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In 2011, the Information Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) performed crash-test evaluations on plug-in electric cars for the very first time.  The Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf received the highest safety rating (the top rating of “good”) for rear, frontal, side and rollover crash protection.  Their rating for electronic stability control was still acceptable in the standard range, giving both the Volt and the Leaf a spot among the IIHS Top Safety Picks List for 2011.

The good news for consumers: It is clear that automakers are utilizing safety engineering in their electric cars that rivals that used in their vehicles with internal combustion engines.

The 2011 Top Safety Picks for all sizes of cars, vans and SUVs has been published by the IIHS, and it recognizes 38 cars, 25 SUVs and one minivan, in addition to the Leaf and Volt hybrid vehicles. When comparing this 2011 list to that of 2010, you will find more than double the number of vehicles to choose from that meet the safety criteria used by the IIHS.