The 5 safest EVs to drive in 2025
Electric cars are becoming more popular than ever, with around 4 million Americans now behind the wheel of an EV. But safety remains a top priority, especially after high-profile incidents like the Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Texas. That’s why Yijin Hardware, an auto parts manufacturer, conducted an in-depth study to uncover the safest EVs on the market this year.
The researchers combined real-world crash data, recall history, and independent safety surveys to create a Car Safety Score out of 100. The results give shoppers a clearer picture of how these vehicles perform when it matters most. Here are the top 5 safest EVs of 2025.
Hyundai Kona Electric – Safest EV overall
The Hyundai Kona Electric takes the crown as the safest electric car of 2025 with a perfect 100/100 safety score. Out of more than 429,000 vehicles sold, only 2 crashes were recorded, resulting in an astonishingly low 0.05 incidents per 10,000 cars. That’s a level of real-world safety unmatched by any other EV in the study.
Recalls are another measure of a car’s long-term reliability, and here too the Kona shines. With just 8 recalls over three years, it shows strong build quality and consistent engineering. For buyers who want peace of mind, the Kona Electric proves that going electric doesn’t mean compromising on safety.
Volkswagen ID.4 – Strong German safety
The Volkswagen ID.4 secures second place with a 90/100 score, blending solid performance with strong safety credentials. Among the 126,000 units sold, just 4 crashes have been reported — a rate of 0.3 per 10,000 cars. This makes the ID.4 one of the safest compact SUVs in today’s EV lineup.
Although the ID.4 has seen more recalls — 68 over the past three years — it’s important to note that Volkswagen has been proactive about addressing issues. Independent surveys back this up, awarding the model an impressive 85.75% rating. For drivers who trust the German approach to engineering, the ID.4 remains a dependable and reassuring choice.
Volvo XC40 – Scandinavian security
The Volvo XC40 Recharge continues the brand’s legacy of safety, taking third place with an 88-point score. Out of 127,000 vehicles sold, just 6 crashes were reported, leading to a low 0.47 crash rate. Volvo’s reputation for building cars with families in mind is clearly alive and well in its electric lineup.
With 55 recalls, the XC40 sits well below the study’s average, showing that Volvo has kept potential issues under control. Paired with an 82% safety rating in surveys, the XC40 balances cutting-edge electric performance with the peace of mind parents and commuters look for in a daily driver.
Toyota bZ4X – Safe newcomer
The Toyota bZ4X may be a newcomer, but it has quickly earned a reputation for safety, scoring 86 points. Only 1 crash has been reported across 10,000 units sold, which equals a 0.95 crash rate. While higher than some rivals, the actual number of incidents remains impressively low.
Equally reassuring is the bZ4X’s recall history: just 6 recalls in three years. Independent surveys echo this strong performance, giving the Toyota an 86.3% safety rating — the highest in the study. For families taking their first step into EV ownership, the bZ4X offers a reliable, well-rounded option.
Ford Mustang Mach-E – American strength
Rounding out the top 5 is the Ford Mustang Mach-E, with an 85-point safety score. Out of 107,000 units sold, only 7 crashes have been recorded, for a 0.65 incident rate. That places it firmly among the safest EVs available today, while also bringing some muscle-car heritage into the EV era.
With 56 recalls, the Mach-E is on par with European rivals like the Volvo XC40, and it earns an 82% survey rating from owners. For shoppers who want an American-made EV with strong safety credentials, the Mustang Mach-E proves that performance and protection can go hand in hand.
Safety matters most
EVs are evolving quickly, and safety remains one of the most important factors for buyers. As Yijin Hardware’s CEO Gavin Yi explained, electric cars bring unique risks due to their heavy batteries and advanced electronics. That makes evaluating crash records, recall history, and survey feedback essential for understanding how these vehicles perform in the real world.
The Hyundai Kona Electric, Volkswagen ID.4, Volvo XC40, Toyota bZ4X, and Ford Mustang Mach-E all demonstrate that EV safety has come a long way. Whether you’re shopping for your first electric car or upgrading to a newer model, these five vehicles stand out as the best options for keeping you and your family safe on the road.
