If you’re shopping for an EV, you’re probably thinking about range, charging speed, and price. But the safest electric cars go a lot deeper than airbag counts and marketing buzzwords. They combine strong crash structures, smart software, and mature battery engineering, backed by independent crash tests from IIHS and NHTSA.
Key takeaway
When in doubt, start with EVs that earn IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star NHTSA rating. From there, focus on size, active safety tech, and a clean recall history.
Why EV safety matters (and how it’s measured)
EVs are heavy, quick, and packed with high-voltage hardware. That combination can be incredibly safe for the people inside the vehicle, but only if the structure, software, and battery protection are well designed. Regulators and insurance-backed labs test these vehicles in ways that go far beyond a simple frontal crash.
- Crashworthiness – how well the body and restraints protect you in a crash (frontal, side, rollover).
- Crash avoidance – whether the car can help you avoid the collision in the first place (automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring).
- Post-crash safety – how well high-voltage components stay isolated and how easy it is for first responders to help you.
Tip for EV shoppers
Don’t just skim star ratings in ads. Go to IIHS and NHTSA and check the specific trim, body style, and build dates of the EV you’re considering, small running changes can affect safety ratings.
How IIHS and NHTSA rate the safest electric cars
In the U.S., two independent bodies dominate the safety conversation: IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). They test gas and electric cars using the same procedures, so you can directly compare EVs to conventional vehicles.
Crash-test ratings you should actually care about
Understanding Top Safety Pick+, Top Safety Pick and 5-star scores
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
Top Safety Pick+ is currently the toughest mainstream safety award to earn in the U.S.
- Good ratings in updated moderate overlap and side tests
- Good small overlap front tests
- Standard headlights rated Acceptable or Good
- Strong pedestrian front crash prevention
IIHS Top Safety Pick
Top Safety Pick is still excellent, but allows a bit more leeway.
- Good small overlap and side tests
- Acceptable updated moderate overlap allowed
- Acceptable or Good headlights
- Acceptable or Good pedestrian crash prevention
NHTSA 5-Star Ratings
NHTSA focuses on frontal, side, and rollover performance.
- Overall 5-star score is ideal
- Check sub-scores for frontal, side, and rollover
- Look for newer tests: some 2025 EVs are still pending results
EV safety by the numbers
The safest electric cars of 2025: Quick shortlist
Based on 2024–2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ awards and recent NHTSA crash ratings, these are among the safest electric cars you can buy in the U.S. right now. Availability and ratings can vary by trim and build date, so always confirm details for the exact vehicle you’re shopping:
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 – Midsize sedan, IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2024 & 2025) and 5-star NHTSA rating; one of the highest-rated EVs overall.
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Small SUV, IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2024, 2025), strong NHTSA scores; excellent active safety suite.
- Genesis GV60 – Small luxury SUV, IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2024–2025) with advanced crash-avoidance tech.
- Genesis Electrified GV70 – Midsize luxury SUV, IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2025–2026).
- Ford Mustang Mach-E – Midsize SUV, IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and strong NHTSA scores on recent model years.
- Kia EV9 – Three-row SUV, IIHS Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ depending on year and build (2024–2025).
- Subaru Solterra / Toyota bZ4X – Small SUVs, IIHS Top Safety Pick+ in recent tests.
- Tesla Model Y – Midsize luxury SUV, IIHS Top Safety Pick+ in 2025 with strong crash performance and standard active safety tech.
- Rivian R1S – Large SUV, IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for vehicles built after late 2024.
- Rivian R1T – Large pickup, IIHS Top Safety Pick in 2025–2026 model years.
Check build dates and trims
IIHS awards sometimes apply only to vehicles built after a specific month or with specific headlights or options. Before you buy, especially used, verify that the exact VIN you’re considering falls within the tested range.
Safest small and midsize electric cars
If you don’t need an SUV, the safest electric cars in the small and midsize segments can offer stellar protection, great efficiency, and easier parking. Just keep in mind that, all else equal, a larger vehicle still has a physics advantage in multi-vehicle crashes.
