Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf to Undergo NHTSA Crash Testing

NHTSA revamped its five-star rating system late last year. Changes include new side barrier tests, which has been an area of weakness for some of the models already tested. The new side pole test simulates a 20-mph side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver’s side.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which has its own testing criteria, named the Volt and Leaf Top Safety Picks, which means both cars received the agency’s top scores in frontal, side, rear and roof-strength tests.

NHTSA didn’t say when it would release safety ratings for the vehicles.

NHTSA to Crash Test Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf (The Detroit News)