Widespread EV Adoption Can Improve Human Health

A new study from the University of Toronto suggests that the large-scale adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the rollout of renewable electricity generation could lead to health benefits worth as much as $188 billion by 2050.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained a lot of traction in recent years as a powerful means to tackle the problem of air pollution. This makes sense, given that air pollution contributes to one in ten deaths globally and causes 8.43 million premature deaths annually. It also shortens life expectancy by more than 2 years. According to WHO, air pollution is the largest environmental threat to human health worldwide.

This threat is largely attributable to the transportation industry. In the US, the sector accounts for about 29% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and, as such, has been the focal point for strategies aimed at mitigating climate change.

Among the solutions, EVs, which generate zero tailpipe emissions, offer significant promise in reducing both GHG emissions and air pollution. According to the US Department of Energy, compared to 5,186 kg of carbon emission created by gas-powered vehicles, EVs only produce 1,783 kg.

A study from earlier this year went on to examine the benefits of full electrification (FullE) in four US cities — New York, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. These cities feature dense populations, high traffic volume, and poor air quality that doesn't meet the Environmental Protection Agency's standards.

The research found that the FullE scenario led to PM2.5 reduction peaking at 0.34 and 2.29 μg.m−3, along with marked reductions in both NOx and ozone concentrations.

From a health perspective, a FullE scenario could potentially prevent 796, 328, and 157 premature deaths per month in New York, Chicago, and Houston, respectively. Economically, the health benefits are projected to range between $51 mln and $249 million per day.

However, in Los Angeles, full electrification can actually increase mortality due to higher PM2.5 and ozone levels, while a 29% EV share for light-duty vehicles can save 104 lives each month. This is because of the city's complex atmospheric chemistry and unique geographical and meteorological conditions, and as such, calls for “region-specific environmental regulations.”

Another study, which investigated the health benefits of these vehicles in Shanghai, China, noted that some regions may derive more benefits from large-scale adoption of EVs, which is very costly, than others. As such, it recommended policymakers design incentives based on regional characteristics.

A megacity like Shanghai typically suffers from worse air quality and a larger population is exposed to emissions from vehicles.

So, the study evaluated the climate and health benefits of replacing gasoline vehicles, which emit fine particulate matter, NOx, and volatile organic compounds, with battery-powered EVs that contribute to NOx and SO2 emissions from power plants.

It found that each EV in China's biggest city generates $6400 in health and climate benefits. Additionally, the health impacts of EVs were about 20 times lower than those of the average ICEV, with larger benefits achieved by replacing older ICEVs, amounting to $8900 per vehicle.

Vehicle electrification, however, not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves air quality but has also been found to lower the mortality rate associated with exposure to toxic air pollutants.

Inhaling fine particulate matter emitted by ICE vehicles can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks. For children, exposure to air pollution can cause a lifetime of healthcare problems. Meanwhile, in pregnant women, it can result in an increased risk of complications and low birth weight. Research suggests that air pollution also contributes to attention-related disorders.

Given the adverse effects of air pollution on human health, especially the young population, the American Lung Association studied the impact of EVs on saving lives.

“Air pollution and climate change are putting children at risk today. The impacts of climate change continue to intensify, and that will just add to the risks that children in the United States face as they're growing up.”

– Will Barrett, the report author and association's Senior Director of Advocacy for Clean Air

To improve the health of people, the report suggested all new car purchases be zero-emission options and the nation's electric grid switch to clean and renewable energy by 2035.

As per the group, these zero-emission vehicles would create over $1.2 trillion in health benefits for the country by 2050.