Top safety picks: Small & midsize electric cars (2024–2025)
Representative safety-focused EV cars based on current IIHS and NHTSA data. Always confirm ratings for the exact model year and trim.
| Model | Class | Key Safety Awards (2024–2025) | Notable Safety Tech |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Midsize sedan | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (’24–’25); NHTSA 5-star overall | Forward collision-avoidance with junction turning, lane-keeping assist, highway drive assist, blind-spot collision avoidance |
| Genesis Electrified G80 | Large luxury sedan | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (’24) | Multiple front crash-prevention systems, advanced lane-centering, surround-view cameras |
| Hyundai Kona Electric (latest gen) | Subcompact hatchback | Good IIHS crashworthiness; strong NHTSA results in most trims | Forward collision-avoidance, lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring (availability varies by trim) |
| Tesla Model 3 (recent refresh) | Compact sedan | Strong NHTSA crash results; IIHS data varies by year | Standard automatic emergency braking, lane departure avoidance, active safety via Tesla Vision |
Key safety awards for small and midsize electric cars.
How to compare small EVs fairly
Instead of asking “Is a compact EV safe?”, ask “How does this compact EV compare to other compact cars?” IIHS explicitly warns that a small Top Safety Pick+ car may still offer less protection than a larger vehicle in a multi-vehicle crash.
Safest electric SUVs for families
If you’re hauling kids, pets, or a lot of gear, a small or midsize electric SUV hits the sweet spot between safety, range, and practicality. The EVs below stand out for strong crash-test results and robust active safety suites.
Standout safe electric SUVs (2024–2025)
Family-friendly EVs with strong independent safety ratings
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Ioniq 5 has earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status in 2024 and 2025 and scores well with NHTSA.
- Excellent crash protection for front and rear occupants
- Standard Highway Driving Assist on most trims
- Good pedestrian detection and rear automatic braking
Tesla Model Y
The Model Y is now an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ midsize luxury SUV.
- Very strong occupant protection thanks to rigid battery structure
- Standard automatic emergency braking and lane-keep support
- Over-the-air updates can improve safety features over time
Subaru Solterra / Toyota bZ4X
These twins both earn Top Safety Pick+ in recent testing.
- Good results in updated side and moderate overlap tests
- Standard all-wheel drive (Solterra) and robust active safety tech
- Toyota Safety Sense / Subaru EyeSight suites standard
Kia EV9: Safe three-row electric SUV
The Kia EV9 brought three-row seating to mainstream EVs and quickly picked up IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition (with some build-date caveats). It combines a rigid E-GMP platform, a long wheelbase, and a serious active safety suite with optional Highway Driving Assist and lane-change assist.
If you routinely carry a full family plus cargo, the EV9’s size works in your favor in multi-vehicle crashes, but be mindful of its mass and braking distances.
Genesis GV60 & Electrified GV70
Genesis GV60 and Electrified GV70 pair luxury with excellent safety: both have earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status in recent years. Beyond strong crash performance, they pack features like blind-spot view monitors, junction-turning crash avoidance, and advanced adaptive cruise control.
For many buyers, these are among the safest electric cars if you want a premium cabin without going all the way to full-size luxury SUVs.
Why SUVs dominate EV safety lists
Look at IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winners and you’ll notice a pattern: lots of small and midsize SUVs. The taller body and extra structure give engineers more room for effective crumple zones, crash beams, and battery protection.
Safest electric pickup trucks
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The electric pickup space is still young, but safety testing is starting to catch up. At this point, Rivian’s R1T stands out as the best-studied choice, while other trucks are still gathering real-world and lab data.
What we know about EV pickup safety so far
1. Rivian R1T: IIHS Top Safety Pick
The <strong>Rivian R1T</strong> crew cab earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick award for 2025–2026 model years, with strong crashworthiness and solid pedestrian detection. It’s one of the few EV trucks with that level of independent validation.
2. Tesla Cybertruck: 5-star NHTSA, open questions
Tesla’s Cybertruck has achieved a 5-star NHTSA overall rating, but it’s also faced multiple recalls and questions about pedestrian safety and repairability. Until more independent pedestrian and updated crash tests are complete, treat it as a work in progress rather than a benchmark.
