Tesla Model S has received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which proves that it is one of the safest vehicle in the U.S. The rating was not just compared to electric models but on all make and model approved by the agency.
The five-star rating, or 5.4 star rating to be exact, means that the Tesla Model S has the lowest possibility of causing injuries to its passengers. The electric sedan is joining the one percent group of cars awarded by NHTSA with a similar rating in the safety category.
Passenger safety is a serious issue for the agency. According to the NHTSA website, over 1,700 people die and 840,000 are injured yearly due to vehicle crashes along public highways.
It is no surprise that the electric sedan scored well on frontal crashes as it doesn't have a gasoline engine which can lead to explosions. Another is its "crumple zone" which decreases high-speed impact.
The Tesla Model S also achieved exceptional ratings in the side pole intrusion test, rear crash test and rollover risk.
The overall rating reached 5.4 even if the maximum is supposed to be five only. There were instances that NHTSA can give over five when the manufacturer deserves it.
Tesla also reportedly broke the testing machine during a roof crush test. The company said in a press release,
“Of note, during validation of Model S roof crush protection at an independent commercial facility, the testing machine failed at just above 4 g’s. While the exact number is uncertain due to Model S breaking the testing machine, what this means is that at least four additional fully loaded Model S vehicles could be placed on top of an owner’s car without the roof caving in.”
Tesla allowed the agency to retest the car after the initial results to ensure the rating is valid. The second evaluation retained the initial exceptional rating.
The new NHTSA report is another big score for the Tesla Model S which recently received a 99/100 score from Consumer Reports for the "best car" rating.
