Abstract
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are rapidly becoming a significant part of the U.S. vehicle fleet. These vehicles possess significant design variations from conventional, gas-powered vehicles, including increased curb weight, altered mass distribution, different frame structures, and altered vehicle geometry that may adversely affect the safety performance of existing roadside hardware. The objective of this research was to perform full-scale crash testing of BEVs with common roadside hardware to identify potential compatibility issues. Four full-scale crash tests were conducted according to American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) requirements as part of the study using Telsa Model 3 sedans and Rivian R1T pickup trucks. Testing was performed on the Midwest Guardrail System, a high-performance concrete parapet, and an F-shape portable concrete barrier. Two crash tests on the Midwest Guardrail System failed to meet safety requirements owing to the Telsa Model 3 underriding the guardrail and the Rivian R1T rupturing the guardrail. Full-scale crash testing on the concrete parapet using the Telsa Model 3 resulted in occupant risk criteria that exceeded acceptable limits. Testing on the F-shape portable concrete barrier using the Rivian R1T found that the barrier was able to contain and redirect the vehicle, but the performance of the barrier system was at its functional limit. The crash test results provide insights into the compatibility issues of BEVs with current roadside hardware, and recommendations for research needs and additional actions to address these issues are suggested.
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