Electric vehicle (EV) weight significantly impacts non-exhaust emissions, primarily through increased tyre and road wear while offering some reduction in brake wear. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Key Impacts of EV Weight
- Tyre and Road Wear:
EVs are often 20-33% heavier than comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles due to battery mass. This extra weight increases friction between tyres and roads, raising particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions from tyre abrasion. For example, an OECD study found EVs had higher tyre/road wear emissions than similarly sized ICE cars solely due to added weight. - Brake Wear:
Regenerative braking in EVs reduces reliance on mechanical brakes, lowering brake dust emissions. However, this benefit doesn’t fully offset the increased tyre/road emissions from added mass. - Energy Consumption:
Heavier EVs require ~2% more energy per 100 kg of added mass, indirectly affecting emissions from electricity generation (depending on grid cleanliness).
Comparative Emissions Factors
| Factor | ICE Vehicles | EVs |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre/Road Wear | Moderate | Higher |
| Brake Wear | Higher | Lower |
| Energy Source Impact | Direct tailpipe | Grid-dependent |
Studies suggest if EVs were weight-matched to ICE vehicles, their non-exhaust emissions would be lower overall. However, current designs often prioritize battery capacity over weight reduction, exacerbating particulate emissions from tyre wear.
Environmental Trade-offs
While EVs eliminate tailpipe CO2, their heavier mass increases lifecycle emissions through:
- Production: Adding 100 kg increases manufacturing emissions by 500–650 kg CO2-equivalent.
- Resource Use: Larger batteries require more critical minerals, amplifying mining impacts.
Green NCAP analysis confirms smaller, lighter EVs achieve better net environmental outcomes than heavier models.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-the-weights-of-electric-vehicles-impact-their-non-exhaust-emissions/