3. Ford F-150 Lightning & others
The F-150 Lightning and other electric pickups leverage platforms originally designed for gas trucks. Their safety story is evolving as IIHS and NHTSA complete more tests and as crash data accumulates. When shopping, look for 5-star NHTSA ratings and any IIHS awards by body style.
Heavy trucks, higher stakes
Electric trucks are extremely heavy. That mass protects occupants but increases energy in a crash, which can be bad news for smaller vehicles and pedestrians. Give yourself extra following distance and don’t assume driver-assistance systems can overcome physics.
Do EVs actually crash better than gas cars?
Structurally, many modern EVs have advantages over their gas counterparts. There’s no engine block to intrude into the cabin in a frontal crash, and the battery pack can stiffen the floor while engineers tune large crumple zones at both ends. That’s part of why vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Tesla Model Y perform so well in small-overlap and side impacts.
- Rigid skateboard platforms – The battery casing adds structural rigidity, helping maintain cabin shape in severe impacts.
- Low center of gravity – Mounting the pack in the floor makes rollovers less likely, which NHTSA’s rollover tests reflect for many EVs.
- Fast-reacting software – EVs are often developed with modern electrical architectures that make it easier to coordinate airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and active safety in complex crashes.
The trade-off: occupant vs. outside safety
The same mass and stiffness that help protect EV occupants can be harder on smaller vehicles and pedestrians in a crash. This is one reason regulators are tightening pedestrian safety and front-end design standards. When you’re shopping, pay attention to IIHS pedestrian crash prevention ratings, not just occupant scores.
Battery fires, recalls, and high-voltage safety
High-profile EV fires get a lot of attention, but statistically they remain rare relative to gasoline fires. The real story is that battery safety is improving, while automakers and regulators are getting less tolerant of even small risks, leading to large recalls when something doesn’t look right.
What happens in a crash?
Modern EVs are designed so that the high-voltage system automatically disconnects in a crash, preventing current from flowing if airbags deploy or crash sensors trigger. The pack itself is heavily shielded and mounted within stiff frames, away from most routine impact zones.
IIHS and NHTSA also check for post-crash electrical safety, including electrolyte leakage and risk of fire after impact.
Why recalls matter
We’ve seen large recalls of plug-in vehicles over potential battery fire risks, and more recently, EVs recalled for software issues with driver-assistance systems. A recall doesn’t automatically make a vehicle unsafe, but it’s a sign to dig deeper.
When you’re evaluating the safest electric cars, look at both crash-test performance and recall history. A clean record plus strong ratings is ideal; a long list of fire- or steering-related recalls is a red flag.
Practical battery safety tips
If your EV is involved in a significant crash, treat it like a potential high-voltage incident: move away from the vehicle, call emergency services, and follow their guidance. If a recall advises parking outside or avoiding charging until a fix is available, take it seriously and schedule the repair quickly.
How to choose a safe used EV
For many buyers, the real question isn’t just “What are the safest electric cars?”, it’s “How do I make sure the specific used EV I’m about to buy is as safe as the brochures claim?” This is where data and inspection matter more than marketing.
Used EV safety checklist
1. Confirm crash-test ratings by year and body style
Look up IIHS and NHTSA results for the exact model year, body style, and drivetrain (RWD vs AWD) you’re considering. Ratings can change across facelifts or even headlight updates.
2. Check recall history and completed fixes
Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup. Ensure any safety-related recalls, especially for high-voltage batteries or steering/braking software, have documented repairs.
3. Inspect for crash repairs and structural damage
A clean Carfax/Autocheck is not enough. Look for panel gaps, overspray, frame repairs, or airbag replacement history. Poorly repaired vehicles may not protect you the way crash tests suggest.
4. Evaluate driver-assistance features live
On a test drive, verify that adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking behave predictably. Malfunctioning sensors or cameras are a safety issue, not just an annoyance.
