Key points
- Audi’s electric SUVs have all received the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- This is the highest award the IIHS gives, and it means that these vehicles have been tested and found to be very safe.
- The IIHS’s new safety standards are more stringent than ever before, but Audi has risen to the challenge.
- This is good news for electric vehicle buyers, as it shows that these vehicles can be just as safe, if not safer, than their fossil-powered counterparts.
Here are some additional details
- The IIHS’s new side impact test involves 82% more energy than the original test.
- The IIHS also added a new nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention test.
- To qualify for the Top Safety Pick+ award, a vehicle must earn a good rating in the updated side impact test, as well as advanced or superior ratings in both the daytime and nighttime pedestrian tests.
- Audi’s electric SUVs have all met these stringent standards, which is a testament to the company’s commitment to safety.
Details
It’s always good to see automakers making safety a priority. And it’s especially encouraging to see that electric vehicles are proving to be just as safe, if not safer, than their fossil-powered counterparts.
And it’s a comprehensive and informative summary of the safety achievements and awards received by Audi’s electric SUVs. It’s great to see electric vehicles (EVs) being recognized for their safety advantages over fossil-powered vehicles.
The key safety aspects mentioned in The EV Safety Advantage report are:
- Low centre of gravity with a “skateboard” battery pack: This design feature helps improve stability and reduces the risk of rollovers, making EVs less prone to accidents.
- Larger crumple zones: Electric vehicles can have more space for crumple zones due to their design, which helps absorb the impact in the event of a collision, mitigating damage to the occupants.
- Less risk of a sudden uncontrolled explosion: EVs do not carry flammable fuels like gasoline, which reduces the risk of fire or explosion during accidents.
Audi’s commitment
Audi’s commitment to safety and the high safety ratings received by its electric SUVs from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is commendable. It’s also worth noting that the IIHS safety rating system has become more stringent over time, encouraging automakers to continually improve their vehicles’ safety features and performance.
Process of qualification
To qualify for the IIHS awards, a vehicle must meet various crashworthiness and safety criteria, including good ratings in specific crash tests (frontal overlap and side impact tests), good headlights across all trims, and a front crash prevention system with advanced or superior ratings in the daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluation.
Safe Technology
It’s reassuring to see automakers like Audi prioritizing customer safety and working towards achieving higher safety benchmarks. The advancements in safety technology, including improved crash avoidance and better performance in pedestrian and bicyclist safety, are essential steps towards creating safer roads for everyone.
Audi benefits from receiving top safety awards and achieving high safety ratings for its electric SUVs in several ways:
- Enhanced Reputation: Audi’s commitment to safety and the recognition of its electric SUVs as some of the safest vehicles in their class contribute to a positive brand image. Consumers often prioritize safety when choosing a vehicle, and these awards can boost Audi’s reputation as a manufacturer that prioritizes customer safety.
- Increased Consumer Confidence: The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award is a prestigious acknowledgement of a vehicle’s safety performance. When consumers see that Audi’s electric SUVs have received this award, it can instil confidence in potential buyers, leading to increased interest and higher sales.
- Competitive Advantage: Safety is a critical factor in the highly competitive automotive industry. By receiving top safety ratings, Audi gains a competitive advantage over other automakers, particularly in the growing electric vehicle market. It can differentiate its electric SUVs from competitors and attract safety-conscious customers.
- Marketing and Advertising Opportunities: Audi can leverage the IIHS awards and safety ratings in its marketing and advertising campaigns. Highlighting the safety achievements of its electric SUVs can effectively attract customers who prioritize safety features in their vehicle choices.
- Positive Public Relations: Recognition from a reputable organization like IIHS can generate positive media coverage and improve Audi’s public relations. This can lead to increased brand visibility and positive sentiment among consumers and stakeholders.
- Encouraging Technological Advancements: Striving for top safety ratings and awards can motivate Audi’s engineers and researchers to continue developing innovative safety technologies and features. This pursuit of excellence can have a ripple effect, benefiting other Audi models and the broader automotive industry.
- Contributing to Sustainable Mobility: By producing highly rated electric SUVs, Audi supports the transition towards more sustainable transportation options. As environmental concerns and interest in electric vehicles grow, being a leader in EV safety can help Audi position itself as a responsible and forward-thinking brand.
Conclusion
In summary, receiving top safety awards and achieving high safety ratings for its electric SUVs brings numerous benefits to Audi, ranging from improved brand reputation and increased consumer confidence to a competitive edge in the market and a positive impact on the company’s image as a promoter of safe and sustainable mobility.
