Disclaimer: *Steve and Rich Barnes have obtained millions in recoveries for their clients and have supervised over $2.5 Billion Dollars in settlements.
In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have gained increasing popularity as a more sustainable and eco-friendly mode of transportation. However, while EVs offer numerous advantages, there have been concerns regarding their safety and accident rates.
At The Barnes Firm, we know that EV accidents are on the rise, and to help consumers, we conducted a study to analyze the most accident-prone EVs. This can help keep you safer on the roads, as well as identify when EV owners should be held liable for crashes.
Our car accident lawyers understand the unique challenges that come with accidents involving electric vehicles. Our law firm is ready to represent clients with injuries from EV collisions. With our understanding of EV technology and accident investigation, we are well-equipped to take on these cases and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
New Study Reveals the Most Accident-Prone EVs in the United States
At The Barnes Firm, our new study analyzed the numbers of electric vehicles involved in fatal crashes over the past 5 years, as well as the total number of each model unit sold in 2023. This data was then used to calculate the crash rate per 1,000 cars sold in 2023, identifying the EVs with the highest accident rates.
According to our study, the most accident-prone electric vehicle in the United States is the Nissan Leaf, with a crash rate of 2.16 accidents per 1,000 cars sold. While the Nissan Leaf is a popular and widely adopted EV, its higher accident rate raises concerns about its safety performance compared to other models.
Contrary to popular belief, Tesla, often associated with leading the EV market, does not hold the top spot in terms of accident rates. The Tesla Model 3 had a total of 147 fatal accidents over the past 5 years. While these numbers may seem concerning, it’s important to consider the larger context of Tesla’s extensive fleet size and the fact that they have sold more EVs than any other brand in recent years.
On the other hand, our study identified the Hyundai Kona Electric as the safest EV, with a remarkably low crash rate of 0.03 accidents per 1,000 cars sold. This demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to safety features and performance in their EV models.
CAR MODEL
Vehicles Involved in Fatal Crashes in 2019
Vehicles Involved in Fatal Crashes in 2020
Vehicles Involved in Fatal Crashes in 2021
Vehicles Involved in Fatal Crashes in 2022
Vehicles Involved in Fatal Crashes in 2023
Total
Sales for 2023
Crashes per 1000 Cars (Total)
Nissan Leaf
4
7
4
5
6
26
12,026
2.16
Kia Niro
8
3
6
9
27
29,176
1.82
Hyundai Ioniq
2
8
3
5
18
36
22,982
1.57
TESLA MODEL X
7
3
5
5
6
26
24,099
1.08
Audi e-tron
0
0
0
1
1
2
2,301
0.87
TESLA MODEL S
7
16
7
16
23
69
90,473
0.76
TESLA MODEL 3
2
21
17
35
72
147
195,698
0.75
Chevrolet Bolt EV
1
4
2
5
9
21
38,122
0.55
Lucid Air
0
0
0
0
1
1
1,949
0.51
Porsche Taycan
0
0
0
1
1
2
7,272
0.28
TESLA MODEL Y
0
0
2
14
33
49
225,799
0.22
VOLKSWAGEN ID.4
0
0
0
1
1
2
15,128
0.13
Rivian R1T
0
0
0
0
1
1
9900
0.10
Ford Mustang Mach-E
0
0
0
1
1
2
39,458
0.05
Hyundai Kona Electric
0
0
0
1
1
2
63,994
0.03
It is important to note that these findings are based on the available data and do not solely represent the overall safety performance of these models. However, they do provide valuable insights into the accident rates of different EVs and the need for ongoing research and analysis to improve safety standards across the industry.Nissan Leaf
Nissan Leaf tops the list of the most accident-prone EVs with 2.16 crashes per 1,000 cars. The Nissan Leaf recorded the highest accident rate with a total of 26 fatal crashes in the past 5 years. Despite its popularity, the number of crashes per unit sold positions it at the top of the list.
Kia Niro
Kia Niro is the second most accident-prone EV with a crash rate of 1.82. The Kia Niro had 27 fatal crashes in 2023. This significant increase from previous years indicates a rise in its crash rate relative to its sales volume.
Hyundai Ioniq
Hyundai Ioniq is the third with a crash rate of 1.57 per 1,000 cars sold. The Hyundai Ioniq saw 18 fatal crashes in 2023, which is equal to the crash number for the past 4 years in total. This number places it high among the most accident-prone EVs.
Tesla Model X
Tesla Model X is the fourth accident-prone EV with a crash rate of 1.08. The Tesla Model X has had a total of 26 fatal crashes in the past years. This model has a lower fatal crash number compared to other Tesla models on the list, but the units sold for this model are lower, so the crash rate (1.08) is higher than other models.
Audi e-tron
The Audi e-tron is the fifth on the list of the most accident-prone EVs with 0.87 crashes per 1,000 cars. Although the Audi e-tron reported only 2 fatal crashes in 2022 and 2023, that is pretty high in comparison with the number of units sold. So its crash rate places it in the middle of the list.
Tesla Model S
Tesla Model S is the sixth with a crash rate of 0.76. Tesla Model S is the 3rd most sold EV on the list with 90,473 units sold in 2023. The model had the most number of fatal accidents during the past year.
Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 is the seventh EV car that is most prone to accidents with a crash rate of 0.75. It is only slightly lower than the Tesla Model S’s crash rate. This model had the most fatal accidents during past years with a total of 147. It is also the second most sold on the list, with a total sales of 195,698.
Hyundai Kona Electric
Hyundai Kona Electric is the last on the list of most accident-prone EVs, with 0.03 crashes per 1,000 cars. This model had only 2 fatal accidents for the past years with 63,994 units sold in 2023.
One of our car accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm commented on the study:
“Having represented numerous clients involved in EV accidents, our study’s findings resonate with my on-the-ground experience, especially in New York. The increase in accidents involving models like the Nissan Leaf isn’t just a statistic; it’s a reality we’re dealing with daily. These vehicles introduce new factors into accident scenarios, such as quieter engines and quicker acceleration, that drivers may not anticipate. Our legal approaches and safety regulations must evolve to keep pace with technology changes.”
Alex Bouganim – Personal Injury Lawyer in Manhattan, NY
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys from The Barnes Firm
The Barnes Firm is a leading car accident law firm dedicated to serving clients across the country. Our team of highly skilled car accident attorneys has a proven track record of success in handling complex cases, including those involving electric vehicles. We have the resources, experience, and commitment to provide you with the highest level of legal representation.
When it comes to EV accident claims, you need a firm that understands the unique challenges and technology involved. The Barnes Firm is here to guide you through every step of the legal process, advocating for your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
If you or your loved ones have been involved in an accident with an electric vehicle, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact The Barnes Firm today online or call us at (888) 625-6265 for trusted advice and representation. Consultations are free; reach out today.
Our team of attorneys want to hear from you.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
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