Can it really pollute the air you breathe?

The electric cars have the major advantage of not emitting exhaust gas. Meanwhile, making it a cleaner alternative to thermal engines. However. Consequently, a recent study reveals an unsuspected source of pollution: during rapid recharging, fine particles are put in suspension in the air. Moreover, Invisible to the naked eye, however, they represent a health risk.

Where do these particles come from? – Can it really pollute air

Contrary to what one might think, they are not emitted by the terminal itself. Therefore, Researchers from theUCLA have shown that the fans of the rapid charging stations raise dust already present on the ground. Therefore, accumulated in the equipment: residues of brakeswear of tiresambient dirt … Result: a small cloud of suspended particles which disturbs the air around the stations.

To give an idea, in California, the average levels of PM2.5 Oscil between 3.6 and 12.4 µg/m³. Around can it really pollute air the rapid terminals, the measurements sometimes rise to 39 µg/m³, more than triple.

What risks for health? – Can it really pollute air

These fine particles, once inhaled, can penetrate deep into the lungs and pass into the blood. According to the professor Michael Jerrett (UCLA environmental health department). they are difficult to eliminate and increase the risk of respiratory or heart disease. Fragile people – childrenelderly or asthma – are obviously the most exposed.

How to reduce your exposure?

The good news is that the phenomenon remains very localized. The teacher Yifang Zhuwhich led the study. specifies that only a few meters from the terminal, the concentrations fall strongly, and that a few hundred meters, they become comparable to classic urban pollution levels.

In practice. researchers recommend:

• move away from a few steps during recharge,
• Take advantage of the wait to drink coffee or eat,
• or, in case of particular sensitivity, can it really pollute air carry a PM2.5 filter maskcapable of blocking up to 95 % of particles.

And the environment in all of this?

Should we see a questioning of electric cars ? Not really. As theUnion of Concerned Scientists (UCS)driving an electric vehicle generates an average of 33 % less emissions than a. little consumer thermal car. These results confirm that. despite these punctual drawbacks, the electric car remains an essential lever to reduce the overall emissions of pollutants.

Clearly, yes, the rapid recharge can temporarily alter the air quality as close as possible to the terminals. But with a few simple precautions. the impact on health remains limited – and the environmental advantage of electricity remains much higher.