Characteristics of the Safest Electric Vehicles
Safe cars come in every shape and size, from small hatchbacks to full-size SUVs. However, there are a few things they have in common.
- They boast some of the best build quality
- They come with a host of the latest safety systems
- They still enjoy the performance and economy of an EV
- They offer cutting-edge technology
What to Consider When Buying the Safest EVs
There are more electric cars on the US market than ever before, and they’re not all winners. So, what are the benefits and disadvantages of buying one of the models that rank highest in the safety ratings?
Pros
- Perfect, or near-perfect, safety ratings
- Plenty of advanced driver-assistance features
- High fuel economy figures
- Being reliable is a key focus
- Loads of comfort and convenience features
Cons
- Some experimental safety tech is hit and miss
- High weight can make them unwieldy
- Driving range is not always the best
FAQs
What are the best and safest EVs?
Unsurprisingly, it is one of the oldest names in EV tech that takes the crown. The Tesla Model 3 has a perfect safety rating from the NHTSA, with the Model Y scoring similarly. Pickup trucks are also known for their rugged durability, and the Rivian R1T proves that adding electric power doesn’t hurt their capabilities.
What features does the safest EV have?
You will always get the essentials like ABS or EBD, stability and traction control, and a host of airbags (as many as ten in some models). All of these cars also get forward collision avoidance tech, including detection and automatic braking, as well as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and often rear automatic braking. However, not all features are for the better, with semi-autonomous driving systems like Tesla’s Autopilot drawing a lot of negative attention from some agencies.
How much do the safest electric vehicles cost?
The price range varies quite a bit, with mainstream models like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 selling for north of $40,000, while the Subaru Solterra goes for $45,000. The Tesla Model 3 also asks for around $40k and the Model Y for $5k more.