Tesla Motors has announced the Model S is the safest car ever to be tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Although the NHTSA doesn't give more than five stars for the cars they crash test, Tesla Motors says the Model S achieved safety levels better than the five stars given in the overall Vehicle Safety Score (VSS), managing to obtain a combined 5.4 stars. In addition, the electric sedan set a new record for the lowest likelihood of injury to occupants.

Since it doesn't have a conventional engine in the front, the Model S benefits from a significantly more extensive crumple zone which can absorb a high-speed impact, thus lowering the chances of injuries for the people inside the cabin. The Model performed well in the side pole intrusion test thanks to its deep multiple aluminum extrusions in the side rail which can absorb the impact energy and transfer the load to the rest of the car.

Further details are available in the attached press release.