Tesla Model S Gets Perfect Safety Score From NHTSA

The Tesla Model S received a perfect safety score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In a press release on Monday night, Tesla Motors announced their vehicle won a five-star safety rating.

The perfect score has been given to just one percent of all vehicles tested by the NHTSA. And the Model S apparently set the record for the lowest likelihood of injury to occupants.

The company added that the Tesla Model S also exceeded the safety score of all SUVs and minivans that have been tested, reports Reuters.

There are a few reasons for the perfect score. One is that the Model S has no front engine block, because it is an electric car. That allows for a longer “crumple zone” to reduce the shock of a crash. Tesla Motors added that the Model S also broke the NHTSA’s equipment.

A machine the agency uses in the roof-crush test broke while it was trying to cave in the roof of the electric sedan. The NHTSA rating is more good news for the Tesla Model S, which is currently the best-selling US electric car, despite its hefty price tag.

ABC News notes that the Model S has already won the favor of Motor Trend Magazine and Consumer Reports, who gave the car top ratings as well.

The company added in a statement, “Safety levels better than 5 stars are captured in the overall Vehicle Safety Score (VSS) provided to manufacturers. The Model S achieved a new combined record of 5.4 stars.”

The score is also a win for Tesla, because the company appears to be making safety a priority in its vehicles. The company recalled some models in June over a weak mounting bracket in the left back seat. The flaw wasn’t noticed by a regulatory agency, and no injuries were reported from the weak bracket issue.

Are you surprised to hear the Tesla Model S got a perfect safety score from the NHTSA?

[Image by Steve Jurvetson via Wikimedia Commons]