NTSB Head Calls Out Heavy EVs as a Safety Risk

• NTSB head Jennifer Homendy addresses issues of curb weight increases as a risk factor to other road users, just as automakers begin to roll out heavier SUVs and trucks, some of which are electric.

• With the debuts of several electric pickup trucks and SUVs, especially those with brisk acceleration, the NTSB chair has cited possible safety issues could arise for much smaller cars on the road in the near future as EVs gain popularity.

• Homendy made the comments as part of a keynote address at the Transportation Research Board's 2023 annual meeting, though the NTSB does not have the power to regulate the auto industry in this way.

Most of the focus on electric-vehicle safety over the past decade has been on battery pack fires, and the training first responders need to secure EVs at crash sites. Modern cars, especially the more expensive electric ones, tend to feature advanced safety systems that can spot dangerous situations ahead and take preventive action.

But one factor that has received scarce attention until very recently when it comes to EV safety has been curb weight. Even those EVs that feature driver-assistance systems (up to SAE Level 3 at this point) may not be able to mitigate the effects of their own mass in crashes with other, smaller vehicles.

National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy addressed the issue head on in comments this week as part of a keynote speech to the Transportation Research Board.

"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, including electric vehicles," Homendy said.

Several automakers have certainly made 0-to-60 launch times a significant part of their marketing, including GMC's Hummer EV that would actually require a special license in some countries due to its hefty curb weight.

"A GMC Hummer EV weighs over 9000 pounds, up from about 6000 pounds. Its gross vehicle weight rating is a staggering 10,550 pounds," Homendy noted. "The battery pack alone weighs over 2900 pounds—about the weight of a Honda Civic."

The NTSB administrator has addressed an issue that applies to expensive electric trucks, SUVs, and sedans, citing increases in performance as well when it comes to the risk of injury and death for other road users.

Even smaller, mainstream models have seen drastic gains in weight, as battery packs replace engines, transmissions, and gas tanks.

"The Ford F-150 Lightning is between 2000 and 3000 pounds heavier than the non-electric version," Homendy said. "The (Ford) Mustang Mach-E, Volvo XC40 EV, and (Toyota) RAV4 EV are all roughly 33% heavier. That has a significant impact on safety for all road users."

Homendy's comments come as automakers are engaged in a competition for range, which requires larger and larger batteries. Along these lines, the number of EVs with battery packs over 100 kWh has increased over the past three years.

The NTSB lacks administrative power because it does not regulate EV curb weights. But the allure of long range is what will drive EV market growth as the newest electric pickups and SUVs continue to arrive on the market—potentially jeopardizing the safety of smaller, existing vehicles.

Does the weight of large EVs pose unique safety problems for other vehicles on the road, or have smaller vehicles always been at risk? Let us know in the comments below.