Tesla Model S Gets Top Safety Rating

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By Stan Schroeder2013-08-20 06:55:26 UTC

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded Tesla's Model S a 5-star safety rating, with the electric sedan smashing a few records in the process.

According to Tesla Motors, Tesla Model S set a new record for the lowest likelihood of injury to occupants — and that's compared to "every major make and model approved for sale in the United States".

When it comes to frontal impacts, it's easy to see why Tesla scored so well. Not being burdened with a gasoline engine in the front like most cars, Tesla Model S has a longer "crumple zone," which helps it absorb a high-speed impact.

However, Tesla Model S also scored exceptionally well in the side pole intrusion test, rear crash test and rollover risk.

Though official NHTSA ratings do not go over 5 stars, better scores are possible to achieve, and NHTSA provides them to the manufacturers. Tesla's combined score was a record 5.4 stars.

Tesla also mentions that the Model S broke the testing machine at an independent commercial facility during a roof crush protection test. Its approximate score was just above 4 g's, meaning it could sustain four Tesla Model S vehicles on its roof without caving in.

The NHTSA report is another big score for the Tesla Model S, which tied with the highest-ever rating from Consumer Reports in May 2013.

Image: Tesla Motors

Topics: Gadgets, model s, Tech, tesla motors, Tesla Model S