You might think that just because electric cars reached the height of current mobility technology, they all offer a full suite of cutting-edge safety and driver-assist features.
Well, some do, and some don’t. Also, price isn’t necessarily an indication of what level of advanced safety technology an electric vehicle packs.
You can get into a 2021 Nissan Leaf
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The entry-level 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV, at about $4,000 more than the Leaf, only offers most of the same advanced safety features as options. That said, Chevy will correct this shortfall in the 2022 edition of Bolt EV and the new Bolt EUV, or electric utility vehicle, which we’ve included for this story.
We’ve combed through the different brands and their electric cars to identify which of the popular safety, driver-assist features each provides. Our baseline is the entry-level grade for each model. If that trim level includes a feature, we list it as “standard.”
“Optional” includes features not standard on the entry-level but available as an option or standard on more expensive grades.
2020 and newer electric cars in the U.S.
Safety features available and electric cars that offer them
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive cruise control uses sensors and sometimes cameras to monitor objects in front of the vehicle. It slows the car as the flow of traffic ahead of it slows, as well as speeds up as they do. More sophisticated systems will bring the vehicle to a complete stop, and then the system will reactivate when the car ahead begins moving again.
The VW ID.4: Adaptive cruise control is standard.
VolkswagenStandard: Ford
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Optional: Audi e-tron, Audi e-tron Sportback, BMW i3, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Hyundai
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Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
These features often get bundled together, although they provide different functions. Blind-spot monitoring utilizes sensors to detect traffic in adjacent lanes. Rear cross-traffic alert warns of objects behind your vehicle or crossing behind while backing up.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge: Blind spot monitoring is standard.
VolvoStandard: Audi e-tron, Audi e-tron Sportback, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq Electric, Hyundai Kona Electric, Hyundai Nexo, Jaguar I-Pace (rear cross-traffic alert only), Kia Niro EV, Nissan Leaf, Polestar 2, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model Y, Toyota
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Optional: Chevrolet Bolt EV, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Jaguar I-Pace (blind-spot only), Porsche
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Forward-collision warning with emergency braking
These features use similar technology as adaptive cruise control. The system will detect a possible crash as your vehicle closes the distance with a vehicle or other object ahead. It will make a warning sound. If the driver doesn’t respond, the car can automatically self brake.
Standard: Audi e-tron, Audi e-tron Sportback, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq Electric, Hyundai Kona Electric, Hyundai Nexo, Jaguar I-Pace, Kia Niro EV, Mini Electric, Nissan Leaf, Polestar 2, Porsche Taycan (warning only), Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model Y, Toyota Mirai, Volkswagen ID.4, Volvo XC40 Recharge.
Optional: BMW I3.
BMW,
Lane-departure warning
The camera-based system monitors lane markings. When it senses the vehicle is drifting out of its lane, it sounds a warning to the driver.
Standard: Audi e-tron, Audi e-tron Sportback, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Hyundai Nexo, Kia Niro EV, Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model Y, Toyota Mirai, Volvo XC40 Recharge.
Lane-keeping assist
When a driver fails to respond to the lane-departure warning, the car takes the next step. It nudges the vehicle back into its lane.
Lane-keeping assist comes standard on the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
FordStandard: Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Hyundai Ioniq Electric, Hyundai Kona Electric, Hyundai Nexo, Jaguar I-Pace, Kia Niro EV, Nissan Leaf, Polestar 2, Porsche Taycan, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model Y, Toyota Mirai, Volkswagen ID.4, Volvo XC40 Recharge.
Optional: Audi e-tron, Audi e-tron Sportback, Tesla Model 3.
Lane-centering assist
The lane-centering technology brings more of a driver-assist feature. It serves to keep the vehicle in the center of its lane. For example, systems like Nissan’s ProPilot can follow the lane around curves. Think of it as a companion technology to lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
Standard: Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq Electric, Hyundai Kona Electric, Hyundai Nexo, Kia Nero, Nissan Leaf, Toyota Mirai.
Optional: Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model Y.
Rear automatic emergency braking
When your car senses objects behind your vehicle, it automatically hits the brakes to avoid them.
Standard: Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Leaf.
Optional: Toyota Mirai.
360-degree surround camera system
Sometimes called bird’s-eye view, this camera system provides a series of lenses placed around the vehicle. The lenses combine to give the driver a 360-degree view. It’s a real help when parking.
Standard: Tesla Model X, Tesla Model Y, Volvo XC40 Recharge.
Optional: Audi e-tron, Audi e-tron Sportback, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Jaguar I-Pace, Nissan Leaf, Polestar 2, Porsche Taycan, Toyota Mirai, Volvo XC40 Recharge.
Automatic high beams
The car uses a forward-facing camera to detect lights ahead of the vehicle. They can be oncoming headlights or trailing taillights. For example, when the system senses the distance closing between one car and another, it deactivates the high beams.
Standard: Audi e-tron, Audi e-tron Sportback, Ford Mustang Mache-E, Hyundai Ioniq Electric, Hyundai Nexo, Jaguar I-Pace, Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model Y, Toyota Mirai, Volkswagen ID.4, Volvo XC40 Recharge.
Optional: BMW i3, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Hyundai Kona Electric.
Before you head to the dealership, check out the many federal, state, and local incentives that may bring rebates and other savings.
This story originally ran on KBB.com.