Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as the safest cars on European roads, dominating the crash safety charts in the latest evaluations by Euro NCAP. Last year, the independent safety organization tested over 100 new vehicles, with EVs consistently achieving the highest safety ratings across all major categories.
EVs Set New Safety Benchmark
Euro NCAP, Europe’s foremost authority on vehicle safety, subjected more than 100 new car models to rigorous crash testing throughout the past year. The assessments evaluated the vehicles’ capabilities in protecting occupants, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users during collisions. The results indicate a significant advancement in EV safety technology, with electric models outperforming their internal combustion engine counterparts.
Mercedes-Benz CLA EV Named Top Performer
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA EV stood out as the safest vehicle tested by Euro NCAP in 2025. It not only secured the top spot overall but also earned the distinction of being the best small family car. The electric sedan achieved an exceptional 94% score for adult occupant protection and a class-leading 93% for vulnerable road user protection. This performance was attributed to its advanced active hood technology and a sophisticated automatic emergency braking system.
Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP, commented on the results: “Mercedes has a long-standing belief in investing in vehicle safety, so it feels appropriate for the CLA to earn the title of 2025’s Best Performer, as well as Best Small Family Car.” He added, “It was a close-run competition, however. Tesla was only fractionally behind, and new entrants like Firefly and Leapmotor show how global competition continues to grow, which can only be a good thing for consumers who value safety as much as style, practicality, driving performance, and running costs from their next car.”
Tesla Models Excel in Key Segments
The updated Tesla Model 3, following its “Highland” facelift, proved to be the safest large family car. It garnered a 90% score for adult protection, 93% for child protection, 82% for pedestrian protection, and 87% for its electronic safety aids, showing improvements particularly in child occupant protection.
Similarly, the Tesla Model Y was recognized as the gold standard for small SUVs. It achieved 91% for adult occupant protection, 93% for child occupant protection, 86% for vulnerable road users, and 92% for electronic safety aids, excelling in child occupant protection and safety assist systems.
City Cars and Large SUVs Show Strong Safety Performance
The new Mini Cooper E was awarded as the safest city car, demonstrating high scores in structural crashworthiness. This two-door EV outperformed its gasoline-powered counterpart with an 89% score for adult protection, 87% for child protection, 77% for pedestrian protection, and 79% for safety assist systems.
In the large SUV segment, the Smart #5 electric crossover made a notable entrance. Since its European launch last year, it has impressed Euro NCAP with an 88% score for adult protection, 93% for child protection, 84% for vulnerable road users, and 92% for safety assistance systems.
Polestar 3 Leads Executive Car Safety
The Polestar 3 secured the title of the safest executive car evaluated by Euro NCAP. Polestar’s largest SUV model achieved a 90% score for adult occupant protection, 93% for child occupants, 79% for pedestrian protection, and 83% for its driving aids.