The RAC, an automotive organization has released a report authored by leading battery electrochemist Dr Euan McTurk to set right the pollution myths surrounding EV particulate, especially those revolving around non-exhaust emissions from wear of brakes and tyres.

The report specifically addresses the quantities of PM 2.5s (toxic fine EV particulate matter) that are released from an electric cars’ brakes and tires. These particulates are said to be worse than the matter released by an equivalent internal combustion-engine car, because according to popular belief, the additional weight of an electrical vehicle’s battery increases the wear and tear of parts during driving.

EV PARTICULATE

During a committee session meeting on the subject, Government Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said that there is skepticism surrounding the benefits of electrical vehicles. He adds that people fear that the benefits of electrical cars are overshadowed by the wear and tear of the roads because the vehicles are heavier. However, this has not been confirmed yet.

Interestingly, the RAC reports that Dr McTurk’s studies reveal that electric car brakes wear at a much slower rate than those of conventional cars. This is because EV’s work through regenerative braking, a system that actually slows the car without applying the brakes by having the motor work in reverse.

He further proves his point by giving an example of the Nissan Leaf taxis owned by Dundee Taxi rentals. The rental company states that the brake pads on their EV taxis have a lifespan of 80-100,000 miles which is four times the lifespan of their diesel counterparts. Unlike conventionally fueled vehicles, the discs on EV’s re changed due to warping instead of wear, and they last twice longer than those on their diesel taxis.

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Additionally, one of the leading EV mechanics in the UK, Cleevely EV, states that they often see EV brakes that have lasted over 100,000 miles. The company adds that the only time they need to replace EV brakes is when they can no longer move due to being unused for a period of time.

The myth surrounding tyres may also be false. The RAC reports that real life studies show that EV’s tyres do not wear as much because of their weight. According to Dr McTurk’s report, Dundee Taxi Rentals assures that the lifespan of their Nissan Leaf’s front tires is 5,000 to 10,000 miles less than their diesel counterparts. Additionally, the rear tyres of both types of cars typically have the same lifespan- between 30,000 and 36,000 miles.

Dr McTurk adds that numerous brand tyre companies are now developing and manufacturing EV tyres that are more efficient and wear less while still maintaining their grip. Enso, a company that has been set up to look into and minimize EV particulate pollution from tyres, is one of the companies developing these tyres.