Guardrail Crash Test Suggests EVs Are Too Heavy For Current Infrastructure
Recent crash tests, sponsored by the U.S. Army, reveal shortcomings in roadside barriers, raising questions about the safety of heavy electric vehicles.
The Weight Dilemma
The increasing weight of modern vehicles, fueled by the popularity of SUVs and the heavy battery packs in EVs, has raised significant concerns. A recent crash test conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) focused on a 7,000-pound Rivian R1T, highlighting the challenges posed by overweight EVs in collision scenarios. The U.S. military-sponsored this research, reflecting concerns about adapting protection measures for the growing EV presence on the roads.
Guardrail Failures
In the crash test, the Rivian R1T, traveling at 60 mph, crashed through a guardrail designed for traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The footage showed the failure of the Federal Highway Administration's standardized guardrail, designed to deflect vehicles away from hazardous environments. Cody Stolle, MwRSF's assistant director, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, "As the percentage of EVs on the road increases, the proportion of run-off-road crashes involving EVs will increase as well."
EVs and Run-off Crashes
Despite similarities in the rates of run-off-road crashes between EVs and ICE vehicles, the weight disparity becomes a critical factor. Modern EVs, weighing 20-50% more than their ICE counterparts, bring 20-50% more energy upon impact. Stolle emphasized the need to re-examine roadside barrier designs beyond EVs, making it a critical and timely concern.
National Security Implications
The U.S. military's involvement in funding this research stems from concerns about national security. The fear is that ill-intentioned individuals could exploit EVs to breach barriers surrounding sensitive locations. Genevieve Pezzola, a civil engineering researcher at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, emphasized the importance of baseline comparison tests to understand potential risks and adapt protection measures accordingly.
Solutions and Future Steps
While military solutions may involve reinforcing barriers, highway designers face a complex challenge. The need for barriers strong enough to handle heavy EVs while remaining deformable to protect lighter internal-combustion vehicles complicates the solution. UNL's ongoing testing aims to provide essential insights for designing robust systems, allowing state departments of transportation to upgrade roadside barriers effectively.
The Road Ahead
As EV sales continue to rise and concerns about safety mount, these crash tests shed light on the imperative to address the challenges posed by overweight electric vehicles. Balancing safety measures for both EVs and traditional vehicles becomes paramount, necessitating collaborative efforts between researchers, government agencies, and the automotive industry to ensure road safety in the evolving landscape of transportation.
