In the ongoing debate about the environmental footprint of electric vehicles (EVs) compared to their petrol-powered counterparts, recent studies shed light on an often-overlooked aspect: toxic emissions from tyres and brakes. While EVs are celebrated for their zero tailpipe emissions, they might not be as green as we think.
A 2022 study highlighted by a Wall Street Journal op-ed suggests that electric vehicles, which are on average 30% heavier than petrol cars, could be contributing to higher levels of toxic particulate matter. This is because the additional weight leads to quicker wear on brakes and tyres, releasing particles that are 400 times greater than those from exhaust emissions.
The research points out that modern petrol vehicles have updated their systems with filters to significantly reduce exhaust emissions, making tyre and brake wear a more prominent source of pollution. In contrast, the added mass of EVs, primarily due to heavy lithium-ion batteries, results in faster degradation of tyre treads, thus increasing particle emissions into the environment.
Hesham Rakha, a professor at Virginia Tech, offers a nuanced perspective, stating that the study’s findings are “partially correct.” According to Rakha, while EVs may emit more microplastics due to their weight, the comparison could extend beyond just EVs and petrol cars to include differences between vehicle types, such as sedans and SUVs. Virginia Tech is currently conducting field tests to quantify these emissions more accurately, anticipating a possible 20% difference in microplastic emissions between electric and petrol-powered vehicles.
Despite these concerns, Rakha emphasizes the overall efficiency and benefits of electric vehicles, cautioning against a shift away from EV adoption. He acknowledges, however, that charging EVs can also lead to CO2 emissions, depending on the energy source.
The study conducted by Emissions Analytics further delves into the matter, revealing that tyre emissions not only contribute to soil and water pollution but also pose significant health risks, including heart disease, asthma, and even cancer. The firm’s findings underscore the importance of considering vehicle mass and the environmental implications of tyre composition, which is predominantly synthetic rubber, a derivative of crude oil.
As the automotive industry and consumers navigate the transition to more sustainable transportation options, these findings prompt a reevaluation of the environmental impact of electric vehicles. While EVs remain a critical component of reducing global carbon emissions, addressing the secondary sources of pollution they generate is essential for a truly eco-friendly future.
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