Nissan Leaf is the first all-electric vehicle to receive a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA. 08/10/2011
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) introduced more rigorous and tougher crash testing standards that began with the 2011 model year. The new testing system is so different that the agency warns consumers not to compare safety ratings of older vehicles with those that have been subjected to the new process.
However, more in-depth testing also means more accurate safety ratings, which is good news for Nissan, as the LEAF was recently awarded a five-star overall vehicle rating. The LEAF scored five stars in the side crash test and four stars in frontal crash and rollover tests. The NHTSA reports that the new car has an 11 percent risk of rollover.
The new car is the first electric vehicle (EV) to receive the rating, but it is also the only EV currently available from a major automaker, USA Today reports. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety also gave the car two thumbs up by naming it a Top Safety Pick.
The Japanese electric car comes standard with dual-stage supplemental front air bags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags and three-point seat belts, among other safety features.