DETROIT – General Motors said its 2011 Chevrolet Volt is the first electric vehicle to earn a five-star overall score for safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.

Starting with 2011 models, NHTSA introduced tougher tests and more rigorous requirements for its five-star safety ratings program. Changes include a new side pole test simulating a 20-mph side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver’s side.   

The Volt was also named a 2011 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety earlier this year.

Volt safety features include:

• GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system

• Front, side and knee air bags and roof-mounted head-curtain air bags

• Optional rearview camera system featuring a display integrated into the navigation system’s screen

• Five-year subscription to OnStar’s Directions and Connections Plan including automatic crash response, stolen vehicle assistance and connected navigation.