Every year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) takes a hard look at the latest model vehicles through a safety lens. This year, there are quite a few EVs going through the rigorous set of evaluations for the first time, including the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge. This small SUV just landed Volvo one of the highest safety awards possible. And it implies more than just an adequate number of airbags or high crash test scores. The Volvo XC40 Recharge proves EVs can be just as safe as their gas-powered counterparts.

A huge win for the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge

Volvo’s new XC40 Recharge qualified for the highest IIHS distinction, the Top Safety Pick+ award. Officially, the small SUV scored the highest “Good” rating in all six of the organization’s crash tests. It also earned “Good” scores for headlight illumination, and “Superior” scores its standard roster of crash prevention technology. U.S. News also points out that the Volvo XC40 Recharge achieved an equally impressive five out of five stars in frontal and side crash simulations from the NHTSA. This is a huge win for Volvo and an even bigger achievement for the EV movement.

What it takes to earn this safety award distinction

In order for any vehicle to qualify for the Top Safety Pick+ award, it must first achieve “Good” ratings across all crash testing scenarios. These simulations are thorough and include driver and passenger side crashes, overlap crashes, roof strength, and head restraints.

These winning models prove to have both vehicle-on-vehicle safety preventions and vehicle-to pedestrian scenarios avoidance systems as well. Earning the “+” with the safety head nod means the vehicle also achieved a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating for headlight illumination across all trims or packages.

What this win actually means

Earning this award, of course, means the Volvo XC40 Recharge is a safe SUV. But it also demonstrates that EVs are proving to be just as safe as their gas-powered competitors. The IIHS points out that other EVs, including the Tesla Model 3, the Audi e-tron, and the Audi e-tron Sportback, also qualified for the Top Safety Pick+ awards. It’s clear; consumers can expect the same safety performance with electric vehicles that they’ve grown to expect from their traditional gas vehicles over the years.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge deserves a look

Looking beyond the safety aspect, the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is a luxury subcompact SUV that will feel just as comfortable as the traditional XC40, especially with interior design, according to Edmunds. It offers DC fast charging and 208 miles of full-charge range. Mounted below the floorboard of the cabin interior is the 78-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, capable of producing 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. Volvo suggests this little SUV will hit 60 mph in a brief 4.7 seconds. 

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge offers plenty of room for taller occupants in both the front and back of the SUV. Passengers won’t notice a difference in spaciousness with the batteries stored under the floor. And following the Tesla lead, the XC40 Recharge awakens as soon as the driver settles into the driver’s seat.

For anyone interested in exploring EV options this year, the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge deserves a look. It’s a stylish and functional crossover that just landed a top safety award. Add that to its already impressive roster of amenities, and the XC40 Recharge is proving that automakers can introduce entirely new powertrains without compromising safety and capability.