Tesla has always been at the forefront of automotive technology, and its commitment to passenger safety is no exception. In a recent video, Lars Moravy, VP of Vehicle Engineering at Tesla, discussed the company’s approach to passive safety and what makes its cars so safe.
Passive safety, as Lars explains, is all about what happens after an accident occurs. Tesla engineers design their vehicles with the goal of absorbing as much energy as possible from whatever object the car collides with before it reaches the cabin.
o achieve this goal, the company employs a progressive nature of crash structure. This means that the bumper beam and crush can are the first to crush in a low-speed impact of under 20 miles per hour, followed by the new front underbody casting, which features ribs of increasing thickness to control the crushing of the entire system as it moves up.
In addition, Tesla vehicles have multiple load paths to transfer energy through the crush rail and subframe in both vertical and lateral directions. The lower load path, situated outside the main crush rail, is angled to absorb energy and push the car away from any object the vehicle collides with, thereby protecting the occupants and battery from further harm.
The backup structure, which includes the door rings, glass, and battery, provides additional protection for the cabin after a collision. Tesla’s battery placement is unique in the industry, as it is situated low and at the center of gravity of the vehicle, adding an extra layer of safety by reducing the risk of a rollover. This placement, combined with Tesla’s suspension system, makes its cars less likely to roll over and better able to withstand crashes.
To demonstrate how Tesla’s passive safety features work in action, Lars showcases a vehicle that underwent a five-star crash test rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Despite sustaining significant damage, the cabin remained untouched, and the occupant had all the room they needed to survive the accident.
Tesla’s dedication to passenger safety is one of the reasons why the company is so highly regarded in the automotive industry. With innovative design features and advanced safety technology, Tesla continues to set the standard for safety in the automotive industry.
