Are Heavy Electric Pickups a Safety Risk? Insights from the NTSB
Heavy electric trucks and SUVs raise new road safety concerns due to their increased mass and battery risks, according to experts.
Heavy Electric Pickups: Raising New Safety Concerns
As electric vehicles (EVs) surge in popularity, particularly full-size pickups and SUVs, safety experts are sounding the alarm about unique challenges posed by these heavyweight vehicles. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy and other industry leaders are calling attention to the risks associated with the sheer mass, rapid acceleration, and complex battery systems of modern electric pickups, such as the GMC Hummer EV and Ford F-150 Lightning.
Understanding the Problem: Weight, Power, and Risk
While EVs offer clear benefits in terms of reduced tailpipe emissions and lower operating costs, their overall safety profile is complicated by several factors:
- Substantial curb weight: The battery packs powering these vehicles can weigh as much as an entire compact car. For example, the GMC Hummer EV’s battery alone weighs roughly 2,900 pounds—close to the mass of a Honda Civic.
- Increased crash severity: Heavier vehicles transfer more force during collisions, creating a heightened danger for occupants of smaller, lighter cars.
- Rapid acceleration: Some electric pickups boast performance capabilities that can outpace sports cars, potentially increasing the risk of high-speed accidents.
The Numbers: How Heavy Are These Electric Pickups?
| Model | Electric Version Curb Weight | Gas Version Curb Weight | Battery Pack Weight | Weight Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Hummer EV | 9,063 lbs | ~6,000 lbs | 2,900 lbs | ~51% |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | Adds 2,000–3,000 lbs | 5,000–5,600 lbs | 1,800–2,300 lbs (est.) | ~36-54% |
| Mustang Mach-E | ~33% heavier | ~4,300 lbs | 1,000+ lbs | ~33% |
| Volvo XC40 EV | ~33% heavier | ~3,700 lbs | 900+ lbs | ~33% |
| Toyota RAV4 EV | ~33% heavier | ~3,400 lbs | 900+ lbs | ~33% |
Sources: Manufacturer specifications, industry analysis.
How Weight Impacts Road Safety
The safety consequences of these weight increases extend far beyond the vehicles themselves. In collisions, the laws of physics dictate that heavier vehicles impart more force—a direct risk to smaller road users. NTSB Chair Homendy specifically warns:
- “I’m concerned about the increased risk of severe injury and death for all road users from heavier curb weights and increasing size, power, and performance of vehicles on our roads.”
Several recent crash tests show stark results:
- In a University of Nebraska-Lincoln study, a 7,000-lb electric pickup truck tore through a highway guardrail at 60 mph without significant slowing, revealing that current infrastructure may not be designed to contain ultra-heavy EVs in crashes.
- Heavier vehicles also pose a greater threat to pedestrians and cyclists, both because of the higher crash energies and the larger size and more aggressive front-end designs.
Acceleration and Performance: A Double-Edged Sword
Electric motors deliver instantaneous torque, enabling some pickups and SUVs to reach 0–60 mph in under four seconds—a performance formerly reserved for sports cars. While manufacturer marketing often touts this as a selling point, experts worry that such acceleration encourages aggressive driving behavior, amplifying safety risks.
- High-performance EVs, like the Hummer EV, can require additional licensing in some countries due to their mass and speed.
- Even mainstream models now offer brisk acceleration, outpacing their gasoline predecessors by wide margins.
Advanced Safety Features: Enough to Offset the Risks?
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Modern electric pickups and SUVs incorporate advanced safety systems—ranging from automated emergency braking to lane-keeping and even limited self-driving functionality (SAE Level 2–3). While these technologies can help prevent some crashes, Homendy notes:
- Driver-assistance systems may not fully mitigate the risks of extreme mass in real-world accidents, especially when colliding with lighter vehicles.
Battery-Related Safety Hazards
Aside from crash risks, large electric pickups carry additional dangers related to their battery packs:
- Battery fires—Lithium-ion batteries, especially in large packs, can burn at extremely high temperatures and resist conventional firefighting methods. The energy density, while a technical marvel, is a challenge for emergency response.
- Stranded energy—After a crash, high voltage can persist, posing an electric shock risk to first responders.
- Thermal runaway—Damaged battery cells may experience uncontrolled temperature and pressure surges, leading to reignition long after the initial fire is extinguished.
