According to the Tesla announcement, “Independent testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the Tesla Model S a 5-star safety rating, not just overall, but in every subcategory without exception.”
While the NHTSA’s report doesn’t capture ratings higher than a 5, safety levels that beat this mark are counted in the Vehicle Safety Score (VSS). In that survey the S scored a 5.4, setting a new record for the unlikeliness of passenger occupant injury.
As a part of the NHTSA’s tests autos, are subject to front, rear, side and rollover crash simulations. In the front test the S’s lack of engine ended up being an asset, allowing the full front compartment to be dedicated to passenger safety. The vehicle’s rear test results we’re also impressive due to the car’s optional second bumper.
In the more terrifying side collision test, the Tesla’s frame did crumple. However, occupants we’re still afforded 63.5 percent of the total space they had before the crash, a figure made more impressive when considering that the 5-star rated Volvo S50 only left 7.8 percent of the original interior space.
But the most awesome result of all of the Tesla’s tests was the roof rollover exam. In a never before seen feat, the Tesla S survived a 4g crushing force, actually forcing the testing machine to fail before the frame did.
While receiving this 5-star rating is sure to boost already booming sales, what’s most impressive about the new rating is that Tesla Motors is such a young company. Usually safety ratings like these take years to achieve, and in reality only one percent of all vehicles tested even achieve a five star rating.
Check out Videos of the Tesla During Tests:
Images & Video Courtesy of Tesla & CrashNew1