THE TABLES HAVE TURNED: The Tesla Model S Is So Safe It Broke the Crash-Testing Gear. “The reason for the insanely high marks isn’t just the stiff structure, but the electric drivetrain. With no engine up front taking up valuable crumple zone space, Tesla’s engineers were able to maximize the amount of sacrificial space, and with the battery mounted oh-so-low in the floor, that increases rigidity around the occupants. The rear crash test — particularly important given the rear-facing child jump seats — was another high score, with no ‘permanently disabling injury to the third row occupants’ thanks in part to what Tesla calls a ‘double bumper’ to absorb additional impact. And before you ask, the lithium-ion battery handled it all with aplomb, with no leakage or fire.”