CESVIMAP, always eager to find out about the latest technologies, has acquired the Tesla Model S 75d in order to analyse it and conduct research on it. The work it has carried out in different stages includes crash tests, and analysis of bodywork and of electrical parts.
The front and rear crash tests have been conducted according to RCAR standards; in the first case the speed of impact was 15.33 kph, and 15.10 kph for the rear test, both taking into account that this vehicle is remarkably heavy: 2,100 kg.
Despite this, the behaviour of its impact absorption features was good. The front bumper cross-bar presents a first tranche of impact absorption, up to -10g, a collapse of this zone, and a tranche of progressive absorption of the rest of the absorber until the end of the impact, without transmitting damage to the front side-rail, as could be observed under measurement on the work bench. There has been no structural damage, and the cross-bar has behaved well. The action of the safety restraint systems was the activation of the driver airbag and of the pyrotechnic pretensioner, give that the manufacturer has it calibrated at a specific speed. Good progressive behaviour in the deformation of the impact absorption features was observed in the rear crash test.
The rear bumper cross-bar does not have impact absorbers installed, but instead is mounted directly on the rear side-rail via the rear apron. Practically all the deformation is absorbed by the cross-bar, although minor damage is transmitted in the form of a small deformation to the rear apron which needs repairing. The rear side-rail shows no deformation.