Tesla’s Cybertruck Design Raises Safety Concerns, with concerns raised by experts over the potential harm it could cause to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles on the road due to its stiff stainless steel exterior.
According to Reuters, six safety professors and officials viewed videos of crash tests conducted by Tesla and showcased during a webcast delivery event. The crash test videos, which were live streamed by Tesla on November 30th, sparked discussions on social media. However, experts emphasized the need for more crash test data to make definitive conclusions about the safety of the Cybertruck.
The concerns arise from the potential damage that could occur when individuals collide with the trucks rigid stainless steel surface.
Heavyweights collide on results:
Adrian Lund, the former president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), raised concerns about the stiffness of the trucks exterior and its potential impact on individuals who come into contact with it. Despite this, Tesla has emphasized the impact-absorbing mechanisms built into the structure of the truck to minimize harm in the event of a crash.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed confidence in the Cybertruck’s safety in a social media post, stating that he believes it will be safer for occupants and pedestrians than other trucks. However, the concerns raised by safety experts have yet to be addressed by Tesla.
The Cybertruck’s unique angular design and stainless steel exterior have set it apart visually, marking a departure from traditional vehicle designs. Elon Musk touted the trucks toughness, noting that the material used for its exterior – which is similar to that used in the DeLorean car featured in the 1985 movie “Back to the Future” – has been so robust that it broke the stamping machine used during the manufacturing process.
Energy absorption structure:
At the launch event in Austin, Texas, Tesla highlighted the energy absorbing ribs in the front and rear structures of the Cybertruck, designed to minimize the impact during a crash. The skin of the doors was highlighted as a key component in managing the crash load during a side impact. While outside experts acknowledged these safety features, concerns were also raised regarding potential limitations in the vehicle’s crumple zones, which are vital for absorbing crash energy. Despite this, there is hope that the Cybertruck’s shock absorbent mechanisms may compensate for the limited crumple zones that are traditionally found in vehicles.
The video footage of the frontal crash raised further red flags when the energy from the impact was significant enough to break the rear suspension of the vehicle. Despite these concerns, the Cybertruck is expected to reach a production rate of around 250,000 units per year by 2025, making it a significant part of Tesla’s future vehicle lineup.
Red flags’ in a crash:
Alongside concerns about the potential impact on pedestrians and cyclists, experts raised more concerns about the Cybertruck’s impact on other vehicles in the event of a crash. The stiffness of the trucks exterior could make it more resistant in a crash, possibly causing significant damage to other vehicles. This has prompted discussions about the safety implications for bystanders and occupants of other vehicles. Critics have also pointed out the heavy weight and high acceleration of the trucks, raising further concerns about safety for non occupants in the event of a crash.
As the Tesla Cybertruck design raises safety concerns, it is unsure whether Tesla plans to sell the Cybertruck in Europe. Potential safety regulations aimed at protecting pedestrians could present challenges, making it difficult to introduce the Cybertruck to European markets. Additionally, the European Transport Safety Council expressed concerns about the potential impact of a vehicle of this size and weight on pedestrians and cyclists in the event of a collision.
Regulators normally rely on vehicle makers to self test and certify their following the required safety standards. According to reports, the regulatory review process for the Cybertruck was successfully completed, and the first units were released to buyers last week. However, these safety concerns raise questions about the potential impact of the Cybertruck on road safety, prompting further investigation into its safety features and potential risks.
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