Safest Electric Cars for 2024
The safest used and new electric cars are ranked based on our analysis of the crash tests and safety ratings from the U.S. government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
iSeeCars has ranked 7 electric cars based on their safety scores from the NHTSA and IIHS. Using this scoring method the safest electric car is the Tesla Model 3 sedan electric with a perfect 10 out of 10 score. The first 6 of 26 electric cars receive a perfect 10 out of 10 score, confirming these models also score well in safety testing.
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). When two or more vehicles have the same safety score they are then ranked by their overall quality score, as shown below. Vehicles without any NHTSA or IIHS test data are not ranked. We have also listed standard and available safety technology for each model below.
Buyers seeking a safe electric vehicle will want to review the NHTSA and IIHS evaluations, as both agencies measure a vehicle’s crashworthiness in multiple areas. These include front and side crash performance for front and rear seat occupants, as well as active drive aids like automatic emergency braking and stability control, which improve front crash prevention and rollover protection.
While every driver wants a vehicle with good safety scores, the safest EVs earn the highest vehicle safety ratings from NHTSA (five-star) or IIHS (the Top Safety Pick+ award). Buyers might also consider an electric SUV like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Subaru Solterra, Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4 or Volvo XC40 Recharge. While these small SUVs don’t show off the sleek styling of a Model 3 or Polestar 2, they do offer a higher ride height and increased practicality.
As automakers expand their electric vehicle offerings you can expect more high-end models like the new Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback and Lexus RZ along with more affordable mainstream models. Electric-powered trucks will also cross over from specialty brands like Rivian to high-volume brands like Chevrolet and Toyota.
Buyers seeking a safe electric vehicle will want to review the NHTSA and IIHS evaluations, as both agencies measure a vehicle’s crashworthiness in multiple areas. These include front and side crash performance for front and rear seat occupants, as well as active drive aids like automatic emergency braking and stability control, which improve front crash prevention and rollover protection.
While every driver wants a vehicle with good safety scores, the safest EVs earn the highest vehicle safety ratings from NHTSA (five-star) or IIHS (the Top Safety Pick+ award). Buyers might also consider an electric SUV like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Subaru Solterra, Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4 or Volvo XC40 Recharge. While these small SUVs don’t show off the sleek styling of a Model 3 or Polestar 2, they do offer a higher ride height and increased practicality.
As automakers expand their electric vehicle offerings you can expect more high-end models like the new Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback and Lexus RZ along with more affordable mainstream models. Electric-powered trucks will also cross over from specialty brands like Rivian to high-volume brands like Chevrolet and Toyota.
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Safety score
10
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
7.2
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.6
/ 10
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Safety
10
/ 10
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Safety score
10
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
7.1
/ 10
-
Value Retention
6.9
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
-
Safety score
10
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
6.9
/ 10
-
Value Retention
7.0
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
-
Safety score
10
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
7.2
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
-
Safety score
10
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
6.6
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
-
Safety score
10
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
6.5
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
-
Safety score
8.0
/ 10
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
7.7
/ 10
-
Safety
8.0
/ 10
-
Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
9.4
/ 10
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Value Retention
6.8
/ 10
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Safety
Not Available
Hyundai IONIQ Electric
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Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
7.9
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.5
/ 10
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Safety
Not Available
BMW i3 (electric)
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Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
7.2
/ 10
-
Value Retention
6.4
/ 10
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Safety
Not Available
Smart EQ fortwo (hatchback)
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Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
7.7
/ 10
-
Value Retention
7.8
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
-
Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
7.0
/ 10
-
Value Retention
7.7
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
Smart EQ fortwo (convertible)
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Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
7.7
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
Honda Clarity Electric
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Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
7.6
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
Volkswagen e-Golf
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Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
7.1
/ 10
-
Value Retention
7.6
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
-
Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
7.5
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
Kia Soul EV
-
Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
7.2
/ 10
-
Value Retention
7.4
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
-
Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
6.9
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
-
Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
6.7
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
-
Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
6.6
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
-
Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
6.4
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
-
Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
6.3
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
-
Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
6.3
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
-
Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
6.2
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
-
Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
6.2
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
-
Safety score
Not Available
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
6.0
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
Related Rankings
How We Rank These Cars
The iSeeCars “Safest Car” lists rank cars, trucks and SUVs based on our analysis of the crash tests and safety ratings from the U.S. government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Along with the Safety scores, the lists show additional iSeeCars scores because we believe other factors should be taken into account to find the best overall vehicle. If there is a tie in the Safety scores between vehicles, we use the overall iSeeCars Score to break the tie.
The overall iSeeCars Score is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).