The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is undoubtedly a positive development for the environment and society as a whole. However, as technology continues to advance, it’s important to acknowledge and address the potential downsides. One concerning issue that has emerged is related to the weight of new EVs and its impact on road safety.
Initial tests conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Midwest Roadside Safety Facility revealed that the current guardrails on American highways are ill-equipped to handle the weight of new electric pickup trucks. In a test, a 7,000-pound Rivian R1T traveling at 60 mph plowed through a modern steel barrier with little resistance, raising questions about the effectiveness of these safety measures.
The weight of EVs, particularly electric trucks, presents a unique challenge for the infrastructure. The heavy lithium-ion battery packs in these vehicles make them significantly heavier compared to conventional vehicles. As a result, guardrails, which are designed to prevent vehicles from veering off the road or crossing into oncoming traffic, are being tested in new ways.
According to Cody Stolle, assistant director of the facility, the current guardrails are not designed to handle vehicles weighing over 5,000 pounds. The increase in the weight of vehicles has been a long-standing concern, and with the electrification of America’s vehicle fleet, the issue has been amplified.
The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that electric pickup trucks require larger batteries to achieve sufficient range, adding even more weight to the vehicles. This excess mass increases the potential energy impact in the event of a collision, posing a greater danger to pedestrians, drivers of smaller cars, and other road users.
In addition to safety concerns, the increased weight of EVs also leads to accelerated tire wear, contributing to pollution. It is clear that urgent action is needed to address these issues, with the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility planning to conduct further tests to determine the necessary updates to America’s road infrastructure. As the proportion of EVs on the road continues to rise, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and adapt the infrastructure to meet the demands of the evolving automotive landscape.