Mercedes has conducted an unusual crash test that is not part of the Euro NCAP assessment protocol: a collision between a mild-hybrid CLA Shooting Brake and an electric CLA, with the former striking the latter from the side.
With electric cars becoming increasingly common, the question of how safe they are in a collision has become more relevant. The standard Euro NCAP protocol includes frontal impact tests with a deformable barrier and side-impact tests involving a pole or barrier.
In real-world traffic, however, collisions can occur in quite different circumstances. Mercedes has therefore simulated a type of accident that frequently occurs at intersections: a collision between two cars travelling in perpendicular directions, with both vehicles moving at a speed of 56 kph (35 mph).
The two models selected for the crash test were a Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake with a combustion engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and an all-electric Mercedes CLA. Both vehicles weigh more than two tonnes when unladen. To better assess the electric model’s crash safety, the CLA Shooting Brake approaches from a perpendicular direction and strikes the electric CLA in the side, at the B-pillar.
Two adult dummies and two child dummies were placed in each car, making a total of eight dummies. All deformation and deceleration forces experienced by the dummies were evaluated in the same way as in a Euro NCAP test, with precise measurements and detailed documentation.
What were the results? The dummy readings and other data indicate that all safety systems worked as intended, with one objective: to keep the occupants as safe as possible. Everything worked perfectly, including the airbags and seat-belt pretensioners.
Another equally important consideration for an electric car is how well the battery is protected. At the 2:04 mark, it can be seen that the battery pack’s structural casing remains completely unaffected by the impact and the battery stays intact. This is crucial, as the battery enclosure must provide optimum protection: damage to the battery could potentially trigger a fire.
Mercedes also has an additional safety system that instantly disconnects the battery in the event of a collision, just as the fuel supply to the combustion engine is shut off. The emergency eCall system worked as intended, and the doors could be opened with virtually no effort.
