MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A growing number of electric vehicles are taking to the streets, and experts are now putting the electric cars through their paces to see how safe they are.
In front and side crash tests, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E performed well and was awarded the Top Safety Pick. The SUV is just one of several electric vehicles recently analyzed by the Road Safety Insurance Institute (IIHS).
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The Volvo XC40 Recharge, the Audi e-tron and the Tesla Model 3 have all received the highest award from Top Safety Pick +.
“These electric vehicles are just as powerful as the internal combustion engine models,” said David Harkey IIHS President.
Harkey says the results are encouraging as the production of electric cars is accelerating. Some automakers are planning to convert their fleets almost entirely to e-power in the coming decades.
“It has really good protection when it comes to accident safety. And it has the same properties when it comes to collision avoidance, ”says Harkey.
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Electric cars also seem to perform better in the real world, protecting drivers and passengers. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, claims for damages for electric vehicles were about 40% lower than for accidents involving identical gas-powered models.
“One of the reasons we think we’re seeing this is because the weight of an electric vehicle is bigger,” said Harkey.
E-powered cars weigh more because of the heavier batteries, and research shows that occupants in heavier vehicles experience less power in an accident, resulting in fewer injuries.
“This is good news for consumers. You can be confident of buying an electric vehicle, ”said Harkey.
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The IIHS will test more electric cars later this year to see if they get the grade.
