Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt gain top safety ratings in IIHS crash tests
03 May 2011|3,169 views
The Leaf and the Volt earned the top rating of “good” for front, side, rear and rollover crash protection, in the first ever U.S. crash test evaluations of plug-in electric cars, conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).As both cars also come with electronic stability control systems as standard, the IIHS has also recommended them as Top Safety Picks, which is the Institute's award for state-of-the-art crash protection.
"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. 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," Nolan added.
While the Leaf and Volt are classified as compact cars due to their dimensions, their weights make them closer to mid-sized car, due to their battery packs. The Leaf and Volt weighs 1,529kg and 1,705kg respectively. "The Leaf and Volt's extra mass gives them a safety advantage over other small cars. These electric models are a win-win for fuel economy and safety," Nolan says.
The Leaf and the Volt earned the top rating of “good” for front, side, rear and rollover crash protection, in the first ever U.S. crash test evaluations of plug-in electric cars, conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
As both cars also come with electronic stability control systems as standard, the IIHS has also recommended them as Top Safety Picks, which is the Institute's award for state-of-the-art crash protection.
"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. 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," Nolan added.
While the Leaf and Volt are classified as compact cars due to their dimensions, their weights make them closer to mid-sized car, due to their battery packs. The Leaf and Volt weighs 1,529kg and 1,705kg respectively. "The Leaf and Volt's extra mass gives them a safety advantage over other small cars. These electric models are a win-win for fuel economy and safety," Nolan says.
As both cars also come with electronic stability control systems as standard, the IIHS has also recommended them as Top Safety Picks, which is the Institute's award for state-of-the-art crash protection.
"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. 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," Nolan added.
While the Leaf and Volt are classified as compact cars due to their dimensions, their weights make them closer to mid-sized car, due to their battery packs. The Leaf and Volt weighs 1,529kg and 1,705kg respectively. "The Leaf and Volt's extra mass gives them a safety advantage over other small cars. These electric models are a win-win for fuel economy and safety," Nolan says.
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