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As the first car maker to do so publicly, Mercedes-Benz held a real-life crash test between two EVs head-on. Mercedes simulated a real-life scenario, sending an EQA model into an EQS SUV at speeds of over 34 mph (56 km/h).

Mercedes claims it held the “world’s first public crash test involving two fully electric vehicles” Friday in a new campaign.

Like the NHTSA, the Euro NCAP conducts several crash tests to determine its safety. The tests include front and side collisions to evaluate potential injuries to passengers.

To replicate another vehicle, the Euro NCAP front impact test uses an over 3,000 lb (1,400 kg) trolley with an aluminum barrier. Meanwhile, the cars and the trolley collide with an overlap and speeds of 31 mph (50 km/h).

Mercedes took the crash test to the next level to prove its EVs are safe. The automaker crashed an EQA and EQS SUV into each other with a 50% overlap.

The electric cars were traveling at speeds of over 34 mph (56 km/h) and weighed significantly more at roughly 4,400 lbs (EQA) and 6,000 lbs (EQS SUV).

Mercedes-crash-EVs
Mercedes-Benz EV crash test (Source: Mercedes-Benz)

Mercedes crashes two EVs head-on in safety test

Although the vehicle damage may seem alarming at first, Mercedes used super slow motion to catch the collision in real time. As you can see, the cabin stayed intact, and both doors could still be opened.

Mercedes-Benz EV crash test (Source: Mercedes-Benz/Youtube)

If this event happened, it would be possible for passengers to get out of their vehicles without first responders.

To avoid the possibility of a fire following the crash, the high voltage system in both Mercedes’ EVs switched off automatically.

Mercedes set the crash test up to replicate a real-life scenario while traveling at average speeds. The vehicles carried two adult dummies and were analyzed at up to 150 points. Results suggest a “low risk of serious to fatal injury,” according to Mercedes.

“The four female and male dummies complied with the biomechanical limits in this extremely severe crash. This demonstrates our expertise in electric vehicle safety.” Prof. Dr. Paul Dick, head of vehicle safety at Mercedes-Benz AG, said following the results.

With new safety tech, Mercedes-Benz aims for zero accidents involving its vehicles by 2050.

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Wheel-E Podcast: Tenways cargo e-bike, Lime mopeds, EUCs, more

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Wheel-E Podcast: Tenways cargo e-bike, Lime mopeds, EUCs, more

This week on Electrek’s Wheel-E podcast, we discuss the most popular news stories from the world of electric bikes and other nontraditional electric vehicles. This time, that includes a new cargo e-bike launch from Tenways, Lime bringing its new e-bike and e-moped to its larger fleets, testing a 100 mile e-bike, California’s e-bike vouchers are set to open again in another lottery round, a new electric unicycle from InMotion, and more.

Today’s episode is brought to you by retrospec—makers of sleek, powerful e-bikes and outdoor gear built for everyday adventure. Electrek listeners can get 10% off their next ride until May 8th with the exclusive code ELECTREK10 only at retrospec.com.

The Wheel-E podcast returns every two weeks on Electrek’s YouTube channel, Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter.

As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.

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After the show ends, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:

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We also have a Patreon if you want to help us to avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.

Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the Wheel-E podcast today:

Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 9:00 a.m. ET (or the video after 10:00 a.m. ET):

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Redditor: my Polestar 2 window stopped a bullet from hitting me [pictures]

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Redditor: my Polestar 2 window stopped a bullet from hitting me [pictures]

This one’s pretty simple, kids – it’s exactly what it says on the tin: a Polestar 2 owner took to the Polestar subreddit this week claiming that the window glass in his new EV actually stopped a bullet from hitting him. Plus, he says he’s got the pictures to prove it. (!)

The brand may be evolving into its own, but the OG Polestar 1 and Polestar 2 were little more than hot electric versions of Volvo cars – and Volvo cars are known throughout the world for their secure, planted feel on the road and absolutely bananas high-tensile steel safety cages. As such, it should come as no surprise that the Polestar 2 is one of the safest sedans on the road today … but is the car really bulletproof?

