A new study from the University of Southampton suggests that particulate matter from electric cars may be more harmful than diesel emissions — and it’s not coming from the tailpipe.
Researchers found that particles released from electric car brakes can cause more damage to lung cells than diesel exhaust. While electric vehicles (EVs) are often seen as clean alternatives, they still produce pollution in the form of brake dust, tire wear, and road friction.
Why Electric Cars Are Still Polluting the Air
Professor Matthew Loxham, one of the lead researchers, warns that while EVs eliminate exhaust emissions, they are not truly emission-free.
“As we shift from diesel and petrol-powered cars to electric cars, emissions of non-exhaust particulate matter will not disappear,” he stated, as cited by Boosted. “In fact, they could increase because electric vehicles are heavier, putting more strain on brakes, tires, and roads.”
The study found that brake dust, especially from certain types of brake pads, is highly toxic. Non-asbestos brake pads with high copper content were even more harmful to lung cells than diesel exhaust particles.
The second most harmful were ceramic brake pads.
These ultra-fine particles, known as PM2.5, can easily enter the respiratory system, contributing to millions of premature deaths worldwide each year.
The findings challenge the perception that EVs are completely "clean." While governments focus on reducing exhaust pollution, there is little regulation regarding brake, tire, and road wear emissions.
“People generally associate pollution from cars with exhaust pipes. They think that electric cars are completely emission-free. However, electric cars still emit particles due to friction and wear,” said James Parkin, the study’s lead author.
Are There Solutions?
Some EVs use regenerative braking, which reduces reliance on traditional brakes. But even this has unintended consequences.
Mercedes is working on a braking system that sits inside the electric motor, virtually eliminating brake dust. The company claims that 98% of braking could be done using the electric motor, preventing brake disc wear entirely.
