The Audi e-tron is a top performer in safety

These Are Some of the Safest EVs on the Market

The Audi e-tron, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, and Volvo XC40 Recharge are some of the safest EVs on the market. They all performed well in tests from multiple agencies.

by Erik Sherman

Published on June 4, 2022 1:00 pm

2 min read

Is the Tesla Model 3 a safe car?

The Tesla Model 3 is one of the safest EVs with great ratings.

Tesla Model 3 EVs at the Shanghai factory | Ding Ting, Getty Images

The Tesla Model 3 is a Top Safety Pick+ of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). On top of the accolades from the IIHS, the Model 3 snagged a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In both agencies’ tests, the Model 3 performed well in active and passive protection categories. Furthermore, the smallest member of the Tesla lineup impressed officials with its ability to resist nearly 20,000 lbs of crushing force to its roof.

The Tesla Model Y is one of the safest EVs and refuses to tip over

Like the Model 3, the Tesla Model Y managed to earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The Model Y also got an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA. To gain that rating, the Model Y had to perform well in a number of crash tests, including a 35 mph frontal impact.

In addition to the safety credentials from the NHTSA and IIHS, the Model Y refuses to roll over. Like the Model 3, the Model Y features a low center of gravity thanks to battery placement. As a result, the Tesla EV requires tremendous force to roll onto its roof. However, if you do manage to roll either Tesla vehicle over, they both score top marks in roof strength.

Is the Audi e-tron a safe electric vehicle?

Both the Audi e-tron and the e-tron Sportback earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. In addition to the overall rating, the Audi e-tron received top scores in nearly every category. Frankly, the only blemish in the e-tron’s near-perfect safety report card is an acceptable rating for its optional Digital Matrix Headlights package. Despite the one headlight issue, the e-tron seems a safe pick for consumers looking for an EV.

Audi e-tron | Audi

Is the Volvo XC40 Recharge one of the safest EVs?

Volvo has an accomplished tenure as a safety-oriented automaker. With Volvo’s latest direction of going entirely electric by 2030, that safety reputation is applied to an increasing library of EVs. The XC40 Recharge is another Top Safety Pick+ rating vehicle. Additionally, the XC40 SUV earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

Which car should you buy?

Motortrend is a fan of the Tesla Model 3 and the Model Y. Further, all of these vehicles managed to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Also, the Audi e-tron gets excellent safety scores. Finally, in addition to great safety scores, the Volvo XC40 Recharge is partnering with firefighters to improve EV accident response.

Regardless of which electric vehicle you choose, these are some of the safest EVs on the market. If you want to read more about EV shopping, scroll down to the following article.

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).