Study claims electric vehicles cause more particle pollution than petrol, diesel cars
As more people become concerned about climate change, interest in eco-friendly transportation options is increasing. Many people believe that electric vehicles (EVs) are better for the environment than traditional petrol and diesel cars because they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
However, a recent study from Emissions Analytics, a company that analyzes emissions data, challenges this idea. The study, published in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, draws attention to the problem of particle pollution caused by brakes and tires in both electric and fossil fuel-powered cars.
The key finding is that EVs, due to their heavier weight, can release significantly more particulate matter from brakes and tires than modern gas-powered vehicles with efficient exhaust filters. Studies suggest it could be as much as 1,850 times higher.
The concern is over tire wear, with Emissions Analytics reporting that the heavy weight of EVs causes tires to wear down faster, releasing harmful chemicals into the air. This is because most tires are made of synthetic rubber derived from crude oil.
The study also highlights the impact of battery weight. EVs generally have heavier batteries than traditional petrol engines. This extra weight puts more stress on the brakes and tires, accelerating wear and tear.
The study claims that tire wear emissions from an EV with a half-ton (1,100 lb) battery could be 400 times greater than the exhaust emissions from a modern petrol car.
Making a Comment While traditionally the focus has been on tailpipe emissions, this study shows that particle pollution from brakes and tires should be considered when evaluating the environmental impact of EVs.
