Electrifying Safety: Unveiling the World's First Public Two-Car Electric Crash Test by Mercedes-Benz
On October 13, 2023, Mercedes-Benz made history by conducting the world’s first public two-car electric crash test at its Technology Center for Vehicle Safety in Sindelfingen, Germany. EQA and a EQS SUV, these two cars featured in this unique test.These two cars are travelling at a speed of 35 miles per hour.
The primary purpose of this crash test was to showcase the safety of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles in real-world accident scenarios.Let's get into details of World's First Public Two-Car Electric Crash Test performed by Mercedes-Benz.
Details of crash test
The test was conducted in front of a live audience of journalists and safety experts. The results of the test were also made public, which is a testament to Mercedes-Benz's commitment to transparency.
Mercedes took the crash test to the next level to prove its EVs are safe. The automaker crashed an EQA and EQS SUV into each other with a 50% overlap.Mercedes set the crash test up to replicate a real-life scenario while travelling at average speeds. The four female and male dummies complied with the biomechanical limits in this extremely severe crash and were analysed at up to 150 points. The electric cars were travelling at speeds of over 34 mph (56 km/h) and weighed significantly more at roughly 4,400 lbs (EQA) and 6,000 lbs (EQS SUV).
Key details of the crash test:
The EQS and EQS SUV were travelling at 35 mph when they collided head-on.
The vehicles’ crumple zones, designed to deform in the event of a collision, effectively absorbed the impact, reducing the forces transferred to the occupants.
The batteries in both vehicles remained stable, and the high-voltage systems were safely deactivated.
Thankfully, there were no fatal injuries sustained by the occupants of either vehicle.
Results of crash test
Although the vehicle damage may seem alarming at first, Mercedes used super slow motion to catch the collision in real time. As you can see, the cabin stayed intact, and both doors could still be opened.Results suggest a “low risk of serious to fatal injury,” according to Mercedes.Overall, the crash test demonstrated that Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles offer a high level of safety for occupants, even in severe collision scenarios.
Occupant Safety: The occupants of both vehicles were well protected during the crash. The passenger safety cells remained intact.
High-Voltage System Safety: The high-voltage systems in both vehicles automatically shut off after the crash, eliminating the risk of electric shock or further electrical hazards.
Battery Safety: The battery packs in both vehicles remained stable and did not pose any fire or explosion hazards. The structural design and protective measures ensured the integrity of the battery packs.
Additional safety features given by Mercedes
Blind Spot Assist: Monitors blind spots and alerts the driver to potential hazards.
Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a safe distance from vehicles ahead and adjusts speed accordingly.
Active Brake Assist: Automatically brakes the vehicle to avoid or mitigate collisions.
Pre-Safe system: Anticipates potential collisions and prepares the vehicle and occupants for impact.
Lane Keeping Assist: Prevents unintentional lane departures and keeps the vehicle on track.
Mercedes Future plans
Mercedes wants to wipe out road fatalities altogether. Much like Volvo, the company is working on a lofty target. “We don’t just want zero traffic fatalities by 2050 and a halving in the number of traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030 compared to 2020,” said Merc’s technology boss Markus Schäfer. “Our goal by 2050 is zero accidents involving a Mercedes-Benz vehicle.”
Summing Up
Two-car electric crash test by Mercedes-Benz marks a significant milestone in the development of electric vehicles. It showcases that electric vehicles are very much safe. This test also highlights Mercedes-Benz’s unwavering commitment to providing safe and reliable electric vehicles for its customers.
