As the automotive industry transforms to future mobility, safety will remain a top priority. WorldAutoSteel’s Steel E-Motive (SEM) concept vehicle demonstrates how Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS) can meet the most demanding global crash requirements, even in compact and unconventional vehicle designs. Two recent Steel E-Motive Microstudies offer insights into how the safety challenges of autonomous ride-sharing vehicles can be met.
#1: Front Crash Performance
ad Microstudy #1This report focuses on front crashworthiness for SEM 1, a passenger vehicle concept featuring a rear-facing front seating arrangement. Despite a shorter front crumple zone, engineers achieved test results that meet both the USNCAP Full Frontal Barrier (FFB) and IIHS Small Overlap Rigid Barrier (SORB) standards.
Key strategies included:
- Strategic use of AHSS and tailor-welded blanks (TWB) for controlled crush and intrusion resistance
- A glance beam to manage lateral force in SORB testing
- Industry-best results for deceleration and intrusion targets
#2: Side Crash Performance
In this issue, Steel E-Motive engineers addressed side crash protection challenges, using advanced simulations and strategic material selection. SEM’s open BIW structure features scissor doors, integrated B-pillars, and a multi-path load strategy to ensure protection for both occupants and the battery.
Highlights include:
- Structured to meet standards of “Good” IIHS ratings through >180mm intrusion clearances
- Protecting the battery in USNCAP pole impact test simulations with <5mm dynamic intrusion
- Strategic application of 1500–2000 MPa AHSS grades for structural integrity and weight reduction
Get notified about future Steel E-Motive Microstudies and updates when you sign up for our newsletter, the monthly WorldAutoSteel Update.