It’s February 2026, and the morning school run has transformed. The hum of the electric motor has replaced the diesel rattle, but one thing remains unchanged for every Aussie parent: the non-negotiable demand for safety. When you’re bucking the kids into the back of a 2.5-tonne machine, you want to know that the tech is as bulletproof as the steel.

In 2026, the ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) has fundamentally shifted its goalposts. We’ve moved beyond just “how well does it crash?” to a holistic “Stages of Safety” approach. This new framework evaluates Safe Driving, Crash Avoidance, Crash Protection, and Post-Crash response. It’s no longer enough to have ten airbags; a car now needs to “think” its way out of trouble and “call for help” when the unthinkable happens.

At EV evolution, we’ve crunched the latest data from the 2025–2026 testing cycle to bring you the definitive list. These are the safest EVs in Australia for families who refuse to compromise on protection.

1. Tesla Model Y (Juniper Refresh) – The Consistent Benchmark

The Model Y hasn’t just topped sales charts; it has practically lived at the top of the ANCAP EV ratings for years. The 2025–2026 “Juniper” refresh has refined what was already a world-beating safety cell.

• Why it wins: It holds one of the highest scores ever recorded for Safety Assist (92%). Its “Vision-only” system has become uncannily good at detecting cyclists and pedestrians in low-light Aussie conditions.
• The Family Factor: The Model Y achieved a 95% Child Occupant Protection score. It features one of the most rigid body structures on the market, with a low centre of gravity that makes it nearly impossible to roll over.
• 2026 Tech: It now features an enhanced driver monitoring system that is less intrusive than older versions but far more effective at catching fatigue before you even realise you’re tired.

2. Volvo EX90 – The Luxury Fortress

Volvo basically invented the concept of the safe family car, and the EX90 is their 2026 masterpiece. If you want a seven-seater that feels like a Swedish bank vault, this is it.

• Why it wins: The EX90 is the first mass-market EV in Australia to feature a roof-mounted LIDAR sensor as standard. This allows the car to “see” hazards up to 250 metres away, even in total darkness or heavy rain.
• The Family Factor: It recorded a near-perfect 92% Adult Occupant Protection score. Volvo’s “Safe Space” technology creates a virtual protective shield around the car, managing everything from intersection collisions to unintentional road departures.
• 2026 Tech: It introduces Post-Crash safety that automatically unlocks flush door handles and isolates the high-voltage battery instantly, ensuring first responders can act without delay.

3. BYD Sealion 7 – The High-Tech Challenger

BYD has transitioned from a budget alternative to a legitimate safety leader. The Sealion 7 has silenced the skeptics by performing exceptionally well under the rigorous 2023–2025 ANCAP protocols that carry into 2026.

• Why it wins: It features the “Blade Battery” which is structurally integrated into the chassis (CTB – Cell-to-Body). This doesn’t just save space; it acts as a massive reinforcement beam for the entire car.
• The Family Factor: High marks in side-impact and oblique pole tests ensure that your most precious cargo is protected from every angle.
• 2026 Tech: The Sealion 7 features a 360-degree high-definition camera system and advanced AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) that now covers “Head-on” and “Junction” scenarios—common pain points on busy Australian suburban roads.

4. Kia EV9 – The Family Flex

The Kia EV9 is the big, bold proof that you can have a massive 7-seater that handles like a smaller car. It has been a standout in the 2026 family EV market for its ability to combine size with active avoidance.

• Why it wins: It’s built on the E-GMP platform which features dedicated “crumple zones” designed to divert energy away from the battery and the cabin.
• The Family Factor: With ISOFIX points across multiple rows and a “Safe Exit Assist” that prevents kids from opening doors into oncoming traffic or cyclists, it’s a car designed by people who clearly have children.
• 2026 Tech: Its Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) provides smooth, intuitive lane-centring and distance-keeping, reducing driver fatigue on those long interstate runs.

5. Leapmotor B10 – The Small SUV Surprise

The dark horse of 2026 is the Leapmotor B10. This small electric SUV has arrived with a point to prove, securing a maximum five-star ANCAP rating and specifically impressing the judges with its child safety focus.

• Why it wins: It recorded a staggering 95% score for Child Occupant Protection, equalling the highest results ever seen under current protocols.
• The Family Factor: For young families looking for a safer, more affordable entry into the EV world, the B10 offers premium-level protection without the $100k price tag.
• 2026 Tech: It features a robust Safety Assist suite that earned high praise for its “smooth” intervention, avoiding the jerky, “annoying” steering tugs that older systems were known for.

🛠️ Strategise Your Family’s Safety with the EV Strategy Suite

Choosing the safest car is the first step. Ensuring your daily routine is safe and efficient is the next. At EV evolution, we’ve built the tools to help you manage the transition without the guesswork.

• The EV Vibe Check: Safety isn’t just about the car; it’s about where you stop. Use the Vibe Check to find chargers in well-lit, safe locations with family-friendly amenities so you aren’t stuck in a dark industrial estate at night.
• EV Charging Time Calculator: Plan your stops around the kids’ needs. See exactly how long a top-up takes so you can time it with a lunch break or a playground visit.
• EV Charge Cost: Calculate your “refuelling” costs. In 2026, the safest cars are also some of the cheapest to run, saving you thousands that can be put toward other family essentials.
• EV Fuel Savings Calculator: Remind yourself of the ROI. Switching to a top-tier safe EV like the Volvo EX90 or Tesla Model Y isn’t just a safety win; it’s a financial one.

🤖 Still Have Safety Questions? Ask the Expert

Are you wondering if the BYD Sealion 7 really has better rear-seat protection than the Model Y? Or perhaps you want to know which 2026 models have the best “Post-Crash” eCall systems that notify emergency services automatically?

