A 2022 study, resurfaced after being highlighted in a WSJ op-ed, calls into question the prevailing knowledge surrounding electric vehicles (EVs), claiming they may emit more pollution than regular gas-powered vehicles, according to Daily Mail.
The study, done by Emissions Analytics, raises concerns about particulate emissions from EV brakes and tyres, claiming they emit 1,850 times more particulate matter than current tailpipes equipped with emission-reducing filters.
Hesham Rakha, a professor at Virginia Tech, cautioned that the report is “partially correct.” While conceding that the extra weight of EVs may lead to higher tire emissions, Rakha emphasizes the importance of continuous research to fully understand the implications, with a potential difference of around 20%.
Despite potential limitations, Rakha argues for ongoing electric vehicle deployment, citing its efficiency and zero-emission benefits.However, he admits the carbon footprint of charging EVs. The study emphasizes the importance of EV battery weight, with tyre wear emissions possibly being 400 times higher than tailpipe emissions.
Concerns extend to tyre composition, particularly the usage of synthetic rubber, a crude oil derivative with carcinogen-containing compounds. Emissions Analytics conducted tyre wear experiments on both electric and gas-powered vehicles, demonstrating that higher mass and weight increase tyre particulate emissions.
