The IIHS confirms that the Tesla Model S is not as safe as assumed

The American zero-emission saloon has a roof that is not very strong in the event of a rollover, according to the Institute for Highway Safety.

Four years ago, the Tesla Model S was considered the safest car in America. Now, in 2017, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states that the Toyota Prius and the Chevrolet Volt are safer than the electric Tesla or the BMW i3.

To determine the final score obtained by each vehicle in its Top Safety + assessment, the IIHS collects safety data through a series of tests: frontal crash, side impact, roof strength and head restraints. Under the parameters of this test, the Chevrolet Volt and the Toyota Prius Prime earn the best rating.

According to the IIHS, the Tesla Model S has a problematic seat belt; this issue will be fixed by the manufacturer by the end of the year. However, the biggest weak point of the Tesla electric car is the strength of its roof. The most powerful version of the zero-emission saloon, the P100D, has a roof that is too fragile to support the weight of the vehicle in the event of a rollover. The Tesla Model S has a fairly low centre of gravity, so the possibility of this vehicle rolling over is fairly remote, but not impossible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uecPZvDPQgg

Another electric vehicle that has undergone the IIHS test is the BMW i3. The German compact was penalised in the test for its seats, as they do not offer sufficient head restraint to cushion a possible rear impact.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPaycKuQDPg