Hyundai and Chevrolet lead in crash-safe, low-cost EVs

A new study published online by Bruning Legal ranks electric vehicles (EVs) by their relative crash safety and affordability. The project, titled “Least Crashable Yet Affordable EVs,” evaluates a range of models using publicly available crash data and pricing information. The goal of the analysis is to identify EVs that offer a balance between safety and cost, using a standardized scoring approach.

Researchers examined two main factors for each vehicle: crash rates and manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP). Crash data, drawn from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Crash Data Analysis & Reporting System, measured the number of crashes per 10,000 vehicles. Affordability was based on the base MSRP for each model. Sales data from 2019 through 2022 was also collected to help gauge market relevance and exposure.

To determine final scores, each factor was normalized and weighted equally. Crashability and affordability were each given a 50 percent share of the composite score. Vehicles with lower crash rates and lower MSRPs ranked higher. The study did not consider other factors such as driving range, comfort, or features.

Based on the data, the Hyundai Kona Electric ranked highest, with a composite score of 82.09. The Chevrolet Bolt EV followed closely behind at 81.59. Other high-ranking vehicles included the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Leaf, and Volkswagen ID.4. The top ten models also featured entries from Tesla, Audi, Kia, and Hyundai.

Here are the top ten EVs by composite score:

1. Hyundai Kona Electric (82.09)
2. Chevrolet Bolt EV (81.59)
3. Ford Mustang Mach-E (80.52)
4. Nissan Leaf (76.85)
5. Volkswagen ID.4 (76.13)
6. Tesla Model Y (75.58)
7. Audi e-tron (74.55)
8. Tesla Model 3 (73.83)
9. Kia Niro (44.15)
10. Hyundai Ioniq (28.99)

While the rankings offer a quantitative look at EV safety and price, the study notes that crash statistics can be influenced by a range of external factors, including driver behavior, road conditions, and geographic distribution. Nonetheless, the analysis offers a data-driven reference for consumers considering an EV purchase with safety and cost in mind.