Start the conversation with the EV evolution AI Agent. Our AI is the ultimate technical and safety consultant. It has access to the full ANCAP technical reports, crash test footage data, and real-world safety bulletins. You can ask:

• “Which 2026 EV under $60k has the highest Child Occupant Protection score?”
• “Compare the active safety features of the Volvo EX90 vs. the Kia EV9.”
• “Does the Leapmotor B10 have centre airbags for the front seats?”
• “How do the 2026 ‘Stages of Safety’ change the rating of the Tesla Model Y?”

The Verdict: Peace of Mind is Electric

In 2026, the safest EVs in Australia are setting benchmarks that traditional petrol cars simply cannot reach. With lower centres of gravity, integrated battery structures, and “active” sensors that can see in the dark, your family has never been better protected.

Ready to find the ultimate fortress for your family? Head over to our EV fuel savings calculator to see the financial benefits, or chat with our AI Agent to get the final safety verdict on your favorite 2026 model today.

Safety Comparison: 2026 Tesla Model Y vs. Volvo EX90

It’s one thing to look at five stars on a sticker, but for a daily commute in 2026, the real magic happens in the Safety Assist pillar. This is the technology that actively prevents a crash before it happens. Whether it’s a distracted driver merging into your lane on the M1 or a pedestrian stepping out in suburban traffic, these two heavyweights are at the top of their game.

At EV evolution, we’ve broken down the 2025–2026 ANCAP data to see which of these electric SUVs actually keeps you safer on the road.

📊 Side-by-Side: The ANCAP 2026 Scorecard

🛡️ The “Safety Assist” Deep Dive: Why Tesla Takes the Lead

Under the updated 2026 ANCAP protocols, Safety Assist is more than just lane-keeping; it’s about the “smoothness” and “intelligence” of the intervention.

• Tesla Model Y (92%): Tesla’s “Vision” system has become the benchmark. In the 2026 testing, its Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) for junctions, head-on collisions, and crossing scenarios was rated as near-perfect. For your commute, this means the car is incredibly sharp at detecting “sudden” stops in heavy traffic.+1
• Volvo EX90 (84%): While 84% is an elite score, Volvo lost a few points due to its “intrusiveness” metrics. However, it features a world-first unresponsive driver intervention system that can detect if a driver has had a medical emergency, bring the car to a stop, and call for help—a massive win for long-distance commuters.

🏗️ Crash Protection: The Volvo Fortress

While Tesla wins on the “pre-crash” tech, Volvo remains the king of the “during-crash” structure.

• The EX90 Advantage: Volvo’s 92% Adult Occupant Protection score reflects its legendary structural integrity. It includes a “far-side” centre airbag and an active bonnet that lifts to protect pedestrians if an impact is unavoidable.+1
• The Model Y Advantage: The 95% Child Occupant Protection is the standout here. If you’re a parent, the Model Y’s interior is one of the safest places on earth for a child in a car seat, scoring maximum points in both frontal-offset and side-impact tests.

🛠️ Use the EV Strategy Suite to Finalise Your Choice

Safety is a huge part of the equation, but it’s not the only one. Before you head to the showroom, run these two through our EV Strategy Suite:

• EV Fuel Savings Calculator: See the ROI on these high-spec safety machines. You’ll find that the “Safety Premium” pays for itself in avoided petrol costs.
• EV Charging Time Calculator: Both cars feature fast-charging, but their curves are different. See which one fits your “stop and start” lifestyle better.
• EV Charge Cost: Calculate the exact cost of “powering” your safety fortress every week.
• The EV Vibe Check: Safety doesn’t end when you park. Use our community-led tool to find chargers in well-lit, secure locations so you’re always safe while you top up.

🤖 Still Not Sure? Ask the EV Evolution AI

Are you torn between the Tesla’s “Vision” tech and Volvo’s roof-mounted LIDAR? Do you want to know which one has better visibility for those tricky Sydney merge lanes?

Start the conversation with the EV evolution AI Agent. Our AI is the ultimate technical and safety consultant. It has access to the full ANCAP technical reports, crash test footage data, and real-world safety bulletins. You can ask:

• “Which 2026 SUV has a smoother Lane Keep Assist: the Model Y or the EX90?”
• “Compare the ISOFIX points and child seat ease-of-use for these two models.”
• “Explain the 2026 ANCAP point deductions for touch-screen controls in the Tesla.”
• “Does the Volvo EX90 LIDAR really work better in heavy Australian rain?”

The Verdict: Who Wins for Your Commute?

If your commute involves heavy stop-start traffic and city intersections, the Tesla Model Y’s superior Safety Assist score makes it the winner. It is simply better at avoiding the “fender benders” of daily life.

However, if your commute involves high-speed regional roads or long highway stretches, the Volvo EX90 offers a level of structural peace of mind and medical-emergency backup that is unmatched.

Ready to find the ultimate safety partner for your driveway? Head over to our EV fuel savings calculator to see the financial benefits, or chat with our AI Agent to get the final safety verdict on your favorite 2026 model today.

About EV Evolution

EV Evolution is Australia’s authoritative strategic platform for electric vehicle market, dedicated to providing a high-fidelity knowledge base for the next generation of drivers. In a year defined by the Federal statutory review of FBT exemptions and the rapid arrival of record-breaking affordable models, we serve as your professional co-pilot to ensure every automotive decision is data-driven and future-proof. Our EV Strategy Suite—including the EV Tax Savings Estimator, Vibe Check Tool, and 24/7 AI Strategy Agent—empowers young professionals and families to navigate complex technical and regulatory shifts with total transparency. At EV Evolution, we don’t just track the market, we provide the strategic roadmap for your transition to the new electric standard