"Rivian R1T's Impact Exposes Guardrail Vulnerability to Heavy EVs"

A recent crash test conducted by the University of Nebraska and Army Corps of Engineers involved a 7,100-pound Rivian R1T colliding with a 30-year-old guardrail design at 60 mph, resulting in the truck obliterating the guardrail and vaulting over the concrete median. The test highlighted the inadequacy of current guardrail designs to handle the increasing weight of electric vehicles and heavy-duty pickups, posing potential safety risks for occupants and other vehicles in the event of a crash. Researchers emphasized the need for updated guardrail designs to accommodate the growing prevalence of heavier vehicles on the road.