The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the 2019 Audi e-tron, a battery-electric, large SUV, its Top Safety Pick+ for the year, making the model the first electric vehicle (EV) to earn the exclusive rating.
IIHS's Top Safety Pick+
To receive the award, vehicles must earn at least six good ratings in IIHS's crashworthiness evaluations and an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and good headlight rating.
According to the IIHS, "The e-tron performed well in crashworthiness testing, earning good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests."
The EV received good and superior ratings across the board, beating out the previously tested 2017 Tesla Model S and 2019 Chevy Bolt. The Tesla ranked well, but only received an "acceptable" rating for one of the front crash tests and "poor" for its headlights. In contrast, the Chevy Bolt performed well on crash tests but received a "poor" ranking for its headlights. The EV received a superior rating in its track tests for its front crash prevention system, citing that it its 12 miles-per-hour (mph) test, the car's speed was reduced by 11 mph. In a 25 mph test, the EV avoided a collision.
Equipped with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, among other next-generation safety features, the e-tron scored an 8.4 and ranked in the number two spot for Luxury Electric Cars in a Car Connection review. The rating highlighted its fast charging capability, well-proportioned exterior and comfortable interior, but stated the charging "range doesn't measure up to Tesla."
The importance of automatic emergency braking
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration believes automatic emergency braking systems (AEB) help keep drivers and passengers safer on the road. According to the regulatory agency, this technology not only prevents mild-to-moderate crashes, such as frequent rear-end collisions, but can save lives in severe crashes.
For example, one-third of all reported crashes in 2012 involved a rear-end collision as the catalyst or most harmful part of the crash. NHTSA cites advanced crash avoidance and technologies, like AEB systems, may cull down these numbers in the next few years. Some AEB systems, like the system in the Audi e-tron, are already keeping drivers safer by helping them avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Whether you invest in the IIHS's latest safety pick or want to stick with your current vehicle, it's always best to make sure your car's braking system is in the best shape. Contact someone at Greening Associates today for a complimentary testing consultation.