Volvo has reinforced its reputation for pioneering safety with the first ever public crash test involving three electric vehicles in a single sequence. The demonstration, held in South Africa with the new EX90, went far beyond regulatory requirements and highlighted how the brand is shaping the safety of the future.
The test began with one EX90 approaching another at 50km/h. Thanks to the SUV—s advanced driver assistance systems, including City Safety, the vehicle came to a complete stop and avoided impact altogether. A third EX90, however, struck the second car on the side at 55km/h, resulting in a violent collision.
—The car engaged its safety cage, and that helped transfer the loads while managing to deform and absorb the energy from this violent crash. Of course, the side airbags and inflatable curtains were also activated immediately on impact, which helped to protect the occupants,— explained Thomas Broberg, Senior Technical Advisor Safety at Volvo Cars.
According to the data gathered, no serious injuries would have been sustained by the occupants, underlining the effectiveness of Volvo—s safety systems. —The test is a great example of how we can cover a wide range of scenarios compared to what is required to achieve five stars in any rating. It is essential to meet our pioneering safety standard, for safety in the real world,— added Broberg.
Volvo Car South Africa—s Managing Director, Grant Locke, echoed the importance of such tests. —In South Africa, where more than 12 400 people died in road crashes in 2022 alone, safety cannot just be about meeting the minimum requirements. It is about making sure our cars protect people in as many real-world situations as possible.—
From the three-point seatbelt introduced in 1959 to today—s advanced EV crash protection, Volvo has repeatedly gone further than regulations demand. This world-first crash test illustrates how the Swedish brand continues to raise the bar, ensuring its vehicles are prepared for unexpected scenarios.
By testing beyond the rules, Volvo is setting its own standards, proving that safety remains central even in the age of electrification.See crash test video here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ww7XstVg-U8
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the automotive industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the South African motor sector forward.
