The growing weight and efficiency of latest vehicles – significantly EVs – makes them a possible hazard on the roads, says the chair of the US Nationwide Transportation Security Board.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy delivered a keynote final week outlining her considerations, particularly citing higher-performance and high-mass EVs such because the GMC Hummer EV.
“I need to take a second and point out that I’m involved concerning the elevated danger of extreme damage and dying for all street customers from heavier curb weights and growing measurement, energy, and efficiency of automobiles on our roads, together with electrical automobiles,” she stated.
“A GMC Hummer EV weighs over 9000 kilos (round 4 tonnes)… its gross car weight ranking is a staggering 10,550 kilos (4.8t). The battery pack alone weighs over 2900 kilos (1.3t) — concerning the weight of a Honda Civic.
“The Ford F-150 Lightning is between 2000 and 3000 kilos heavier than the non-electric model. The Mustang Mach-E and Volvo XC40 EV… are all roughly 33 per cent heavier. That has a major influence on security for all street customers.
“Now I need to be clear: I’m impressed by the [Biden] Administration’s dedication to phasing out carbon emissions. We do have a local weather disaster that must be addressed.
“The U.S. transportation sector accounts for the biggest portion of U.S. greenhouse fuel emissions, and I firmly consider it’s a human proper to breathe clear air.
“However we now have to watch out that we aren’t additionally creating unintended penalties: extra dying on our roads. Security, particularly in relation to new transportation insurance policies and new applied sciences, can’t be neglected. Ever.”
Ms Homendy’s considerations mirror these of the British Parking Affiliation as per this story printed final December, wherein the foyer beneficial loading checks on all older parking buildings to keep away from a “catastrophic” failure attributable to outdated weight limits being exceeded.
“While you begin seeing the weights of the automobiles which might be popping out of the factories, you begin to query whether or not current requirements are ample,” stated structural engineer Chris Whapples.
Meals for thought?
