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Mercedes-Benz envisions a future with zero automobile crashes, and its objective is to succeed in that milestone by 2050. It is a tall order.
On Tuesday, the automaker took the following steps towards that future because it carried out the primary identified crash check between two electrical autos in entrance of journalists. It was loud and violent, precisely as anticipated.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and EQA crash check
Crash-testing electrical automobiles
A crash check appears counterintuitive to a future with out automobile crashes, however the accident-free future is way away. This check pieced collectively what may occur on the way in which to zero accidents.
The crash check, which was between an EQS SUV and EQA crossover SUV, was a head-on with 50% frontal overlap, and with each automobiles touring at 35 mph (56 kph). Notably, this state of affairs exceeds any standardized crash check by companies answerable for ranking automobile security.
Whereas the autos had been each totaled, the passenger cells and high-voltage battery packs had been each totally intact. In different phrases, the autos carried out no worse, and had been no much less protected, than a gas-powered Mercedes.
Mercedes deliberate to do a roof-crush check the following day by dropping the crashed EQS on its roof, as solely the entrance finish sustained harm in the course of the present check.
The crash marked the automaker’s subsequent step in crash testing with the electrical future coming on-line.
Mercedes-Benz ESF autos
A future with out crashes?
Minimizing crashes to zero is the objective, however the actuality is unsure.
Director of Automobile Security at Mercedes-Benz Paul Dick stated at the moment there are 1.3 million highway fatalities every year worldwide. That equates to 12 giant planes full of individuals each single day. Mercedes is aiming for none of its autos to be concerned in an accident by 2050 based on Dick, however that may not be doable.
Julien Richert is answerable for Mercedes-Benz’s ESF program, which creates Experimental Security Autos that discover new designs and know-how within the title of security. Richert informed Motor Authority so long as we dwell in a world of blended autos (referring to human-driven autos and autonomous autos) there will probably be uncontrolled variables that result in accidents. Even in an autonomous world there are uncontrolled and unavoidable points equivalent to a falling tree limb, Richert famous.
Future autos might want to talk with the surface atmosphere, each when it comes to pedestrians and different drivers. For now, that may take the type of teal-colored lighting components on Mercedes Drive Pilot autos whereas working in autonomous mode. Sooner or later, it could possibly be home windows that show graphics or perhaps a dwell picture feed.
In preparation for an autonomous future the Mercedes-Benz ESF 2019 idea employed most of those doable options. It additionally took under consideration a distinct seating place for autonomous driving, which noticed the seatbelt transfer to the seat itself somewhat than being pillar-mounted as with most of at the moment’s autos.
Crashed Mercedes-Benz EQS
Mercedes-Benz EQS security physique
Dealing with crash conditions at the moment
Right now, no matter powertrain, Mercedes is dealing with security measures in 4 phases.
Section 1 is the help part, and it makes use of lively security know-how equivalent to adaptive cruise management, blind-spot screens, automated emergency braking, and the hands-free autonomous Drive Pilot system.
Section 2 is the preparation part, which prompts when the automobile’s sensors turn into conscious a crash will happen. The home windows roll up, seatbelt tensioners tighten, airbags pre-charge in anticipation of deployment, and if geared up with air or hydraulic suspension, the automobile will really elevate the aspect about to expertise influence to boost and transfer occupants away from the vitality pressure.
Section 3 is the defend part, and it entails all of the airbags deploying contained in the automobile. The 2021 S-Class noticed the introduction of a rear airbag mounted on the entrance seat backs for rear seat passengers. That idea was launched within the ESF 2019 idea after which put into manufacturing.
Section 4 is the assistance part, and it is when the system kicks in to alert these close to and much {that a} automobile’s been in an accident. The hazard lights mechanically illuminate, on an electrical automobile the high-voltage electrical system will mechanically go into an emergency shut-down mode, and the automobile will name an emergency name middle the place an operator will pickup talking the default language you’ve got chosen in your Mercedes-Benz.
All Mercedes-Benz autos function a black field (which is definitely yellow) mounted on the middle most level of the automobile. It acts because the automobile’s mind for all security methods and Mercedes can retrieve crash knowledge from it after the actual fact ought to it’s wanted.
Right now, Mercedes makes each gas- and electric-powered autos. With the newest crash check the automaker has taken the following step in security testing because it prepares its electrical lineup whereas wanting towards a crashless future.
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