NHTSA

NHTSA

NHTSA

NHTSA

A video of a Tesla Model 3 crashing is rarely cause for celebration. But today it is, because the videos are of recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) safety tests, which the littlest Tesla just aced. Whether it was front impact, side impact, or rollover testing, the Model 3 performed to a T, earning the full five stars on each test.

We probably should not act particularly shocked: both Tesla Model S and Model X also scored top marks in NCAP testing. What's more, the very layout of battery EVs affords them inherent advantages.

For instance, a skateboard layout with a battery pack between the axles makes for a low center of gravity and polar moment of inertia. The safety structure of the battery pack adds extra stiffness to the vehicle. And compact electric motors mean there's more room for impact protection for occupants, who also don't have to be protected from bouncing off an engine.

Elon Musk was beaming about the test results on Twitter, telling the world that the "Model 3 has a shot at being [the] safest car ever tested." Such good news must no doubt be welcome after what feels like a relentless string of negativity surrounding the automaker.

Listing image by NHTSA