Two new EVs score top marks in safety tests because of their headlights…

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an American non-profit organization that educates the public on vehicle safety performance, presented two new electric SUVs with its 2021 Top Safety Pick awards.

To win the prizes, the vehicles had to score a “Good” rating in all six IIHS crash tests. 

The cars must also feature a front crash prevention system that earns “Advanced” or “Superior” ratings in both the vehicle-to-vehicle, and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations.

What’s more, vehicles must have “Good” or “Acceptable” headlights.

Are good-rated headlights across all trim levels and packages? Then the cars qualify for the ultimate Top Safety Pick+.

[Read: 3 new technologies ecommerce brands can use to connect better with customers] 

The newly-launched Volvo XC40 Recharge won the Top Safety Pick+ award, thanks to its curve-adaptive LED reflector headlights installed on every model. 

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E qualified for the lower-tier Top Safety Pick award. 

While it features good-rated LED projector headlights on the Premium, GT, and First Edition trims, the LED reflectors on on the Select and California Route 1 trims are deemed marginal. 

“It’s fantastic to see more proof that these vehicles are as safe as or safer than gasoline and diesel-powered cars,” remarked IIHS President David Harkey.

Do EVs excite your electrons? Do ebikes get your wheels spinning? Do self-driving cars get you all charged up? 

Then you need the weekly SHIFT newsletter in your life. Click here to sign up