That’s what one redditor is claiming after his window was hit by what they believed to be a stray bullet just five days after taking delivery.

Polestar stopped a bullet.
byu/CptMerica29 inPolestar

Now, as the growing brand rivalry between Polestar fans and their Tesla-driving counterparts might lead you to expect, some of the comments are pretty pointedly referencing Tesla – and pretty funny. Here are a few of my favorites:

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Comment
byu/CptMerica29 from discussion
in
Polestar

Comment
byu/CptMerica29 from discussion
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Polestar

Comment
byu/CptMerica29 from discussion
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Polestar

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byu/CptMerica29 from discussion
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Polestar

Now, that was fun, sure – but it’s worth noting that a number of commenters claiming alternately that there’s no way this was a .22 caliber bullet (certainly not a .22 WMR) or that it was a stray shot from very far away. The consensus seems to be that a .177 caliber air gun pellet is most likely to blame, but my money is on a small piece of stone or gravel kicked up at a weird angle from a nearby vehicle.

Regardless, it seems like CptMerica29 is A-OK, and their Polestar 2 hardly seems worse for wear, either. Here’s hoping it’s the last time we have to have a debate about what kind of bullet was being fired at an EV driver for a long time.

If you’d like to try your hand at driving a Polestar 2 through a volley of flying debris and other assorted projectiles and letting us know how you do, click the link below to score a great deal on one near you (while you still can):

Disclaimer

I would like to believe this is obvious, but there’s a “do not use batteries as toothpaste” sticker on this pack of Duracell batteries for a reason, so I’m going to err on the side of caution here and tell any of you reading the above and taking it seriously that: I am kidding. That was a joke.

To be clear, it is my position that NO VEHICLE this side of a Mercedes-Benz EQS GUARD or Inkas Armored S Class is actually bulletproof – and that, yes, a .22 is a real gun with plenty of lethal stopping power and, also yes, a pellet gun can and has killed a lot of people. DO NOT SHOOT AT CARS, and do not sit in your cars and let others shoot at you if you can at all avoid it.

As getsome75 so eloquently puts it:

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byu/CptMerica29 from discussion
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Polestar

Stay safe out there, kids.

SOURCE | IMAGES: CptMerica29; featured image via Polestar.

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Slate emerges with customizable EV pickup available for under $20k [Video]

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Slate emerges with customizable EV pickup available for under $20k [Video]

After about a month of speculation and subtle hints from industry insiders, American EV startup Slate has emerged from stealth to share its flagship model with the world. This simplified all-electric pickup arrives with over 100 accessories, a five-seat SUV configuration kit, and get this… crank windows. Even better, this no-nonsense pedigree of EV is priced refreshingly low, starting below $20,000 after US tax incentives.

As we pointed out last month, there was much more we didn’t know than we could confirm about a new EV brand called Slate. The American automaker was verified as an official business on LinkedIn as of March 5, giving us a sparse trail of breadcrumbs to follow to learn more.

According to the page, Slate had already established a team of 200 to 500 employees, and 46 additional open roles were listed. Some open jobs, such as plant manager and suspension engineer, hinted that Slate has been working on at least one EV.

Aside from promising “the next generation of innovation in the industry” (despite not confirming what industry), Slate’s website stated that we would learn more on April 24. We had heard rumblings that the Troy, Michigan-based startup was on the cusp of debuting a simple, all-electric pickup.

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However, that wasn’t confirmed until two days ago, when the first real-world images of the EV emerged ahead of Tesla’s earnings call. Our readers pointed out that “Slate” is an anagram of “Tesla,” which offers interesting fodder to the conspiracy theory scene at best.

While Slate’s name may be a tongue-in-cheek nod to reimagining an EV industry Tesla championed early on, the name seems more rooted in the fellow American company’s clean slate approach to EV design. From what we’ve now seen, Slate is breaking from the trend of other startups kicking off market entry with top-tier, luxe models starting in the $80-$100k range.

