i-MiEV scores four-star safety rating

The test was something of a milestone for the safety organisation's regime, i-MiEV being the first mass-produced EV to ever be analysed. It brought into focus a whole new set of priorities and considerations associated with high-voltage battery powered cars involved in collisions.

i-MiEV's drive battery, located within a sturdy section of the body frame under the rear seat, was undamaged in the test and demonstrated its efficacy in shutting down completely upon impact to protect its occupants and rescuers. The body frame is designed to shield the power pack from impact coming from any angle or direction. Equipped with impact sensors, the vehicle's integrated management system shuts the entire high-voltage system down in the event of a collision or rollover.

This week's EuroNCAP results are consistent with those the i-MiEV had achieved in tests already conducted by ADAC, Germany's biggest automobile association, and Australian ANCAP testing. The overall four-star rating corresponds to a petrol or diesel powered vehicle of similar size.