Crash test video: Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf tops in safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has tested the crash-worthiness of the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, two plug-in electric cars that have garnered much attention in these days of rising gas price. The good news: Both the American extended-range electric hybrid and Japanese all-electric sedans can save you gas without sacrificing safety. (See the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf crash tests.)

The IIHS says both high-tech vehicles earned a "good" rating for front, side, rear and rollover crash protection. They also come equipped with electronic vehicle stability controls as a standard feature and were rewarded with the IIHS's "Top Safety Pick" award. So far this year, only 78 other vehicles—7 of which are green, hybrid cars—were given this high IIHS distinction for exceeding federal safety standards.

"What powers the wheels is different, but the level of safety for the Volt and Leaf is as high as any of our other top crash test performers," says Joe Nolan, chief administrative officer for the IIHS.

The IIHS notes that the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf are the first mainstream electric cars crash tested by the Institute. And both are a far cry from the GEM e2 and the Wheego Whip, two all-electric vehicles the institute tested for side impact safety as part of a research project last year. In those tests, crash test dummies recorded data that would have indicated severe or fatal injuries for the drivers.

Both the Leaf and Volt, however, are classified as small cars and subject to the same safety standards as conventionally-powered gas cars. But both cars feature heavy rechargeable batteries that makes the fuel-efficient vehicles' overall weights comparable to physically larger cars.

"The Leaf and Volt's extra mass gives them a safety advantage over other small cars," Nolan says. "These electric models are a win-win for fuel economy and safety."

Consumer Reports has driven both the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf. Our experts have taken their First Drives with the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf. And additional drive time with the Volt and the Leaf have revealed other high and low points. We'll have more on both cars soon.

Chevrolet Volt & Nissan Leaf earn top ratings in 1st U.S. crash tests of mainstream electric cars [IIHS]
Video: Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf crash tests [IIHS]
GM's Volt, Nissan Leaf get top marks in crash test [Reuters]

—Paul Eng