As electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent and heavier due to larger batteries, the need for effective protective measures against potential vehicle collisions increases. With bollards being the go-to for protecting pedestrians, buildings, and other vulnerable areas from vehicle impacts, it is important to understand just what level of bollard is needed to properly protect against electric vehicles. Here is a helpful guide for knowing more about electric vehicles, the protection bollards that can withstand electric vehicles, and the differences in bollard strength levels and ratings: 

Are Electric Vehicles Heavier than Gas Vehicles? 

According to Kelly Blue Book, electric vehicles do in fact weight more than vehicles with internal combustion engines. The average EV battery weighing more than 1,000 lbs. while there are some newer EV models that have batteries that weigh nearly 3,000 lbs. Some of the heaviest electric vehicles include the GMC Hummer EV Pickup, the Rivian R1T and R1S, the Tesla Cybertruck, the Mercedes-Benz EQS 580, as well as the Ford F-150 Lightning. All of which are heavier than 6,000 lbs. 

For comparison, the average internal combustion engine vehicle in the United States is 3,500 lbs. 

These extremely heavy commercial electric vehicles can be a problem for standard vehicles barriers throughout the country. The heavier weight combined with the high speeds the EVs can quickly reach can and have resulted in devastating accidents and attacks, including the horrific New Years Day attack in New Orleans.  

Different Types of Bollards

One of the most common forms of vehicles barricades and barriers are bollards. Sturdy steel and cement protection posts that are placed on sidewalks, roadways, and storefronts to keep vehicles from striking critical assets or reaching pedestrian friendly areas. But not all bollards are the same. Standard pipe bollards around the country are designed to just stop a slow moving vehicle when a foot slips off the break or the driver is accidentally in drive instead of reverse. 

Now, there are plenty of Crash Rated Bollards out there as the increase in storefront accidents and pedestrian area attacks has increased significantly over the last decade. But even a lot of Rated Bollards are not designed to stop a 6,000 lbs. vehicle moving at a high rate of speed. 

Ideal Shield’s K12/M50 Crash Bollards during installation. 

Protection Levels

How do you know if you have the right level of bollard? The protection level of bollards is determined by their ability to stop vehicles of different weights and at varying speeds. This is often categorized using standardized ratings, such as ASTM and M-ratings or K-ratings. 

ASTM Ratings

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F3016 rating classifies bollards based on their ability to stop a vehicle at specified speeds. For example, ASTM F3016 S30 bollards are designed to stop a 5,000-pound vehicle traveling at 30 mph. Here at Ideal Shield, we have a specially designed C40/S30 Bollard which meets this protection level, making it one of the most affordable small passenger car Crash Bollards available. Though that level won’t stop most electric vehicles moving at that same pace. 

K-Ratings to M-Ratings

The crash rating system has been used by the U.S. Department of State for years and classifies bollards based on their ability to stop different weighted vehicles at varying speeds. The K-Ratings has recently been replaced by the M-Ratings, as the governing body of the American Society for Testing and Materials determines the certification based on how much penetration occurs as the payload travels past the barrier. 

For example, Ideal Shield offers the K4/M30 Bollard as well as the K12/M50 Bollard for protection from 15,000 lbs. vehicles or “medium duty trucks”. 

Which Ideal Bollard will Stop EVs?

Ideal Shield offers a wide array of Electric Vehicle Bollards but only two of the options are designed to stop heavy electric vehicles that weigh more than 6,000 lbs.: 

K4/M30 Crash Rated Bollards

Ideal Shield’s K4/M30 Crash Rated Bollards are tested and certified with ASTM F2656-07 M30 P1 Rating to stop a 15,000-pound vehicle at 30 mph. These Security Bollards have also been approved by the Department of Defense, are listed on the Anti-Ram Vehicle Barrier List, and can be fabricated to be removable. 

The K4/M40 Bollards are suitable for low to moderate security areas, including parking lots, access points, retail stores, and residential areas.

Ideal Shield’s K4/M30 Bollard crash testing

K12/M50 Crash Rated Bollards

Ideal Shield’s K12/M50 Crash Rated Bollards are tested and certified with ASTM F2656-07 M50 Rating (K12) to stop a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling at 50 mph. These High Security Bollards are also approved by the Department of Defense, included on the Anti-Ram Vehicle Barrier List, and can be fabricated to be removable as well. 

The K12/M50 Bollards offer the highest level of protection available from Ideal Shield and are suitable for high-security areas, such as government buildings, military installations, heavy pedestrian gathering areas, and sensitive infrastructure.

Ideal Shield’s K12/M50 Bollard crash testing

To effectively stop heavier electric vehicles, it is essential to choose the appropriate type and protection level of bollards. Ideal Shield offers multiple certified Crash Rated Bollards that provide varying levels of protection to meet different security requirements. For more information on which Crash Bollard is right for your next project, contact the experienced and knowledgeable sales team here at Ideal Shield today!