The Tesla Model 3 thoroughly impressed the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with its electric vehicle (EV) safety credentials. Specifically, the Model 3 shined in the roof-crush protection category of IIHS testing. It isn’t just theoretical; the Model 3 proved it’s safe by resisting crushing energy to its roof in real life. The baby EV proved that a Tesla will resist a tree that falls on it.  

What happens when a tree falls on a Tesla?

Earlier in June, a tree fell onto the roof of a Tesla Model 3 while a driver was inside the EV. Luckily, the Model 3 took the brunt of the impact, and the driver was able to get out of the car. According to UK Motor1, the driver was totally unharmed in the event. It is safe to say that the Model 3 saved them from extreme bodily harm or worse.

Is the Tesla Model 3 a safe car?

In addition to defending against harm when a tree falls on the Tesla, the Model 3 has official safety credentials. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Tesla Model 3 is a safe car. The NHTSA gave the EV a five-star rating overall, including good scores in the agency’s subcategories to test vehicle safety. In addition to the NHTSA, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the latest Model 3s its Top Safety Pick+ rating, the highest rating the agency gives vehicles. 

Why are Tesla Model 3s so safe?

The Model 3, like the Model Y and other Tesla models, is inherently safe due to its design. First, the lack of an internal combustion engine (ICE) powerplant in the front of the vehicle frees up space to structure the front end for crashworthiness. Furthermore, the lack of flammable liquids in EVs makes them less prone to lighting on fire. Also, if a tree falls on a Tesla, it’s better suited to protect occupants than many other vehicles.

Next, the location of the heavy battery packs in the Tesla prevents rollovers. The cars tend to stay planted due to the low center of gravity. However, that attribute is almost redundant, given the Model 3’s reported ability to resist around 20,000 lbs of crushing force to its roof.  

If a tree falls on your Tesla, will you be safe? 

Owning a Model 3 or any other Tesla is no guarantee that you will be safe in a collision. However, this isn’t the first time that a Tesla has protected occupants from substantial objects falling onto the vehicle. According to UK Motor1, a Tesla Model 3 protected multiple occupants in 2019 when a metallic pole fell onto its roof. 

Should you buy a Model 3?

The Model 3 is an excellent option if you’re concerned about safety. It gets some of the highest available scores from the IIHS, and Tesla claims it is one of the safest vehicles the NHTSA has ever tested. It is also the closest thing to a bargain that car shoppers are going to get from the automaker. 

Scroll down to the following article to read more about the Tesla Model 3 and its safety credentials!