(April 26, 2011) The two mainstream electric cars now sold in the U.S. have earned top crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. IIHS has awarded the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt its highest safety ratings. 

Both earned a 2011 Top Safety Pick achieving "good" scores — the highest possible — in four types of crash tests, front, side, rear and rollover.

"What powers the wheels is different, but the level of safety for the Volt and Leaf is as high as any of our other top crash test performers," says Joe Nolan, the Institute's chief administrative officer.

"The way an electric or hybrid model earns top crash test ratings is the same way any other car does," Nolan said. "Its structure must manage crash damage so the occupant compartment stays intact and the safety belts and airbags keep people from hitting hard surfaces in and out of the vehicle."

The Volt and Leaf are the first mainstream electric cars the Institute has tested. Last year engineers put two low-speed electric vehicles through side barrier tests for research purposes. Results for the GEM e2 and Wheego Whip were starkly different from results for the Volt and Leaf.

Crash test dummies in the GEM and Wheego recorded data suggesting severe or fatal injuries to real drivers. The GEM and Whip belong to a class of golf cart-like vehicles that aren't required to meet the same federal safety standards as passenger vehicles. Although growing in popularity, these tiny electrics aren't designed to mix with regular traffic.

"Eco-minded drivers keen on switching to electric would do well to buy a Leaf or Volt for highway driving instead of a low-speed vehicle if they're at all concerned about being protected in a crash," Nolan said.

 “Safety remains one of the most important factors buyers weigh when purchasing a vehicle,” said Doug Parks, Volt global vehicle line executive.  “The IIHS designation reiterates the Volt as a safe, practical vehicle that can be a family’s only car — without compromises.

“Nissan has a long standing commitment to safety and innovation,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan North America. “The award confirms that the commitment to passenger safety continues with the 100% electric Nissan Leaf.”