Electric vehicles (EVs) positively impact air quality by eliminating tailpipe emissions, which are a major source of urban air pollution such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and particulate matter (PM) emitted by traditional gasoline and diesel cars. By switching from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), toxic tailpipe pollutants are completely eliminated, leading to significant reductions in local air pollution levels.
However, the extent of EVs’ impact on air quality varies by area, particularly in places with high pollution levels. Studies indicate that:
- Widespread EV adoption does improve air quality in all communities, including disadvantaged and high pollution areas. In fact, disadvantaged communities see a relatively greater percentage reduction in pollution (about 40% more) compared to other areas because of EV travel.
- Despite this, disadvantaged or high pollution areas often still experience higher absolute pollution levels. This is largely because these areas have more traffic overall, including many gas-powered vehicles on busy corridors that continue to emit pollutants. Thus, the reduction from EVs, while proportionally larger, may not be sufficient to fully overcome existing high pollution levels.
- Research modeling cities like Barcelona and Madrid has shown that air quality improves with EV introduction even when electricity generation involves fossil fuels such as coal, though the magnitude of improvement depends on the electricity source location and mix.
- Although EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, concerns about non-exhaust pollution (e.g., from tire wear, brake wear, road dust) exist, but evidence shows that total particulate matter emissions (including secondary particles) from BEVs are still lower than those from petrol or diesel cars, even when accounting for EV weight.
In summary, electric vehicles contribute to better air quality in all areas by eliminating tailpipe pollution, which is especially beneficial in highly polluted regions. Yet, in places with heavy traffic and longstanding pollution issues, EVs reduce pollution significantly but do not completely resolve the problem due to ongoing emissions from remaining combustion vehicles and other urban sources. The greatest air quality improvements in high pollution areas will occur with widespread EV adoption combined with additional measures to reduce overall traffic emissions.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/do-electric-vehicles-have-a-greater-impact-on-air-quality-in-areas-with-high-pollution-levels/
