The Midwest Roadside Safety Facility at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln recently conducted an experiment to test the effectiveness of guardrails against heavier electric vehicles (EVs) that are currently taking over roads. The results of the crash test have raised concerns about the safety measures in place for these vehicles.
In the experiment, the facility used a model year 2022 Rivian R1T truck and crashed it into a guardrail system at a speed of 60 mph. The truck was able to tear through the guardrail, which consisted of a 12-gauge corrugated steel guardrail attached to 6-inch deep steel posts. This raised questions about whether the current guardrails are equipped to prevent crashes by heavier EVs.
To compare, the facility also conducted the same test with a lighter model year 2018 Tesla Model 3. In this case, the Tesla was able to lift the guardrail and pass below it, eventually coming to rest behind the barrier. The results of these tests highlight the potential dangers of heavier EVs on the road.
Assistant Director of the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility, Cody Stolle, expressed concerns about the increasing number of run-off-road crashes involving EVs as their percentage on the road increases. Electric vehicles are generally 20-50% heavier than combustion engine vehicles, which poses a unique challenge in terms of safety measures.
Following these test results, transportation officials, defense experts, and researchers from the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility will collaborate to determine the necessary steps to accommodate the rising number of EVs in America’s fleet. This collaboration aims to address the safety concerns and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to prevent accidents involving these vehicles.
It is important to note that thousands of fatalities occur each year as a result of run-off-road crashes involving roadside barriers. With the increasing popularity of EVs, it is crucial to address these safety concerns to prevent further accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.
In conclusion, the recent crash test conducted by the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility highlights the need for improved safety measures for heavier electric vehicles. As EVs continue to gain popularity and become more prevalent on the roads, it is essential to address these concerns and ensure that adequate safety measures are in place to prevent accidents and protect all road users.
