Top-Rated Electric Cars for Safety in 2025

Electric vehicles (EVs) are revolutionising how we drive — quiet, efficient, and packed with futuristic tech. But as the automotive world pivots away from petrol and diesel, one thing remains unchanged: safety still tops the list for most drivers.

Whether you’re shopping for your first EV or upgrading to the latest model, safety isn’t just about airbags anymore. It’s about rigorous crash tests, advanced driver assistance systems, and battery integrity in collisions. And in 2025, the bar has been raised even higher.

In this guide, we dive deep into the safest EVs of 2025, backed by trusted EV crash ratings, real-world examples, and expert reviews. We’ll help you understand what makes an electric car genuinely safe, and which models lead the pack this year in electric car safety.

Let’s explore the models that don’t just promise sustainability — but protect you and your family every mile of the journey.

What Defines EV Safety in 2025?

Crash-Test Ratings Still Matter

You’ve probably heard of Euro NCAP or the IIHS. These independent organisations put vehicles through rigorous crash simulations, measuring protection for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and even cyclists.

A 5-star rating from Euro NCAP, for instance, means a vehicle offers exceptional safety performance across multiple scenarios.

Beyond the Basics: Tech that Prevents Crashes

Today’s EVs are brimming with sensors, radar, and artificial intelligence. These help avoid accidents entirely. Key safety features include:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Lane-Keep Assist and Departure Warning
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Driver Attention Alerts

In 2025, the safest EVs come equipped with Level 2 or semi-autonomous systems as standard — giving you an extra pair of digital eyes on the road.

Battery Safety and Fire Resistance

A common concern with EVs is battery fires. Thankfully, manufacturers have made huge strides in thermal management, isolation systems, and impact-proof battery cages.

Leading EVs are now designed to shut down and isolate the battery on impact, reducing fire risks significantly.

Top 7 Safest EVs in 2025

Let’s look at the electric cars that combine stellar crash ratings with outstanding tech.

1. Tesla Model Y (2025 Update)

• Crash Ratings: 5 stars Euro NCAP | IIHS Top Safety Pick+
• Key Safety Tech: Tesla Vision (camera-based safety), Automatic Emergency Braking, Side Collision Avoidance
• What’s New: Improved side-impact crash structure and enhanced driver monitoring system

The Model Y remains a leader not just in electric range but also in safety. It scored 94% in adult occupant protection and 98% in safety assist features with Euro NCAP — among the highest ever recorded.

Anecdote: Oliver, a dad of twins from Birmingham, chose the Model Y for school runs and holidays.

“I loved the tech, but the fact it steers you away from danger before you even realise it — that’s priceless.”

2. Volvo EX30

• Crash Ratings: 5 stars Euro NCAP
• Key Safety Tech: Pilot Assist, Door Opening Alert (prevents cyclists collisions), Driver Understanding system
• Highlight: Uses recycled materials and still excels in safety

Volvo’s smallest EV packs serious protection. Designed with urban living in mind, the EX30 includes cyclist radar and a unique “Safe Space Technology” cabin layout.

It’s proof that compact can be mighty — especially when it comes to electric car safety.

3. BMW iX1

• Crash Ratings: 5 stars Euro NCAP
• Key Safety Tech: Intelligent Personal Assistant, Front-Collision Warning with brake intervention, Crossroads Alert
• Battery Safety: Reinforced underbody shielding and dual-circuit cooling

BMW’s smallest SUV EV is a safety powerhouse. The iX1 offers high levels of passive and active protection, along with precise crash energy dissipation.

Pro Tip: The iX1 comes standard with the Driving Assistant pack, but upgrade to Driving Assistant Professional for even more AI-backed support.

4. Hyundai Ioniq 6

• Crash Ratings: 5 stars Euro NCAP | IIHS Top Safety Pick+
• Key Safety Tech: Highway Driving Assist 2, Rear Occupant Alert, Remote Smart Parking
• Battery Focus: Intelligent thermal management and integrated fire-resistant casing

This sleek saloon doesn’t just turn heads — it’s been lauded globally for its structural strength. It scored 97% for adult occupant safety and boasts one of the lowest injury metrics in side-pole crash simulations.

5. Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

• Crash Ratings: 5 stars Euro NCAP
• Key Safety Tech: Pre-Safe Impulse Side, Active Blind Spot Assist, Exit Warning System
• Luxury Meets Safety: Burly crash frame combined with a suite of intelligent assists

Mercedes’ EQE SUV is a perfect blend of refinement and reassurance. The brand’s “Pre-Safe” suite prepares the vehicle when a collision is unavoidable, tightening seatbelts, adjusting seating angles, and more.

It’s like having a proactive co-pilot keeping you safe — even when things go wrong.

6. Polestar 2 (2025 Refresh)

• Crash Ratings: 5 stars Euro NCAP | Green NCAP commendation
• Key Safety Tech: Pilot Assist, Connected Safety, Post-impact Braking
• Sustainability Meets Security: Built with a reinforced steel frame and low centre of gravity for better control

Polestar, Volvo’s performance EV spinoff, brings Swedish safety DNA to a high-performance package. Its minimalist cockpit doesn’t skimp on smarts, either.

Reader tip: If you prefer a more subtle luxury EV, this one’s a top pick.

7. Kia EV9

• Crash Ratings: 5 stars Euro NCAP
• Key Safety Tech: Highway Driving Assist 2, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance, Safe Exit Assist
• Family-Friendly: 7-seat layout with side airbag protection in all three rows

Kia’s largest electric SUV is a fortress on wheels. Designed for big families or group road-trippers, the EV9 delivers massive occupant safety, especially for those in the third row — often neglected in crash protection designs.

What to Look for in an EV Safety Rating

Understanding what goes into those stars is key. Here’s what matters:

1. Adult and Child Occupant Protection

This score reflects how well the vehicle protects passengers in head-on, side, and rear collisions.

• Look for 90%+ scores for top-rated EVs
• Check child seat compatibility and ISOFIX anchor placements

2. Vulnerable Road User Safety

Pedestrian and cyclist detection matters — especially in cities. Look for:

• Forward Collision Warning systems
• Automatic braking for unseen crosswalk hazards
• Bonnet design that absorbs impact safely

3. Safety Assist Features

This covers how well the car helps you avoid accidents altogether. Focus on:

• Real-time driver monitoring
• Lane-centering accuracy
• Night-time pedestrian recognition

Used EVs and Safety: What Still Matters

Planning to buy a second-hand EV? Here’s how to ensure it’s still safe:

• Check crash history: Request a full HPI report
• Test all ADAS features during a test drive — including sensors and cameras
• Review battery casing and underbody for corrosion or damage
• Update firmware — many safety features rely on current software

Drive Electric, Drive Protected

The safest EVs in 2025 go far beyond just crash survival — they help prevent accidents in the first place. From intelligent driver aids to robust crash structures and battery protection, today’s top electric cars offer the kind of safety that earns trust, mile after mile.

Whether you’re considering the Volvo EX30 for your commute or a Kia EV9 for the family, the models listed here aren’t just leading the way in technology — they’re setting new benchmarks for protection.