2018 Tesla Model 3 gets 5-star side crash rating

The NHTSA has completed and announced the side impact crash test ratings of the Tesla Model 3. The car did very well in the testing earning a five-star overall safety rating. NHTSA breaks the ratings down a bit further with an overall side star rating of five combining the side barrier and side pole star ratings into one rating.

Front seat and rear seat combined side barrier and pole ratings were five stars. That rating combines both crash tests into a single rating for front and rear seat occupants. Side barrier testing resulted in five stars. That test simulated an intersection collision between a standing vehicle and a moving barrier at 38.5 mph.

The overall side pole rating of five stars shows how well the car holds up to a crash into a fixed object, like a tree or utility pole. Tesla cars continue to do well in official government crash test ratings. In May 2018, the Model X earned a 5-star crash rating in every category.

Tesla bragged at the time that it was the first and only SUV to earn such high crash ratings. Tesla has worked hard to get Model 3 production underway after facing significant setbacks.

In June, Tesla cut prices for the Model 3 making it more affordable. The Model 3 promises to be one of the best selling of all Tesla EVs due to the more affordable pricing.

SOURCE: NHTSA