Mercedes-Benz envisions a future with zero automotive crashes, and its aim is to succeed in that milestone by 2050. It is a tall order.

On Tuesday, the automaker took the subsequent steps towards that future because it carried out the primary recognized crash check between two electrical automobiles 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 automotive crashes, however the accident-free future is way away. This check pieced collectively what may occur on the best way 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 situation exceeds any standardized crash check by companies chargeable for score car security.

Whereas the automobiles had been each totaled, the passenger cells and high-voltage battery packs had been each absolutely intact. In different phrases, the automobiles 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 subsequent 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 automobiles

A future with out crashes?

Minimizing crashes to zero is the aim, however the actuality is unsure.

Director of Car Security at Mercedes-Benz Paul Dick mentioned at this time there are 1.3 million street fatalities annually worldwide. That equates to 12 massive planes full of individuals each single day. Mercedes is aiming for none of its automobiles to be concerned in an accident by 2050 in response to Dick, however which may not be attainable.

Julien Richert is in command of Mercedes-Benz’s ESF program, which creates Experimental Security Autos that discover new designs and expertise within the identify of security. Richert informed Motor Authority so long as we stay in a world of combined automobiles (referring to human-driven automobiles and autonomous automobiles) there will likely be uncontrolled variables that result in accidents. Even in an autonomous world there are uncontrolled and unavoidable points comparable to a falling tree limb, Richert famous.

Future automobiles might want to talk with the surface setting, 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 automobiles whereas working in autonomous mode. Sooner or later, it might be home windows that show graphics or perhaps a stay picture feed.

In preparation for an autonomous future the Mercedes-Benz ESF 2019 idea employed most of those attainable options. It additionally took into consideration a unique seating place for autonomous driving, which noticed the seatbelt transfer to the seat itself moderately than being pillar-mounted as with most of at this time’s automobiles.

Crashed Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz EQS security physique

Dealing with crash conditions at this time

Right now, no matter powertrain, Mercedes is dealing with security measures in 4 phases.

Section 1 is the help section, and it makes use of energetic security expertise comparable to adaptive cruise management, blind-spot displays, automated emergency braking, and the hands-free autonomous Drive Pilot system.

Section 2 is the preparation section, which prompts when the car’s sensors develop 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 car will truly carry the facet about to expertise affect to boost and transfer occupants away from the power pressure.

Section 3 is the defend section, and it entails all of the airbags deploying contained in the car. 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 section, and it is when the system kicks in to alert these close to and much {that a} car’s been in an accident. The hazard lights routinely illuminate, on an electrical car the high-voltage electrical system will routinely go into an emergency shut-down mode, and the car will name an emergency name heart the place an operator will pickup talking the default language you’ve got chosen in your Mercedes-Benz.

All Mercedes-Benz automobiles function a black field (which is definitely yellow) mounted on the heart most level of the car. It acts because the car’s mind for all security techniques and Mercedes can retrieve crash information from it after the very fact ought to or not it’s wanted. 

Right now, Mercedes makes each gas- and electric-powered automobiles. With the latest crash check the automaker has taken the subsequent step in security testing because it prepares its electrical lineup whereas trying towards a crashless future.