Do electric cars emit more radiation than combustion or hybrid models? A question that the German government has chosen to answer.
Even today, stereotypes surrounding electric cars are still rife. There are plenty of examples: they're far too expensive, the range is insufficient, charging takes too long, there aren't enough charging stations in France, they're as polluting as combustion engines, they don't offer any driving experience, etc. We hear everything and its opposite. There is also this theory favored by critics of high-wattage models: electric cars are hotbeds of radiation.
Faced with this obvious concern from a section of the public, the German government has decided to look into the issue. To address this, our neighbors across the Rhine commissioned a study from the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) and the Federal Ministry of the Environment. The idea was as follows: to determine whether the magnetic fields emitted by electric cars can be dangerous or not for the health of users?
Are electric cars nests of radiation or not? not?
To do this, the two organizations analyzed the magnetic fields detected at the seats of 14 different models between 2019 and 2021 (11 electric, 2 hybrid, and 1 thermal). In addition, the tests were conducted on roller benches, on a track, and on the open road, in real-life conditions.
For the uninitiated, it should be noted that there are many sources of electromagnetic fields in modern vehicles, particularly due to the proliferation of on-board technologies. Certain components therefore produce them, such as air conditioning systems, fans, electric windows, heated seats, or in the case of electric cars, the batteries, the inverter, and of course the motor.
In order to be exhaustive, the authors of the study looked at all the electromagnetic fields present in EVs, while seeking to attribute them to their respective causes (where possible). It should be noted that thanks to sophisticated measuring technology, the researchers were able to measure short-term magnetic field peaks lasting less than 0.2 seconds. This confirms the reliability of the tests. Lastly, car manufacturers were not involved in the investigation, for the sake of impartiality.
Also read: These electric SUVs ran until they ran out of fuel, which one went the furthest?
A health risk or not?
So, what are the conclusions of this study? First of all, all the electric cars tested complied with the European Union's recommendations for protection against the health effects of magnetic fields. Furthermore, EVs do not emit more radiation than their thermal or hybrid counterparts. In short, there is no risk to report.
To achieve these results, the experts commissioned took measurements on dummies using sensors installed on the main parts of the body (feet, torso, and head). As expected, the highest emissions were detected at the feet (which is logical given the proximity of the electrical circuits). Conversely, magnetic fields in the head and torso areas were generally weak.
“Although relatively strong magnetic fields were detected in some cases – locally and for a limited time – the maximum recommended values for induced fields in the body were observed in the scenarios studied, so that, based on current scientific knowledge, no health effects are to be expected,”assures BfS President Inge Paulini.
Driving style can play a role
Surprisingly, engine power does not affect the intensity of electromagnetic fields. However, the researchers found that driving style could have an impact. “During sporty driving with heavy acceleration and braking, significantly stronger magnetic fields were recorded for a short period than during moderate driving,” they explain.
Peaks were also observed at certain key moments, for example during heavy braking or when starting the engine. In this regard, the hybrid model tested displayed the highest electromagnetic field after switching on the ignition. Nothing to worry about, however, since the observed values always remained below the recommended threshold.
Another interesting point is that the experts also carried out a few similar tests on electric two-wheelers, namely: an e-scooter, two light motorcycles, and an electric motorcycle. As in cars, the strongest magnetic fields were found in the feet and legs. But here again, the values never exceeded the recommended thresholds. “Therefore, the occurrence of proven health effects in the vehicles examined is considered very unlikely overall,” concludes Inge Paulini.
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