Instead, it has created a no-nonsense EV pickup that starts at a super low price, leaving the upgrades and customizations to the customer. Better still, if you US customers prefer a five-seat option, Slate also offers that. See below:

Slate debuts EV that can be 2-seat pickup or 5-seat SUV

Slate has officially arrived and, in my opinion, is a welcome breath of fresh air (because of no emissions, of course) to an American EV industry that is growing by the day, but has yet to reach critical mass in adoption.

Much of that struggle relates to pricing (not to mention lackluster local charging infrastructure). Most EVs are not affordable enough for the average consumer yet, and to get an electric pickup like Slate is now offering, for example, you have to opt for a model from Ford, GM, or Rivian that will cost at least $63,000 and will easily go up from there with added features like range.

Instead of coming out swinging against the big boys, Slate has dug itself a nice little niche in simplified affordable EVs that are modular and customizable. Slate’s first CEO, Chris Barman, elaborated:

The definition of what’s affordable is broken. Slate exists to put the power back in the hands of customers who have been ignored by the auto industry. It is a radical truck platform so customizable that it can transform from a 2-seat pickup to a 5-seat SUV.

Steel wheels, HVAC knobs, and crank windows – Slate is most certainly taking a clever approach to affordable US EVs for all. Designed to be “approachable and timeless,” the startup flagship model is truly a black slate canvas that puts the brush in the hands of its customers.

The company shared it will offer over 100 accessories, available a la carte or in a bundle, available from your initial order or years down the road. The dash also includes a universal phone mount with USB power, enabling you to use whatever smart device and OS you’d like. Have it custom wrapped by the Slate team or do it yourself, Slate is not only offering variety to customization, but also the process by which it is achieved.

Another example is Slate’s flat pack SUV Kit, which turns the EV pickup into a 5-seat SUV, complete with a roll cage, airbags, and rear seat. Again, you’ll have the choice to have Slate integrate it in Michigan or do it yourself, adding a bit of a DIY “gearhead” philosophy the EV segment has lacked since day one.

“But Scooter, what about specs?” Don’t worry my friends, we got you:

  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 174.6 inches
    • Wheelbase: 108.9 inches
    • Width: (w/o mirrors): 70.6 inches
    • Height: 69.3 inches
    • Pickup Interior Volume: 55.0 ft3
    • SUV Interior Volume: 80.5 ft3
    • Frunk Cargo Volume: 7 ft3
    • Bed Cargo Volume: 37 ft3
    • SUV Cargo Volume (behind seats): 34 ft3
  • Weights:
    • Curb Weight: 3602 lbs.
    • Max Payload: 1433 lbs.
    • Max towing: 1,000 lbs.
  • Power and Battery:
    • Powertrain: Single motor, RWD
    • Battery: 52.7 kWh (standard) or 84.3 kWh (add-on)
    • Power: 150 kW (201 hp)
    • Torque: 264 Nm (195 lb-ft)
    • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 8 seconds (est.)
    • Top speed: 90 mph
  • Charging and Range:
    • Onboard charger: 11 kW
    • Level 1 AC: 3.6kW / 20-100% in 11 hrs.
    • Level 2 AC: 11kW / 20-100% in under 5 hrs.
      Level 3 DC: 120kW / 20-80% in under 30 mins.
    • Charging Configuration: NACS
    • Standard Range (52.7 kWh) (est.): 150 miles
    • Large Pack Range ((84.3 kWh) (est.): 240 mi.
    • Combined city/highway (est.): 96 MPGe
  • Bed Dimensions (Pickup):
    • Bed width (between wheel wells): 42.9 inches
    • Bed Width Min./Max.: 50.0 inches /54.9 inches
    • Bed Length: 60.0 inches
    • Bed Length (Tailgate Down): 81.6 inches

According to Slate, its flagship EV will be sold directly to consumers and is available to reserve now with a $50 deposit. The trucks will be built in the US and start at an MSRP below $20,000 (after federal tax incentives). No timeline on when production may begin, but a representative for Slate told Electrek that initial customer deliveries are… slated to begin in Q4 2026. Not too shabby.

While we await more details regarding this new American brand, here’s a better look at Slate’s first EV from a video it provided below:

Source: Slate

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