According to a recent report from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, researchers are conducting an ongoing study on how commonly used traffic safety devices hold up against electric vehicles (EVs). This comes amid growing discussions about the potential impact of heavier EVs on America’s roads and bridges.

The Weight Debate

Former President Donald Trump recently claimed that electric trucks are two-and-a-half times heavier than gas-powered trucks, suggesting that widespread EV adoption would require rebuilding every bridge in the country. While Trump’s statement exaggerates the weight difference, EVs are indeed heavier than their gas-powered counterparts, typically by about 30% due to their larger batteries.

For instance:

The 2024 Hyundai Kona EV weighs 3,571 pounds, 19% more than its gas version at 3,005 pounds.
Ford’s F-150 Lightning electric truck weighs 6,015 pounds, 37% more than the gas-powered F-150 XL at 4,391 pounds.

Infrastructure Concerns

While America’s infrastructure does need significant repairs, it’s not due to EVs. The American Society of Civil Engineers reports that of the 617,000 bridges in the U.S., nearly 213,000 need repair, with over 46,000 considered “structurally deficient.” Additionally, 43% of public roads are in poor condition.

Kancheepuram Gunalan, a former ASCE president, explains: “The travel beat-up is from much heavier trucks, not your traditional sedans. When we design roads, we design them for some of these heavy, 80,000 pound, 18-wheeler trucks [that] constantly pound on the highway.”

Safety Implications

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Midwest Roadside Safety Facility (MRSF) conducted crash tests with EVs, revealing potential safety concerns. A 2022 Rivian R1T “tore through the barrier,” while a 2018 Tesla Model 3 lifted the guardrail.

Cody Stolle, an assistant director for the MRSF, stated, “There is some urgency to address this issue. As the percentage of EVs on the road increases, the proportion of run-off-road crashes involving EVs will increase, as well.”

The broader trend towards larger, heavier vehicles, including SUVs and long-range EVs, raises safety concerns. Research shows that for every additional 1,000 pounds in a vehicle, the possibility of a fatal collision with a pedestrian increases by 47%.

Resposta do setor

Automakers are working to address these concerns. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares emphasized the need to cut EV battery weight in half over the next decade, citing environmental concerns and efficiency improvements.

EVXL’s Take

While the weight of EVs presents challenges, it’s crucial to view this in the context of overall vehicle trends and infrastructure needs. As we’ve seen in our Tesla coverage, EV manufacturers are constantly innovating to improve efficiency and safety. The focus should be on comprehensive infrastructure upgrades and continued advancements in EV technology to ensure a sustainable and safe transition to electric mobility.