Infrastructure at Its Limits
Facilities designed for traditional vehicles, such as highway guardrails and even sprinkler systems in parking garages, may not be sufficient for the demands of heavy EVs:
- Existing guardrails may fail to contain the extreme momentum of electric pickups in high-speed crashes.
- Standard fire suppression systems are often inadequate for managing lithium battery fires, which can reignite days later.
First Responders Face New Challenges
Homendy and the NTSB emphasize that first responders encounter significant, often underappreciated risks with EV accidents:
- Unclear vehicle manufacturer guidance on handling high-voltage battery incidents.
- Increased risk of electric shock, chemical exposure, and secondary fire events.
- Need for additional training and equipment tailored to heavy EVs.
Agencies are calling for standardized protocols, improved labeling on vehicles, and greater industry engagement to keep emergency workers safe.
Industry Response: Automakers Weigh In
Manufacturers acknowledge some of these challenges, but typically emphasize that their vehicles are efficient compared to traditional trucks and that many new customers have switched to EVs. GMC, for instance, claims the Hummer EV is more efficient than comparable internal combustion trucks—but most experts focus on the question of real-world risk to other road users.
At present, there is no regulatory limit in the U.S. on the curb weight or acceleration performance of passenger vehicles, despite the concerns voiced by the NTSB and other safety advocates.
Moving Forward: What Can Be Done?
- Infrastructure upgrades: Roads, guardrails, and parking facilities may need to be reinforced to withstand heavier vehicles.
- Enhanced safety testing: Expand crash-testing protocols to include ultra-heavy EVs and assess real-world impacts.
- Battery fire response: Develop clear guidance and specialized equipment for first responders tackling electric vehicle fires.
- Policy development: Consider reasonable limits on performance and mass, especially for vehicles frequently used in urban environments.
Comparing Electric Pickups and Traditional Trucks
| Aspect | Electric Pickup | Conventional Pickup |
|---|---|---|
| Average Curb Weight | ~6,500–9,000 lbs | ~4,500–6,000 lbs |
| Acceleration | 4–6 sec (0–60 mph) | 6–8 sec (0–60 mph) |
| Fire Risk | Battery fires, thermal runaway | Fuel fires (manageable) |
| First Responder Risk | High-voltage, reignition | Low-voltage, fuel only |
| Collision Risk | Higher risk for smaller vehicles | Standard risk |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why are electric pickups heavier than traditional trucks?
A: The big batteries required for long-range electric driving are far heavier than gasoline engines and fuel tanks. This increases overall curb weight dramatically compared to their non-electric counterparts.
Q: Do heavier electric vehicles increase the risk to other road users?
A: Yes. Heavier vehicles can inflict more severe damage in collisions, and their higher mass means they are more dangerous to occupants of smaller vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Q: Are battery fires in electric pickups more challenging to control?
A: Absolutely. Lithium-ion battery fires burn hotter, longer, and have a risk of reigniting—posing unique challenges for fire departments and first responders.
Q: What can be done to address these safety risks?
A: Solutions include updating infrastructure to accommodate heavier vehicles, improving first responder training, developing better fire suppression protocols, and considering policy guidelines for weight and acceleration limits in new vehicles.
Q: Are there any benefits to electric pickups despite these hazards?
A: Electric pickups emit less tailpipe pollution and offer lower lifetime operating costs compared to their gasoline equivalents. The challenge is mitigating road safety risks while achieving environmental goals.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach Needed for the Future of EVs
As the automotive industry embraces electrification, particularly in large consumer vehicles, addressing the weight and safety impacts must be part of the solution. While electric pickups and SUVs promise cleaner air and new driving experiences, transportation safety experts urge caution and a coordinated response to the hazards posed by heavier curb weights, battery risks, and infrastructure limitations. Proactive measures—including updated safety standards and improved emergency protocols—will be crucial for a future where electric vehicles can coexist safely with all road users.
References
- http://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/3/electric-vehicle-mandates-increase-safety-risks
- https://www.autoweek.com/news/green-cars/a42486843/ntsb-heavy-electric-cars-trucks-suvs-safety/
- https://carbuzz.com/news/ntsb-chair-slams-heavy-full-size-electric-trucks-over-safety-concerns/
- https://www.thetrucker.com/trucking-news/the-nation/feds-heavy-electric-vehicles-such-as-big-rigs-could-pose-big-safety-risks-due-to-weight
- https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/sr-details/H-20-032
- https://gmauthority.com/blog/2023/01/ntsb-concerned-about-heavy-electric-vehicles-arriving-on-the-market/
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