5. Review battery health and thermal history
Battery degradation affects range more than crash safety, but extreme overheating events or repeated DC fast charging abuse can stress the pack. A health report helps you understand how conservatively the car’s been used.
6. Use third-party diagnostics and reports
This is where services like the <strong>Recharged Score</strong> come in, combining battery diagnostics, fair-market pricing, and inspection data so you can see, at a glance, how a used EV has actually been treated.
How Recharged can help
Every EV listed on Recharged comes with a Recharged Score Report that includes verified battery health, a pricing reality check, and expert guidance. That means you’re not just gambling on a “Top Safety Pick” badge, you’re buying a specific car whose condition has been independently vetted.
Safest EVs comparison table (2024–2025)
Use this table as a starting point when shortlisting the safest electric cars. It focuses on models with strong IIHS and/or NHTSA results in the U.S. market as of late 2025. Always verify awards and ratings for your exact model year, trim, and build date.
Representative safest electric cars and SUVs
Selected EVs with strong independent safety ratings and robust active safety tech.
| Model | Segment | IIHS Award (recent years) | NHTSA Overall Rating* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Midsize car | Top Safety Pick+ (’24–’25) | 5 stars (recent MY) | One of the highest-rated EVs overall; excellent efficiency and fast charging. |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Small SUV | Top Safety Pick+ (’24–’25) | Strong results (where tested) | Family-friendly small SUV with strong pedestrian protection and rear AEB. |
| Genesis GV60 | Small luxury SUV | Top Safety Pick+ (’24–’25) | Not yet rated / limited data | Advanced crash avoidance, luxury cabin, strong IIHS performance. |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | Midsize SUV | Top Safety Pick+ (’24–’25) | 5 stars (recent MY) | Strong crashworthiness plus Ford Co-Pilot360 active safety tech. |
| Tesla Model Y | Midsize luxury SUV | Top Safety Pick+ (’25) | 5 stars (recent MY) | Excellent occupant protection; frequent OTA updates for safety systems. |
| Kia EV9 | Midsize/large SUV | Top Safety Pick or TSP+ depending on build | NHTSA results pending / limited | Three-row family EV with robust structure; check build-date caveats. |
| Subaru Solterra / Toyota bZ4X | Small SUV | Top Safety Pick+ (recent) | Early NHTSA data promising | Twins with strong IIHS results and standard ADAS suites. |
| Rivian R1S | Large SUV | Top Safety Pick+ (built after late ’24) | Limited NHTSA data | Large, heavy SUV with strong crash performance; watch software recalls. |
| Rivian R1T | Large pickup | Top Safety Pick (’25–’26) | Limited NHTSA data | One of the only EV pickups with an IIHS safety award. |
| Genesis Electrified GV70 | Midsize luxury SUV | Top Safety Pick+ (’25–’26) | Gas GV70 rated 5 stars; EV pending | Premium cabin with comprehensive active safety tech. |
This table is not exhaustive, but highlights EVs frequently cited as safety leaders in their segments.
About those asterisks
NHTSA doesn’t test every model year of every EV, and sometimes ratings carry over when there are no major structural changes. Always confirm on NHTSA’s site whether a rating is based on a fresh test or a carryover assumption.
FAQ: Safest electric cars
Frequently asked questions about EV safety
Bottom line: How to shop for the safest electric car
The safest electric cars in 2025 aren’t just about badges, they’re the products of well-understood platforms, tough crash testing, and robust software that gets better over time. Models like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and 5, Tesla Model Y, Genesis GV60, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV9, and Rivian’s SUVs and trucks show that EVs can hit the very top of the safety charts across multiple segments.
If you’re buying new, focus on Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ winners with 5-star NHTSA ratings, strong active safety tech, and, crucially, a size that matches how you actually drive. If you’re buying used, pair those ratings with VIN-level recall checks, careful inspection, and a trusted battery and condition report.
At Recharged, every used EV we list comes with a Recharged Score Report, so you’re not just choosing a safe model in theory, you’re choosing a specific car whose health and history have been verified. That’s how you turn safety ratings into real-world peace of mind.
