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Featured New Crash Tests - Prius Prime and Chevy Volt top picks

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by bwilson4web, Feb 1, 2017.

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  1. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    There are multiple sources for this story but some 'buried the lead'. Source: New Crash Tests Reveal Which Plug-In Cars Are Safest - Consumer Reports

    Two out of four electric and hybrid cars recently tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety performed well enough to earn the organization's coveted Top Safety Pick+ designation: Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius Prime.

    The BMW i3 and Tesla Model S performed well in IIHS crash tests, but each raised concerns that kept them from attaining IIHS Top Safety Pick status.
    . . .     ​

    For what it is worth, I'm driving our Prius Prime Plus in EV mode this week. Then I'll probably switch back to the BMW i3-REx.

    Here is the IIHS news release: Two electric cars miss IIHS awards (NOTE: the failing ones are a Tesla and BMW i3)

    . . .
    The 2017 Volt can be optionally equipped with either an advanced- or superior-rated front crash prevention system. It earns a good rating for headlights when equipped with optional high-beam assist, which automatically switches between high beams and low beams based on the presence of other vehicles. Without high-beam assist, the Volt's headlights are acceptable.


    The Prius Prime is the plug-in version of the Prius hybrid, also a Top Safety Pick+ winner. Its standard front crash prevention system earns a superior rating, and its only available headlights earn an acceptable rating.
    . . .    ​

    Their page about the Prius Prime: Vehicle details

    Bob Wilson

    ps. If history teaches us anything, the IIHS is busy inventing a new test to take away the Prius Prime safety rating in a year or so. My best guess, "Romulan disruptor shield" or "Borg adaptive shield matrix."
     
    #1 bwilson4web, Feb 1, 2017
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2017
  2. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Also note that Tesla says they have already addressed the issues they could and are working with their headlight supplier to correct the remaining issue.
    Prime test results are here.
    Vehicle details

    I notice it looks like they re-used some of the 2016 Prius tests. Some of the photos & video are of the 2016 Prius.
     
    #2 Prodigyplace, Feb 1, 2017
  3. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    really? high beam auto switch get's a "superior" thingie? The same feature my grama had on her 1950's era GM over 1/2 century ago ?

    [​IMG]​

    ok . . . yay . . . go Chevy volt
    o_O
    What's even more confusing - one of the 1st tesla corner crashes recorded was the one below . . . mayb 15 minutes from our home
    [​IMG]

    Honda versus model S, where both occupants of the Honda were instantly killed, while the Model S driver walked away.
    .
     
    #3 hill, Feb 1, 2017
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2017
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  4. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    #4 bwilson4web, Feb 1, 2017
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    auto pilot?
     
    #5 bisco, Feb 1, 2017
  6. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    The crash was in 2014 so I don't think so. Regardless, another source reports the lawyer is suing another car driver with a claim they were racing, a Mercedes and Model S.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #6 bwilson4web, Feb 1, 2017
  7. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    Hmm a 20 year old car of 1000lbs less weight sustains deadly damage in a crash where the other driver is at fault
     
    #7 Rmay635703, Feb 1, 2017
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  8. Zythryn

    Zythryn Senior Member

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    Congratulations to the Prime and Volt for the great results!
    The Tesla accident above has nothing to do with the 2017 model. Lots of changes.
    Also, just because a car doesn't get the highest rating doesn't mean it won't do much better than a much older, lighter car.
     
    #8 Zythryn, Feb 1, 2017
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  9. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    apparently so-
    From just last month, which would apparently be AFTER Tesla's remedial crash injury prevention measures, & taking place on Germany's high speed Autobahn, a driver smashes into semi so hard it lifted the trailer. driver walks away.

    Tesla Model S Smashes Into Trailer, Driver Somehow Walks Away | Inverse

    Another who forgot to turn on autopilot ? I do not know. But I'm guessing that this kind of crash wasn't part of the new safety test. Still - i'd wonder how well other autos would do.
    .
     
    #9 hill, Feb 1, 2017
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  10. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Bob, thought you might want to know that the London's Metropolitan Police are considering buying BMW i3 REs to help reduce pollution in the city.
     
    #10 RCO, Feb 1, 2017
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  11. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    You're talking about an almost 20 year old Accord (looks like the 1990-1993 model) vs a 2014 Model S.
     
    #11 Tideland Prius, Feb 2, 2017
  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Looks like the Prime's headlights are fine going around an offramp or onramp but be careful when making left turns as it doesn't illuminate well (or left corners)

    upload_2017-2-2_19-42-2.png

    Left is the 2017 Prius Liftback. Right is the 2017 Prime.

    Left side illumination is poorer in the Prime but there's no glare.
     
    #12 Tideland Prius, Feb 2, 2017
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  13. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    The beams are designed to throw like that, kicking up towards the nearside (kerbside) to better illuminate pedestrians, cyclists, or anything else that might get close to the side of the car at night. The outside beam has no such kick up so as not to dazzle oncoming drivers.
     
    #13 RCO, Feb 3, 2017
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2017
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  14. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    I am not sure what you meant here. They are LED headlights not lasers :eek:
     
    #14 Prodigyplace, Feb 3, 2017
  15. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    The LED is the light source, (like a bulb) but that light is focused forward through a combination of parabolic reflector and prisms on the outer lens. I believe it is these prisms that deflect the beam slightly upward to the nearside. In countries that drive on the LH side of the road have their kick up to the left.
     
    #15 RCO, Feb 3, 2017
  16. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    True, but they will not directly execute other drivers, I hope.
    Perhaps you meant blind other drivers.
     
    #16 Prodigyplace, Feb 3, 2017
  17. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Doh! Sorry buddy, didn't notice that. Amended it now.:rolleyes:
     
    #17 RCO, Feb 3, 2017
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  18. giora

    giora Senior Member

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    Prime's headlights for US are crippled without the matrix function.
     
    #18 giora, Feb 3, 2017
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  19. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I understand and it's noticeable in OptimusPrime's headlight video. The trees on the opposite side of the boulevard were dimly lit compared to the trees on the curbside.

    However, this is where adaptive lighting can help the Prime (and other cars too).

    Seems like it, ya. It'll at least partially compensate for not having the adaptive (swivelling) function.
     
    #19 Tideland Prius, Feb 3, 2017
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  20. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Wasn't the 1940's era Tucker the 1st car to incorporate active lighting that turned/moved with the vehicle's steering? Our 11yr old hybrid suv lexus has it too, & other cars had it prior to ours. Not knocking prius finally getting it - nor discounting that Prius has been very innovative over its production.
     
    #20 hill, Feb 3, 2017
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