Top 10 EVs: Least crash-prone and most affordable
A new study from Bruning Legal ranks electric vehicles by their crash rate and price, offering a data-driven look at which EVs provide the best value for safety-conscious shoppers.
What this study measures
The rankings are based on two key factors: the number of crashes per 10,000 vehicles and the vehicle’s starting MSRP.
How the rankings were calculated
Crash and cost data were normalized, each given equal weight (50/50), and combined into a single composite score for each EV model.
Hyundai Kona Electric
Scoring 82.09, the Kona Electric ranked first. It combines a low crash rate with a competitive price, making it the study’s safest and most affordable overall pick.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
With a score of 81.59, the Bolt EV places second. Its strong affordability and favorable safety data place it near the top of the rankings.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Earning a score of 80.52, the Mach-E balances wide appeal, solid safety performance, and pricing that keeps it within reach for many buyers.
Nissan Leaf
One of the longest-running EVs in the market, the Leaf scored 76.85. Its low starting price and solid crash record help it secure fourth place.
Volkswagen ID.4
The ID.4 earns a score of 76.13, just behind the Leaf. Its balanced safety performance and accessible pricing helped it climb to fifth in the rankings.
Tesla Model Y
The Model Y scored 75.58, placing sixth. While not the cheapest in its class, its safety metrics helped it earn a high composite score.
Audi e-tron
Audi’s all-electric SUV scored 74.55. Though premium-priced, its strong crash data helped it outperform many other vehicles in its segment.
Tesla Model 3
Scoring 73.83, the Model 3 ranked eighth. Its affordability among Tesla models and solid crash performance placed it in the top ten.
Kia Niro
The Niro EV earned a composite score of 44.15. It’s among the more affordable options but showed a greater drop in crash performance compared to others ranked higher.
Hyundai Ioniq
Rounding out the top ten with a score of 28.99, the Hyundai Ioniq’s affordability helped it stay on the list, though its safety data pulled the score lower.
What this means for EV buyers
Description: The study offers a reference point for shoppers seeking a balance between cost and crash safety. While it does not cover features or range, it highlights real-world safety value in the EV segment.
