Heavy electric cars, especially SUVs, have a significant share when it comes to ’emissions’ of particulate matter. That is the conclusion of the OECD.
Electric cars of course do not emit particulate matter through their exhaust, but according to the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), in some cases they still contribute significantly to the ’emission’ of particulate matter. The problem is in the tires. Heavy electric cars demand a lot from their tires and that also produces particulate matter. This is based on electric cars with a range of more than 300 miles, or 480 km. Especially SUVs with such a range, due to their high weight, even produce more fine dust outside the exhaust than comparable cars with a fuel engine.
Due to energy recovery on the brakes, less particulate matter is released, but not enough to compensate for the extra emissions from the tires. This is clearly visible in the diagrams above. Electric cars and SUVs with a relatively short driving range (160 km) do look better than cars with a combustion engine. There, the regenerative braking compensates enough for the higher particulate matter content of the tires.
The OECD insists on it Auto, Motor und Sport notes that high particulate matter sales are a problem that also requires a solution for electric cars. The small fine particles (2.5 ppm) in particular are a danger to public health. These particles can be inhaled and lead to lung diseases. Logically, efforts should be made to make electric cars lighter (through new battery technology, for example), but capturing particulate matter around the tires can also be an idea. One group of British students, among others, is working on a system that extracts fine dust particles from tires, so that they do not end up in the air.