As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on our roads continues to rise, it has become increasingly important that longitudinal safety barriers provide the same level of protection for EVs as they do for conventional vehicles. REBLOC has now taken its concrete safety barriers 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 (4,189 lbs).
The crash test, conducted at an impact speed of 110 km/h (68.4 mph) and a 20-degree impact angle, replicated the criteria of a TB32 test in accordance with the requirements defined in the European Standard EN 1317-2. However, while EN 1317-2 specifies a vehicle mass of 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) for the TB32 test, the Tesla used in this evaluation was approximately 400 kg (882 lbs) heavier, generating an impact energy of 103.kJ (76.6 kip-ft), which is 28% higher than the standard TB32 test.
The results were highly impressive. Vehicle behavior during and after the impact was excellent, demonstrating controlled deceleration and effective redirection. The barrier performed as intended, with no damage to the longitudinal barrier system and without any barrier components becoming loose during or after the collision.
So, the barrier remained intact and capable of operating as designed following the impact and the vehicle behavior 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 runway 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 demonstrated that critical vehicle safety functions remained 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 safety barriers 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 center 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 behavior, 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 longitudinal safety barriers 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 longitudinal safety barriers.
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.
Author:
REBLOC Inc.
www.rebloc.com
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