Everyday Electric: The UK’s 5 Safest EVs for Daily Drives
With their low centre of gravity and a complete absence of flammable fuel tanks, electric cars are inherently safer than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) models. But even among electric vehicles, some shine brighter in the safety department. According to Euro NCAP, the world’s foremost authority on car safety, here are the top five safest electric cars from mainstream brands you can lease in the UK today, all boasting five-star ratings.
Hyundai IONIQ 6
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is a mid-size saloon that doubles as a fantastic family car, offering ample passenger and luggage space alongside features like bidirectional charging and fully reclining front seats. Its five-star Euro NCAP rating seals the deal.
Euro NCAP praised the IONIQ 6 for its “exceptionally high results,” scoring 97% in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), 87% in Child Occupant Protection (COP), 66% in pedestrian safety, and 90% in safety assist (advanced driver assistance technologies). With seven airbags, including a driver seat centre-side airbag, it comes well-equipped for peace of mind.
Key active safety features include Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM), Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection (FCA), and much more. The Hyundai IONIQ 6 can charge from 10-80% in as little as 18 minutes and, when fully charged, can whisk you away for up to 338 miles (WLTP).
Ready to experience the IONIQ 6? Don’t let this stylish saloon zoom past you!
smart #1
The smart #1 is one of the best value-for-money and city-friendly electric cars on the market today. Plus, this funky EV is all about safety.
The smart #1 dazzled in Euro NCAP tests, achieving 96% in AOP, 89% in COP, 71% in pedestrian safety, and 88% in safety assist. With 74% high-strength steel and 19% press-hardened steel in its architecture, this little marvel is built to last. Even better, the battery pack won’t explode for at least 60 minutes in the event of a mishap—well above the industry’s bare minimum of 10 minutes.
Advanced safety features include automatic Front Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, Emergency Manoeuvre Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking with Vehicle, Pedestrian, and Cyclist Detection. The smart #1 boasts a WLTP range of up to 273 miles.
Why not take the smart #1 for a spin? It’s the city slicker you didn’t know you needed!
Volkswagen ID.7
The VW ID.7, the all-electric alternative to the Arteon, is a long-distance touring fastback that means business. Euro NCAP lauded it for “excellent all-round performance in crash safety,” awarding it 95% in AOP, 88% in COP, 83% in pedestrian safety, and 80% in safety assist.
Volkswagen packs the ID.7 with an abundance of safety equipment, including advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitoring, matrix LED headlights with glare-free high beam, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and oncoming vehicle braking support when turning.
This sumptuous saloon features massage seats up front, three-zone climate control with intelligent air vents, and an electrically dimmable panoramic sunroof. Fully charged, it can cover an impressive 381 miles (WLTP). And if you need extra space, there’s an estate variant—the VW ID.7 Tourer—offering 605-1,714 litres of luggage space.
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Fancy a taste of the ID.7? Get behind the wheel and let the adventures begin!
Skoda Enyaq
The Skoda Enyaq, the first mass-market ground-up EV from the Volkswagen Group, is a sensible choice for any family. Unsurprisingly, this electric compact SUV is also the safest model in its segment.
In Euro NCAP tests, the Skoda Enyaq scored 94% in AOP, 89% in COP, 71% in pedestrian safety, and 82% in safety assist. This model’s robust structure ensures maximum protection for occupants and the battery pack. Skoda equips the Enyaq with blind spot detection, AEB with Predictive Pedestrian and Cyclist Protection, Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Urban Evasive Steering Support, among many other safety features.
One of the best aspects of the Skoda Enyaq is its boot space, measuring a generous 585 litres, which can be expanded to an impressive 1,710 litres by folding the rear seats. The Czech-built electric SUV delivers a WLTP range of up to 358 miles—perfect for long adventures. And let’s not forget the driver’s seat also comes with a massage function—because who doesn’t love a little pampering?
Want to stretch your legs in the Enyaq? Don’t just sit there!
Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5
The VW ID.4 compact SUV and its coupe-styled counterpart, the VW ID.5, are staple choices for family car buyers. While they share a platform with the Skoda Enyaq, they’re slightly easier to manoeuvre thanks to their smaller dimensions.
Euro NCAP notes that the VW ID.4 has a robust body structure designed to protect occupants and the battery pack. Its scorecard reads 93% in AOP, 89% in COP, 76% in pedestrian safety, and 85% in safety assist. The ID.5, with its more aerodynamic design, matches these scores across the board.
Volkswagen equips the ID.4 and ID.5 with safety features like matrix LED headlights with glare-free high beam, advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitoring, Lane Assist, and AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The compact EVs can travel up to 337 miles and 344 miles on a full charge, respectively (both as per WLTP).
If you're in the market for a safe electric car in the UK, there’s a wealth of options across various body styles and segments. As highlighted in this article, you don’t have to splurge on a luxury model to find an EV that promises Euro NCAP-rated five-star safety. All of the vehicles mentioned were designed and engineered from the ground up for electric power, ensuring maximum space, efficiency, and safety.
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