Analysis proposes unique perspective on air quality-related health impacts of electrification policies.
Much has been said and analyzed about the consequences of cars electrical for the environment and for the health of humans, among other aspects.
But this one, write the authors themselves, proposes a “unique perspective” in assessing the health impacts related to air quality of light vehicle electrification policies.
The authors of the analysis suggest a “ambitious” electrification policy and “dynamic” fleet renewal.
A fleet rotation model and future scenarios of mixtures of “electrical generations” were used.
First scenario: renewal of the car fleet with electric vehicles; all new vehicles sold until 2035 will be electrical.
Second scenario: renewal of the car fleet with newer vehicles with engine internal combustion, but no trams in this renovation; We continue to drive “normal” cars that become more efficient over time.
The Forecast Is Long-Term: A Perspective on the Impact of Light Vehicle Electrification in the U.S. Between 2022 e 2050.
The model includes vehicle pollutant emission factors and a reduced complexity air quality assessment model.
And evaluates polluting emissions direct (exhaust pipe, brake wear and tire wear) and indirect (electricity production and liquid fuels) nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, fine particles PM2.5., ammonia and volatile organic compounds.
According to this analysis, the short-term health benefits arise in the second scenario – with vehicles latest gasoline primarily because of reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions; but the fleet electrification – first scenario – generates additional long-term benefits.
The pollutants mentioned are more critical in areas where people with fewer economic resources live; transitioning to streetcars could help create healthier communities across the board.
If there is continued decarbonization of the grid, the study adds, electrification would cumulatively reduce harmful health impacts related to air quality – and would be a economy between 80 and 180 billion euros by 2050 in healthcare, compared to fleet renewal without electric vehicles.
Sums it up: when drivers switch from fuel-powered cars to electric cars, everyone breathes cleaner air.
In other words, according to the study, more than contributing to the fight against global warming, a world full of trams eliminates other types of air pollution, which is also very important for our health.
The trams will have a “significant and quantifiable impact” in our health, describe the authors.
However, there is something essential in this perspective: we need clean electricity to power these cars, to get to all these benefits. If plants continue to burn dirty fuels, the US stands to lose between $30 billion and €68 billion.
In addition to investing in electric vehicles, the researchers repeat the suggestions: walking more, cycling, using public transport and building houses closer together – all help to create healthier cities.
