EV Fast Chargers: An Unseen Source of Pollution?
While electric vehicles (EVs) are celebrated for their zero tailpipe emissions, recent findings suggest that the process of charging them could introduce another form of pollution. This unexpected source is the fast charger, which, while topping up an EV, can disturb fine particles in the surrounding air.
Research conducted by a team from UCLA, led by environmental health professor Yifang Zhu, reveals that air quality significantly decreases around EV fast chargers in use, showing twice the level of harmful fine particles typically found in urban environments.
Understanding the Particle Pollution
The pollution near EV chargers isn’t due to emissions from the chargers themselves. Instead, it’s primarily caused by the powerful cooling fans within the chargers, which stir up particles like brake and tire wear debris, as well as dust and dirt from the surrounding area. Zhu noted, “There’s no healthy amount of fine particulate matter to breathe, and the amount around fast chargers for electric vehicles is about twice as high as background levels of PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter).”
The study, which examined 50 fast chargers across Los Angeles, found that the level of PM 2.5 particles ranged from 7.3 to 39 micrograms per cubic meter. In comparison, typical urban settings in California range between 3.6 and 12.4 micrograms per cubic meter. The highest concentrations were observed around chargers in Los Angeles County, home to 1,938 of California’s 9,900 fast chargers.
Staying Safe While Charging
Professor Zhu advises keeping a distance from the chargers while they are in operation. “We measured at different distances from the chargers,” he explained, adding that “the high measurements [15-200] were taken at the chargers’ power cabinets. Fortunately, a few meters away, the concentrations drop quite a bit.”
To minimize exposure, it’s recommended to step back from the chargers. Additionally, for those who need to remain nearby, wearing a mask capable of filtering PM 2.5 particles is a practical precaution, especially masks that are proven to filter up to 95% of airborne particles.
While EVs lack tailpipe emissions, making them a generally better environmental choice than gas-powered vehicles, the study highlights the importance of being mindful of other forms of pollution associated with EV charging. For further insight into the topic, access the detailed study.
Photo by: UCLA
Health Implications of PM 2.5 Exposure
The inhalation of PM 2.5 particles poses health risks, as these tiny particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Michael Jerrett from UCLA’s Fielding Department of Environmental Health Sciences warns, “For anyone, exposure to fine particles can contribute to health issues, and for those with existing conditions or heightened sensitivity, the risks are even greater.”
Despite these findings, EVs remain a cleaner alternative to traditional vehicles, as highlighted in various studies such as this one and this research. Therefore, while it’s important to be cautious around fast chargers, EVs continue to be a step towards reducing overall emissions.
Original Story at insideevs.com