(May 25, 2011) ROLLE, Switzerland (PRNewswire-FirstCall) —The European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) has awarded the electric Nissan Leaf the highest level of car safety following its performance in the independent organization's stringent crash tests.

The zero-emission vehicle received a five-star rating, the first electric vehicle ever to earn this distinction.

The reigning European and World Car of the Year earned an 89 percent rating for adult safety, an 83 percent rating for child protection and an 84 percent rating for its on-board safety assist systems, which include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a speed limiter as standard.

The compact family hatchback also earned a higher-than-average 65 percent score for pedestrian safety, thanks in part to the low nose design and the comparative lack of "hard points" under the hood.

"Nissan Leaf proves that EVs can achieve the same safety levels as traditional cars. The standard is now set for the next generation of such cars on the European market," said Euro NCAP Secretary General Michiel van Ratingen.

Nissan Leaf's safety assessment followed standard Euro NCAP procedure, with tests for frontal impact, side impact, side pole impact and whiplash. The car's 48 lithium-ion battery modules, which are housed in a special compartment beneath the floor, completely withstood all the impacts.

In addition, the EV's battery system was switched on during the crash simulations to test the built-in safety measures of the electrical system, which includes automatic cut-off isolation in the event of an accident.