When purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), safety is a paramount concern, just as it is with traditional cars. Experts emphasize that a high safety rating is crucial, especially for family transportation, to maximize protection in the event of an accident. This list compiles the five safest EVs currently on the market, based on top ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The 2026 Tesla Model Y earns a perfect five-star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA, excelling in side, frontal, and rollover crash tests. It includes comprehensive safety features like automated emergency braking and lane departure warnings.
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, though awaiting NHTSA rating, is packed with advanced safety technology including blind-spot collision avoidance and pedestrian detection systems, making it a strong safety contender.
The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E received a 5-star NHTSA rating and the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. It offers robust safety systems like rear cross-traffic alert and lane-keeping assist across its trim levels.
Volvo's reputation for safety continues with the 2026 EX90, a large electric SUV that achieved the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. It aced most safety categories, upholding the brand's long-standing safety legacy.
Rounding out the list is the 2025 Audi A6 e-tron, which holds an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. It features a suite of driver-assistance systems and is one of the top-rated electric sedans for safety available.
Our methodology relied exclusively on the highest safety ratings published by the IIHS and NHTSA for current model years. This selection represents some of the safest options, though other highly-rated EVs are also available.