The “greener planet” movement has certainly caught the imagination of the world, and auto manufacturers seem to be slowly but surely moving toward reducing the carbon footprint they make. Hybrid and electric cars have been making quite a difference in this context, but some people are skeptical about whether they are the safest to drive in. Let’s understand what the concerns are and which cars meet the standards.

Safety Concerns
It’s essential to understand the risks involved with using hybrid and electric vehicles. When buying hybrid and electric cars, one must ensure that you buy the safest models have these features:

• Energy Sources
  While they certainly reduce vehicular pollution and toxic fumes, the energy sources required to produce batteries and charge them are still largely from burning coal and fossil fuels.
• Accident Injuries
  Hybrids and electric vehicles are sturdier and heavier than their gas/diesel counterparts. This makes the car safer for drivers but not that safe for passengers and pedestrians. Electric vehicles are quiet on the road, providing little warning for pedestrians, especially seniors. In an accident, there’s a danger of sustaining shocks for first responders.
• Risky Repair
  The danger of electric shocks while repairing the vehicle could result in fatalities or serious injuries for technicians. The risk of electric fires due to battery overheating and leakage can pose a danger to drivers, passengers, bystanders, etc.

Countdown of the Safest Hybrids and Electric Cars
Here’s our pick of Hybrids Cars and EVs that meet the highest safety standards in descending order:

• #5. Nissan Leaf 2020
  This is the most pocket-friendly option in the all-electric vehicle category but you’ll have to be satisfied with charging it every 93 miles. However, as an additional car for the family, it ticks all the right boxes. The manufacturers have upgraded since it was originally launched and it now comes with advanced features.
  What most drivers find attractive is the quick response, smooth, quiet operation and the advanced regenerative braking. The vehicle comes with safety features such as radar sensors for traffic assist, reverse assist and blind-spot alert.
• #4. Hyundai Kona Electric 2020
  In the looks department, it’s similar to the gasoline-powered Kona. the main differences include the special wheels, front bumper and grille, all designed for aerodynamic efficiency. The side-cladding gives it added muscle-power. In crash tests, it does very well, scoring nearly 15/16 on frontal offset crash and head-on collision.
• #3. Chevrolet Bolt 2020
  Although the Bolt is on the expensive side, it makes up in terms of efficiency. This EV offers an amazing 259 miles range on a single charge. It has all the advanced entertainment features you’ll need, along with a roomy interior and good handling. It has earned a five-star rating in the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) tests. Optional features include forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor.
• #2. Chrysler Pacifica
  If you’re a minivan fan, this one’s for you in its EV avatar. Roomy enough to haul people and goods, yet not too functional looking to take out to dinner, it has a great entertainment/information set up inside to keep you engaged while you travel. It was named the top safety vehicle in 2019 for its great front-crash prevention configuration and special safety headlamps.
• #1. Tesla Model 3
  No list of the safest hybrids and electric cars would be complete without the Tesla. With amazing battery power and minimalist styling, this is truly an iconic vehicle to own. The European NCAP has awarded it five stars on their rigorous crash tests. New features include lane-departure and emergency alerts.