In 2014, the Tesla Model S marked a big step in car safety. It earned high scores that set new marks for both electric and high-end cars. Euro NCAP put the car through tough tests. The Model S kept its inside area safe and showed strong systems that keep people secure. Tesla leads in safety work.
Safety Performance in 2014 Tests
Euro NCAP tested the Model S with crash scenarios that checked adult safety, child safety, pedestrian care, and accident prevention systems.
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Adult occupant protection:
The Model S scored 82%. The front crash test showed a strong cabin with good knee and leg protection. The airbag for the passenger did not inflate enough at first, which let the head hit the dashboard. Tesla fixed the airbag software quickly. This fix shows that each part of the car works close with its software. -
Child occupant protection:
The score was 77%. Tests checked that child seats fit well and kept children safe. -
Pedestrian protection:
The car scored 66%. It has features meant to lower injury risks for those on foot if hit. -
Safety assist features:
The car earned 71% in systems that help avoid crashes. These systems include Electronic Stability Control, lane support, and speed control.
Altogether, the Tesla Model S scored 31.4 points. This put it into the “Good” group for 2014 safety.
Crash Test Findings
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Frontal impact test:
The cabin held strong and kept key body areas safe. Even with the airbag issue, injury risk stayed low. Tesla fixed the airbag software fast. This case shows that car parts and software work close together. -
Side impact tests:
The Model S earned top marks in side barrier tests. It gave strong protection for most parts of the body. In the severe side pole test, chest protection was weak. This result shows that closer work on rib safety is needed. -
Whiplash and rear impact:
The car gave good guard against whiplash injuries. It kept occupants safer in impacts from behind, even when the crash was not direct.
Effect on Electric Car Safety
The Model S helped change views on electric cars. As one of the first high-end electric sedans to face tough tests and earn high marks, it proved that electric cars can match or beat gas cars in safety. This outcome shifted many views on battery design and strength in crashes.
The car brought in systems such as:
- Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control
- Many airbags and strong cabins
- Driver assist features to help avoid accidents
Tesla uses live software updates and ongoing checks. This method makes sure that safety improvements work close with the car’s design.
Conclusion
The 2014 Tesla Model S raised car safety standards. It earned high marks in key safety areas and kept both drivers and pedestrians safe. Small issues came up, but Tesla fixed them fast. The mix of electric design and strong safety marks a new step in car building. Tesla’s work helped raise trust in electric cars and pushed makers to build vehicles that are safer, smarter, and kinder to the environment. The 2014 Model S stands as a strong mark of safe technology and progress.
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