Maggie
Volvo's electric models face a rigorous crash-test, but are they as safe as their gasoline counterparts?
- Crash-test myths debunked: Volvo's electric vehicles undergo stringent safety tests.
- Driver assistance and accident prevention technologies explored.
- Insights into the structural integrity and battery protection in the event of a crash.
- Are electric cars changing the game in vehicle safety standards?
The myth of electric vehicle safety
When it comes to electric vehicles (EVs), there's a plethora of misinformation circulating. A common misconception is that EVs are less safe than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. But is there any truth to this? How do EVs perform when an accident is unavoidable, and what measures can be taken to prevent such incidents in the first place? To find answers, we look towards a leader in automotive safety: Volvo.
The quest for unparalleled safety
At Volvo's Swedish headquarters, safety is not just a feature; it's an obsession. While many automakers strive for improved safety, Volvo has long set the benchmark. Their approach involves a myriad of technologies and strategies aimed at both preventing accidents and minimizing their impact.
- Driver Assistance Systems: Take the EX90, for example, which boasts an impressive array of sensors including five radars, eight cameras, and even a LiDAR system powered by Google's HD maps. These tools enable semi-autonomous driving under human supervision, enhancing road safety substantially.
Avoiding accidents – the first line of defense
The fundamental principle in vehicle safety is clear: the best way to ensure passenger protection is to prevent accidents from occurring at all. This straightforward concept encompasses a vast array of incredibly varied solutions.
Vital to this preventative approach are driver assistance features. In the case of Volvo's flagship model, the EX90 is equipped with cutting-edge technology designed to understand and interact with its surroundings—thanks largely to its level 2 semi-autonomous driving system which allows it to accelerate, brake, stay within lanes and even overtake other vehicles autonomously while under driver control.
The brand delves deeper into cognitive science research to enhance understanding of driver-vehicle-environment interactions.
Cognitive science meets automotive engineering
Mikael Ljung Aust, Volvo's senior safety technical leader explains that interpreting driver intentions can be challenging. A car may perceive a situation as dangerous which may actually be well managed by the driver. If the car intervenes unnecessarily, it could erode trust in these systems that might otherwise be lifesaving when real danger presents itself.
Focusing on user-friendly interfaces
In regards to minimizing driver distractions—crucial for accident avoidance—Volvo implements strict design rules. For instance, within their EX30 model, nearly all functions and commands are centralized on a touchscreen interface where each function must be accessible within seven steps or less and three clicks achievable within 1.5 seconds—a testament to their commitment to both usability and safety.
The inevitability of collisions
No matter how advanced preventive measures become, accidents can still occur. From an external viewpoint, crashes seem instantaneous; however, considerable strategy goes into protecting occupants. Understanding physics fundamentals reveals that kinetic energy created by motion needs dissipation upon halting—an eventuality that car structures must accommodate by deforming strategically while preserving a ‘survival cell' for passenger protection.
- • High-strength steel varieties are meticulously placed throughout vehicle frameworks ensuring deformity where needed yet maintaining integral protective zones.
Rehearsing disaster – crash tests
In physical crash-tests—a practice where computers play an essential role but cannot entirely replace real-world trials—Volvo leads with precision and dedication historically associated with its brand identity regarding safety assurances.
- • At Volvo's Safety Centre Crash Lab in Torslanda near Gothenburg, Sweden inaugurated in 2000 stands today's advanced facility capable of simulating numerous collision scenarios at speeds up to approximately 75 mph (120 km/h).
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