Electric vehicles (EVs) might increase PM2.5 levels in Los Angeles for a few reasons:
- Increased Particulates from Brake and Tire Wear: EVs are typically heavier than their gasoline-powered counterparts due to the weight of the batteries. This increased weight results in more wear on brakes and tires, leading to higher emissions of particulate matter, including PM2.5, when these components are worn down.
- Unique Airflow and Geography: Los Angeles’ specific geography and airflow patterns can exacerbate the effects of these increased particulates. Unlike other cities where overall air quality improvements are more consistent, LA’s environment might concentrate the additional PM2.5 emissions from EVs, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
- Redistribution of Emissions: Although EVs do not directly emit pollutants like particulate matter while operating, increased electricity demand to charge them can lead to more emissions from power plants if those plants burn fossil fuels. This could indirectly influence local air quality by redistributing emissions from mobile sources to stationary ones, depending on the energy mix used for electricity generation.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/why-might-evs-increase-pm2-5-levels-in-los-angeles/
