Electric cars: New studies reveal fine dust surprises!

The discussion about fine dust emissions and their sources is becoming increasingly important in politics, industry and science. Electric cars in particular are in focus as new studies show their impact on air quality may be greater than previously thought.

A study by Emissions Analytics has shown that electric cars cause significantly more tire wear due to their greater weight. The study estimates that tire wear from electric vehicles produces 1,850 times higher levels of particulate matter than the exhaust from conventional combustion engines. These results raise questions, as other studies, such as those from Michelin, also indicate that particulate matter emissions from electric cars are 10 to 25 percent higher than from combustion engines.

Increase in particulate matter emissions from heavy vehicles

In particular, heavier electric cars with a range of around 500 km show a smaller decrease in PM10 emissions. A possible increase in PM2.5 emissions of between 3 and 8 percent is observed here. A 2020 OECD study found that lighter electric cars produce 11 to 13 percent fewer PM2.5 and 18 to 19 percent fewer PM10 emissions than their combustion engine counterparts.

Despite the advantages of light electric vehicles, evidence shows that the growing number of electric cars will lead to a minimal reduction in PM emissions from road transport, even if 4 to 8 percent of these vehicles are in use by 2030. The expected reduction will only be between 0.3 and 0.8 percent.

In addition, this reports South German newspaper about the problem of microplastics and fine dust that result from wear from tires and brakes. This type of fine dust is increasingly becoming the largest source of microplastics in the environment, with a quarter of microplastics entering the world's oceans being due to tire wear. In Germany, tire wear is estimated at over 150,000 tons per year.

Research shows that tire wear occurs particularly at traffic light intersections and in curves - sometimes up to seven times more than on straight roads. Toxins were found in tire abrasion that are potentially responsible for fish deaths. To address these challenges, tire manufacturers such as Continental, BMW and Michelin are developing more sustainable products, while projects such as “Urban Filter” are seeking solutions to minimize tire wear.

In summary, it is clear that fine dust emissions from electric cars and the resulting microplastic content in the environment are a serious problem. Efforts to improve the situation are complex and require further research and action.