The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced its top safety picks for 2024, with 71 models qualifying for at least one award. Among them, the Genesis Electrified G80, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Tesla Model Y earned the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ award. Several other EVs received the lower Top Safety Pick award, showcasing the overall safety of electric vehicles.
The IIHS implemented tougher requirements for the 2024 awards, including a more demanding side crash test and updated pedestrian front-crash prevention test. Vehicles now need a top “Good” score in these tests to qualify for an award. The organization also introduced an updated moderate front-overlap test, focusing on rear seat safety and requiring an “Acceptable” or “Good” rating for the Top Safety Pick+ award.
Despite the focus on crash safety, the IIHS also highlighted concerns about the weight of EVs. A recent study suggested that EVs could be too heavy for U.S. highway guardrails, raising questions about their impact on road infrastructure. Additionally, the CEO of Stellantis suggested that quicker acceleration in EVs could be a safety asset, though the IIHS does not incorporate this into its evaluations.
Overall, the IIHS’ evaluations provide valuable insights into the safety of EVs and highlight the advancements in crash performance and prevention technology. As the EV market continues to grow, ensuring the safety of these vehicles remains a top priority for manufacturers and regulators.
### IIHS Top Safety Picks for EVs in 2024
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced its top safety picks for 2024, with several electric vehicles earning high marks. The Genesis Electrified G80, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Tesla Model Y were among the EVs awarded the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ designation, showcasing the commitment to safety in the electric vehicle industry.
### Tougher Requirements for 2024 Awards
The IIHS implemented stricter criteria for the 2024 awards, including a more challenging side crash test and updated pedestrian front-crash prevention test. Vehicles now need a top “Good” score in these tests to qualify for an award, emphasizing the importance of crash performance and prevention technology in vehicle safety.
### Concerns About EV Weight
While EVs have been lauded for their environmental benefits, the IIHS highlighted concerns about their weight and impact on road infrastructure. A recent study suggested that EVs may be too heavy for U.S. highway guardrails, raising questions about the long-term safety implications of electric vehicles on the road.
### CEO of Stellantis on EV Safety
The CEO of Stellantis recently suggested that quicker acceleration in EVs could be a safety asset, sparking a debate about the relationship between performance and safety in electric vehicles. While acceleration can improve responsiveness on the road, the IIHS does not incorporate this factor into its safety evaluations.
### Future of EV Safety
As the EV market continues to expand, manufacturers and regulators must prioritize safety in the development of electric vehicles. The IIHS’ evaluations provide valuable insights into the crash performance and prevention technology of EVs, guiding the industry towards safer and more sustainable transportation options.