As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on our roads continues to rise, it has become increasingly important that vehicle restraint systems (VRS) provide the same level of protection for EVs as they do for conventional vehicles. REBLOC has now taken its VRS a step further, demonstrating the suitability of precast concrete barriers for any kind of vehicle hitting the road.
Successful Full-Scale Crash Test with a Tesla Model 3
REBLOC recently carried out a full-scale crash test with an anchored REBLOC precast concrete barrier and an EV. The test vehicle was a Tesla Model 3 with a mass of approximately 1,900 kg.
The crash test, with an impact speed of 110 km/h and 20° impact angle, replicated the criteria of the TB32 test in accordance with the requirements defined in EN 1317-2. However, while the EN 1317-2 standard specifies a vehicle mass of 1,500 kg for the TB32, the Tesla used in this test was approximately 400 kg heavier, realising an impact energy of 103.8 kJ, which is 28 % higher than the TB32 test.
The results were highly impressive. Vehicle behaviour during and after the impact was excellent, demonstrating controlled deceleration and effective redirection. The barrier performed as intended, with no damage to the vehicle restraint system and without any barrier components becoming loose during or after the collision.
So, the barrier remained intact and capable of operating as it was designed to following the impact and the vehicle behaviour was exemplary. But what about the EV’s battery? This question was one of the key objectives of the conducted crash test. To evaluate the state of the battery after such a severe impact was a leap into the unknown. The battery remained intact throughout the crash test and showed no signs of damage that could lead to thermal runaway or fire.
As a precautionary measure, the vehicle was immediately recovered after the impact and placed in a specially designed safety container equipped with smoke detectors and a flooding system. The vehicle remained under observation for 48 hours. During this period and afterwards, no signs of battery malfunction or ignition were detected.
Funny side note from the test: Tesla’s emergency assistance system remained operational after the collision and automatically alerted the emergency services. To the surprise of the crash test team, the police arrived at the test site. However, this demonstrates that critical vehicle safety functions remain active even after the impact.
Addressing an Urgent Topic on our Roads
Currently, EVs are not specifically addressed within existing road safety standards. As a result, the availability of crash test data evaluating interaction between EVs and vehicle restraint systems is limited.
A few crash tests conducted in North America involving electric vehicles and steel guardrail systems highlighted potential challenges for protection. Due to the battery being packed in the vehicle’s floor pan, an EV’s lower centre of gravity can cause the guardrail to be lifted during impact, allowing the vehicle to under-ride the system, resulting in unsatisfactory performance.
The REBLOC test demonstrates that precast concrete barriers offer a robust and reliable solution for modern vehicles, including EVs. The successful performance of the barrier, combined with the positive vehicle behaviour, provides strong evidence that precast concrete barriers are well suited to the evolving demands of road safety.
Precast Concrete Barriers for EV-use
With the number of EVs rapidly increasing worldwide, it is essential that vehicle restraint systems are evaluated under realistic conditions that reflect today’s vehicle fleet. This dedicated crash test represents an important milestone in understanding the interaction between electric vehicles and vehicle restraint systems.
The successful crash test results confirm that precast concrete barriers are ready for the challenges posed by EVs and continue to provide a high level of protection for all users.
