The main sources of non-exhaust emissions from electric vehicles (EVs) include:
- Tire wear: Particles generated as tires abrade against the road surface. Since EVs tend to be heavier than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), tire wear emissions could be influenced by this weight factor.
- Road surface wear: Abrasion of the road itself due to vehicle movement, contributing particulate matter to the environment.
- Brake wear: Although EVs use regenerative braking that reduces traditional brake use, brake wear particles are still generated from mechanical braking actions when needed.
- Resuspended road dust: Dust and particles settled on road surfaces that get re-entrained into the air by vehicle movement.
Non-exhaust emissions collectively arise from these sources and result in particulate matter (PM) emissions even though EVs have zero tailpipe exhaust emissions. The lack of tailpipe emissions means EVs do not emit precursors for secondary PM formation, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, non-exhaust emissions are relatively increasing in importance as exhaust emissions decrease due to regulations and the rise of EVs.
Studies show that despite EVs being heavier (about 40% heavier than comparable gasoline vehicles), the regenerative braking system significantly reduces brake wear particles. This can make EVs produce less non-exhaust particulate matter emissions overall in certain driving conditions, especially in urban settings where regenerative braking is used more frequently. Vehicle speed and driving style also affect the amount of non-exhaust emissions produced.
In summary, the main sources of non-exhaust emissions from EVs are tire wear, road wear, brake wear, and resuspended road dust, with brake wear emissions typically reduced by regenerative braking systems in EVs even though increased vehicle weight can influence tire and road wear emissions.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-sources-of-non-exhaust-emissions-from-electric-vehicles/
