Pure peace of mind on the road: the safest electric cars of 2024

In 2023, 18% of all new cars sold worldwide were electric, whereas five years ago, electric cars accounted for only 2% of the new car market share. One of the main reasons for this rapid growth is the increasing safety of electric cars.

Cars US News has collected several new models of electric cars that impress with their safety performance based on test results. The rating is based on the declared equipment of the car with modern collision avoidance functions, as well as the results of crash tests conducted by the American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Nissan Leaf

• Safety rating: 9/10
• Overall rating: 7.1/10

If you plan to commute only to work and don't need a lot of space for passengers or cargo, the Nissan Leaf is the best choice for you. The Leaf was one of the first mass-produced electric cars, so all the shortcomings have already been eliminated. Despite its non-sporty appearance, this electric car can surprise you with its fast acceleration and maneuverability.

The Leaf's disadvantages include a short range of 240-340 km and a not-so-great interior. However, the model comes with a lot of standard features, including a user-friendly infotainment system and more driver assistance technologies than most competitors.

Audi Q4 e-tron

• Safety rating: 9,1/10
• Overall rating: 7.3/10

The Audi Q4 e-tron is an affordable electric SUV with spacious seating and a long list of standard features. All models are equipped with key benefits, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a host of safety features. In 2024, the Q4 e-tron will also receive adaptive cruise control with lane centering assistance.

The Q4 e-tron can travel up to 425 km on a single charge, which is not bad, but far from impressive. It also doesn't have the best performance, can be quite harsh to drive, and some drivers complain about steering sensitivity. Also, with the base Q4 engine, the e-tron feels underpowered on the highway. If you want to take everything from highway driving, choose the two-motor version.

Rivian R1S

• Safety rating: 9,2/10
• Overall rating: 8.2/10

The Rivian R1S is called one of the best electric cars in its class. Its luxurious interior provides comfortable three-row seating and ample luggage space. The standard infotainment system relies heavily on a 16-inch touchscreen. However, much to the disappointment of many smartphone users, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available. The long list of standard features, however, includes a surround view camera system and semi-autonomous driving, which somewhat compensates for this shortcoming.

The R1S accelerates quickly, corners confidently, and has no problems off-road. However, its ride isn't the smoothest, and its MPGe rating is below the class. The range is 420 to 645 km, depending on the configuration.

Volkswagen ID.4

• Safety rating: 9,5/10
• Overall rating: 7/10

As one of the least expensive options on this list, the Volkswagen ID.4 gives you a lot of features for a lot of money. It has ample passenger and cargo space, as well as plenty of standard features, including some not-so-common driver assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control and parking assist.

The ID.4 accelerates quickly enough for most driving situations. It provides a quiet ride and a sense of safety around corners. However, many electric SUV competitors have a longer range and livelier performance. Depending on the drivetrain configuration, the ID.4 can travel between 335 and 440 km on a single charge. MPGe figures are about average for the segment.

Audi Q8 e-tron

• Safety rating: 9,6/10
• Overall rating: 8.1/10

The Audi Q8 e-tron has one of the highest starting prices of all the cars in this slideshow. However, it is worth every penny. It's a high-end five-seater SUV that offers a relaxed ride and has a luxurious interior with modern technology. However, not everyone will like Audi's multifunctional infotainment system.

The Q8 e-tron can drive up to 480 km on a single charge, which is as good as the leading competitors. However, its MPGe rating is slightly behind. This Audi is easy to handle in corners, but its regenerative braking system does not offer the same one-pedal driving experience as competing electric vehicles.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

• Safety rating: 9,7/10
• Overall rating: 8.4/10

It's hard to find a more advanced electric SUV than the Hyundai Ioniq 5. It combines stunning performance, excellent fuel economy, and futuristic technology. The interior of this Hyundai has plenty of space for both passengers and luggage. The list of standard features is long and includes many driver assistance technologies.

Although the Ioniq 5 went into production only last year, it already has a number of improvements, including an increased range for certain models, a high maximum towing capacity, and the addition of a battery heating system as standard equipment for all trims.

Kia EV6

• Safety rating: 10/10
• Overall rating: 8.2/10

Although the Kia EV6 is not as affordable as many of the Korean automaker's other offerings, it is a pleasure to drive, comfortable, and packed with features. The model received the highest safety rating and has a long list of advanced driver assistance features. The EV6 has a range of 350 to 500 km. In addition, its MPGe ratings leave some competitors far behind.

The EV6 doesn't have many drawbacks, but one of them is the limited trunk space. In addition, some may feel that the car relies too heavily on touchscreen controls. This can be distracting while driving, so it's something you should pay attention to when test-driving.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

• Safety rating: 10/10
• Overall rating: 8.3/10

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is more of an electric SUV that has a lot of power and corners gracefully. However, its brakes may be too sensitive for some drivers. A fully charged Mustang Mach-E has a range of 360 to 500 km. Its MPGe rating is similar to the competition.

This Ford boasts a luxuriously appointed interior with plenty of room in both rows and more luggage space than almost all competitors. The Mustang Mach-E is equipped with driver assistance features, and it also has a semi-autonomous BlueCruise highway driving mode with automatic steering, acceleration and braking.

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