2011 Chevrolet Volt Earns Top NHTSA Safety Rating
Chevrolet's 2011 Volt plug-in hybrid has secured the highest safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, matching the performance of leading rivals in crash tests.
Chevrolet's 2011 Volt plug-in hybrid has received the top five-star overall safety rating from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), confirming its strong crash protection credentials in the competitive electric and hybrid segment.
The NHTSA's five-star rating covers frontal, side and rollover crash tests, with the Volt performing strongly across all categories. This result places the Volt alongside the safest vehicles tested in 2011, including the BMW 5 Series and Hyundai Sonata, which also received top marks in the same round of NHTSA evaluations.
The Volt's safety credentials are further reinforced by its selection as a 2011 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS award is given to vehicles that achieve the highest ratings in front, side, rollover and rear impact tests, as well as offering electronic stability control as standard. The Nissan Leaf, the Volt's main electric rival, was also named a Top Safety Pick for 2011.
Crash protection and battery safety
The Volt's five-door hatchback design incorporates a reinforced safety structure, multiple airbags and advanced restraint systems. As a plug-in hybrid, the Volt carries a large lithium-ion battery pack. Both NHTSA and IIHS testing addressed concerns about the safety of high-voltage batteries in collisions, with the Volt meeting all required standards for crash protection and post-crash electrical safety.
For buyers, the Volt's top safety scores provide reassurance that choosing an electric or hybrid vehicle does not mean compromising on crash protection. Safety ratings have become a key factor for many consumers considering new technologies, and the Volt's performance in both US government and independent tests supports Chevrolet's claims of comprehensive occupant protection.
Rival models and context
The Volt's main competitor in the electric segment, the Nissan Leaf, also received strong safety results in 2011, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Other notable five-star performers in the NHTSA's 2011 testing included the BMW 5 Series and Hyundai Sonata. The Volt's achievement places it firmly among the safest choices for buyers seeking electric or hybrid models with proven crash safety records. For a broader view of the top-rated cars in the same year, seeIIHS Names 66 Top Safety Pick Winners for 2011.
The 2011 Volt's safety recognition helped Chevrolet promote its first mass-market plug-in hybrid as a practical and secure option for early adopters. With both NHTSA and IIHS awards, the Volt matched or exceeded established benchmarks for crashworthiness in its class.
