Ratings:
The NHTSA has awarded five stars to the following electric vehicles:
- Genesis G80: This full-size luxury sedan is among the most crash-resistant vehicles in the world, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
- Tesla Model Y: This mid-size luxury SUV combines exciting performance with exceptional safety. It earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.
As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, consumers can expect to see even more advancements in safety technology and crashworthiness, making their journeys safer and more enjoyable.
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Electric SUVs
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is an excellent choice when it comes to safety. It has consistently achieved a perfect 10 out of 10 safety scores in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This SUV offers a range of advanced safety features, making it a top choice for those seeking a secure electric vehicle.
Audi Q4 e-tron
The Audi Q4 e-tron is a reasonably priced electric SUV that offers both comfort and advanced safety technology. It comes equipped with features such as an 11.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, and advanced driver-assistance systems. The 2024 model has enhanced safety features, including standard adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist. The Q4 e-tron has a driving range of up to 265 miles on a single charge.
Rivian R1S
The Rivian R1S is a capable and adventurous 3-row SUV. It offers rapid acceleration, confident handling, and excellent off-road capabilities. The R1S has a flexible driving range of 260 to 400 miles, depending on its configuration. While it may not have the smoothest ride, it excels in safety, earning the Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.
Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a well-rounded and affordable electric SUV. It offers ample passenger and cargo space, along with an extensive list of standard features. The ID.4 delivers quick acceleration and a secure driving experience, although some competitors offer longer driving ranges. It can travel between 209 and 275 miles on a full charge, depending on the configuration.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6
Hyundai has been recognised by the IIHS for its safety, with the electric Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 SUVs receiving Top Safety Pick+ awards. These models offer a host of advanced driving aids and impressive range capabilities. The Ioniq 5, in particular, delivers a respectable 237 miles of range on a single charge.
Subaru Solterra
The Subaru Solterra is Subaru's first all-electric SUV and has been recognised by the IIHS as one of the safest electric vehicles for 2025. It scored top marks in all of the IIHS's rigorous tests, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a safe and reliable electric SUV.
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$179.99 $249.99
Electric vehicles with advanced safety technology
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, with a global sales increase from 2% in 2018 to 18% in 2023. This boom can be attributed to the mass appeal of EVs, technological advances, and stricter safety laws. As a result of these factors, electric vehicles are now just as safe, if not safer, than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts.
When it comes to safety, it is essential to consider both crash test ratings and advanced safety technology. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are two organizations that conduct extensive tests and provide safety ratings for vehicles.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a leader in electrification, offering some of the best affordable models in the market. It combines engaging performance, excellent fuel economy, and futuristic tech. The Ioniq 5 provides a long list of standard driver-assistance features, including a top-view camera system, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. It has received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and is considered one of the safest cars on the road.
Genesis Electrified GV70
The Genesis Electrified GV70 is a beautiful and sporty electric vehicle that has earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS for vehicles built after April 2024. The entry-level Advanced trim comes loaded with safety features, including lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 Sportback E-Tron
The Audi Q4 E-Tron and its Sportback counterpart share a platform and frame with the Volkswagen ID.4, resulting in impressive safety ratings for all three vehicles. These compact luxury SUVs come standard with advanced safety features such as rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with lane guidance, and blind-spot monitoring. The Q4 E-Tron also boasts extremely strong crash scores, providing peace of mind in the event of a collision.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is a mid-size luxury SUV that has earned a Top Safety Pick+ status from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. While Tesla has not traditionally been known for its safety, the Model Y showcases their dedication to technology and efficiency. It comes equipped with the Autopilot suite of driver-assistance technology, enhancing the overall safety of the vehicle.
These vehicles represent some of the safest options in the electric vehicle market, offering a combination of advanced safety technology, solid safety ratings, and impressive performance. As the EV market continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative safety features and improvements in vehicle safety across the board.
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Safety standards and requirements
Safety is a key consideration when choosing a vehicle, and it is reassuring to know that electric vehicles (EVs) are held to the same standards and requirements as their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. Arguably, EVs are even safer, as they often feature the most up-to-date safety technology.
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are two organizations that conduct extensive tests and award safety ratings to vehicles, including EVs. These ratings help consumers identify the safest options on the market.
The IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards are given to vehicles that demonstrate superior performance in various crashworthiness tests. The Top Safety Pick+ award is the highest designation, indicating that a vehicle has excelled in all crash tests, including the challenging moderate front overlap test. The NHTSA, on the other hand, assigns a star rating to vehicles, with five stars being the highest possible score.
When it comes to specific safety features, driver-assistance technology is becoming increasingly important in EVs. This includes advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. These features not only help prevent accidents but also enhance the overall driving experience. Additionally, automatic emergency braking systems, which are now standard in many EVs, play a crucial role in mitigating the severity of collisions.
Other safety considerations in EVs include the anchoring system for child seats and the overall structural integrity of the vehicle. Strong crashworthiness scores indicate that a vehicle can effectively withstand impacts and protect its occupants. Furthermore, features like surround-view cameras, parking assist, and traffic sign recognition enhance situational awareness and help prevent collisions.
In conclusion, safety standards and requirements are stringent for EVs, ensuring that consumers can trust these vehicles to protect them and their families. With continuous advancements in technology and a focus on safety, EVs are not only a sustainable choice but also a safe one.
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Frequently asked questions
The safest electric vehicles of 2024 include the Audi Q4 e-tron, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Genesis GV70, the Nissan Ariya, and the Tesla Model Y.
The Audi Q4 e-tron comes standard with safety features like rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with lane guidance, and blind-spot monitoring.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 combines engaging performance, excellent fuel economy, and futuristic safety technology in one vehicle. It has a long list of standard safety features, including driver-assistance technology.
The Genesis GV70 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS for vehicles built after April 2024. It comes standard with safety features like lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
