The inherent appeal of electric cars is their zero tailpipe emissions even though it is fairly well-known that the production of EV batteries creates a lot of pollution
In a recent study conducted by the scientists at University of Southampton (UK), it was concluded that brake pad dust emissions can be quite harmful to humans. EVs were born with the aim of reducing vehicular pollution. Now, while the main emissions were considered from the tailpipe of a traditional ICE vehicle, the pollution from the brake pad dust and tires is also being discussed for the past couple of years.
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Brake Pad Dust Emissions
This study looked at the effect on lung health due to the emission of particulates from various kinds of brake pads. They experimented with 4 major types – low metallic, semi-metallic, non-asbestos organic and hybrid ceramic composition. In the test, the non-asbestos organic pads induced the most inflammation. Since these are cheap, quiet and have a low wear rate, they are among the most common.
Also, the non-asbestos pads came into being to replace the older asbestos-containing pads. However, the former possesses copper fibers which are needed to improve thermal conductivity. Unfortunately, even these are associated with lung ailments like cancer, asthma and chronic pulmonary disease. In fact, California and Washington have passed laws to reduce copper content in brake pads. Furthermore, the upcoming Euro 7 emission norms will take brake dust emissions into account as well.
Interestingly, both EVs and ICE cars cause brake dust pollution which is even more harmful than sucking up a lungful of rolling coal, as cited by the report. However, the issue is particularly severe with EVs for two reasons – they are heavier than ICE cars AND, they rely heavily on regenerative braking. Hence, in the coming years, this is likely to be a huge contributor towards vehicular pollution. Therefore, including it in emission regulation calculations is the right way to go.
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Learn Electric Cars Says
As we move into the electric mobility era, the main aim of governments around the world is to control their carbon footprint. The automobile industry is a huge part of that. Hence, even though we are limiting the tailpipe emissions from cars by switching to EVs, things like brake dust, pollution from tires and battery manufacturing is still very much there. That is the only way to actually force a positive impact on the environment.