Electric vehicles have various unique features, one of which is how they perform in accidents. However, the question remains – are they safer or more dangerous than traditional cars?

The Global New Car Assessment Program (GNCAP) is an international organization that works towards the widespread implementation of the United Nations motor vehicle and safety regulations. Its goal is to lower the number of road fatalities and enhance pedestrian safety.

GNCAP evaluates new cars and assigns them a rating on a 5-star scale.

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Top Electric Car Crash Test Ratings

Make & Model	Safety Equipment	Overall rating	2022 Rating
Tesla Model Y	Standard	97%	5
Hyundai IONIQ 6	Standard	97%	5
smart #1	Standard	96%	5
Mercedes-EQ EQE	Standard	95%	5
Tesla Model S	Standard	94%	5
Cupra Born	Standard	93%	5
Volvo C40 Recharge	Standard	92%	5
ORA Funky Cat	Standard	92%	5
VW ID. Buzz	Standard	92%	5
Kia Niro	Standard	91%	4
BYD ATTO 3	Standard	91%	5
NIO ET7	Standard	91%	5
Kia EV6	Standard	90%	5
Lucid Air	Standard	90%	5
Genesis GV60	Standard	89%	5
Subaru Solterra	Standard	88%	5
Toyota bZ4X	Standard	88%	5
BMW i4	Standard	87%	4
Nissan Ariya	Standard	86%	5
Renault Megane E-Tech	Standard	85%	5
Mobilize Limo	Standard	80%	4

Tesla Model 3- IIHS crash testing

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a well-known assessor of vehicle safety, recently upgraded its crash testing facility to accommodate heavier cars weighing up to 9,500 pounds. Although this is much higher than the average weight of new cars (4,100 pounds), it is just enough to test the electric Hummer pickup (weighing 9,100 pounds) and the upcoming electric Hummer SUV, which is expected to weigh even more. Even the relatively lightweight Volvo EX90 weighs 6,200 pounds, the Mercedes EQS weighs 6,000 pounds, and a Tesla Model S sedan can reach 4,800 pounds.

A Tesla Model 3 during IIHS crash testing. It earned a Top Safety Pick + rating, though IIHS noted that the bottom of its A-pillar deformed a concerning 8 inches rearward.

So, till now, Tesla Model 3 is the best electric car in 2023 in terms of safety rating.