A recent study released by the Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering at the University of Toronto highlights the potential health advantages of the widespread EV adoption in the US. The analysis indicates that by lowering air pollution, this shift might have a billion-dollar positive impact on population health. Particularly, if renewable energy is also greatly rise.
Modeling the Impact of EV Adoption
The research team investigated how the widespread EV adoption and the expansion of renewable energy sources could improve public health by an estimated $84 billion to $188 billion by the year 2050, using sophisticated computer simulations. In spite of less aggressive plans for expanding renewable energy, the analysis projected health benefits in the tens of billions of dollars.
Professor Marianne Hatzopoulou co-authored this paper, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The lead authors, Jean Schmitt, Professor Daniel Posen, Professor Heather Maclean, and Amir F.N. Abdul-Manan of Saudi Aramco were also members of the team. Their findings show that, in addition to CO2 emissions, which are usually the main topic of conversation when it comes to climate change, EV adoption can also lower other pollutants that pose serious threats to public health.
Beyond CO2: Addressing Wider Range of Pollutants
The research team notes that pollutants such as sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are released by internal combustion engines in addition to carbon dioxide (CO2). The health effects of these contaminants, which include respiratory and cardiovascular problems, well-documented. According to Hatzopoulou, low-income, marginalized, and racialized populations frequently experience these health repercussions disproportionately.
According to Hatzopoulou, “People frequently focus on CO2 emissions when considering the benefits of EVs.” “However, a variety of additional pollutants found in tailpipe emissions also directly and quantitatively affect public health.”
Life-Cycle Evaluation and Renewable Energy’s Role
The group used their knowledge of life-cycle assessment to model the non-climate benefits of electric vehicles (EVs). While accounting for the pollutants that are frequently produced when fossil fuels are burned. Pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and PM2.5 have more localized effects than carbon dioxide, which can linger in the atmosphere for decades. Therefore, the impact of these emissions on health is not only determine by the releasing amount but also by the location of the release.
Even though EVs don’t emit any emissions when they’re driven. The energy required to charge them—especially if that energy comes from burning fossil fuels—can nevertheless contribute to air pollution. Pollution from densely populated places may relocated to the areas surrounding fossil fuel power facilities. Which are frequently situated close to communities that are sensitive.
Comparing Internal Combustion Vehicles and EVs
Two primary scenarios taken into consideration in the study up to 2050. In one scenario, older combustion vehicles are gradually replaced by more efficient versions. But no new EVs launched. In the second, it ensures that every new car is an electric sold by 2035. A goal consistent with the declared objectives of nations like Canada and Norway.
The researchers examined the possible effects if the system either kept its current mix, slowed the deployment of renewables, or hastened its move to low-emission sources. For both scenarios, they examined different rates of renewable energy adoption. They then used well-established epidemiological techniques to replicate air pollution levels across the United States and estimate the effects on public health.
Significant Health Advantages of Electrification
One of the study’s authors, Posen, pointed out that their models suggested that, assuming renewable energy adoption continues, the total benefits to public health between now and 2050 would amount to hundreds of billions of dollars. The team’s conclusions show that electrifying the fleet of vehicles alone won’t be sufficient to satisfy the climate targets set forth in the Paris Agreement. They advise combining EV adoption with other tactics, such as funding public transportation and encouraging active mobility.
Grid Decarbonization is Essential for Optimizing Advantages
The study shows that vehicle electrification is most beneficial when combined with a decarbonized grid. There would be less of an impact from simply switching from internal combustion to electric automobiles if the grid’s existing reliance on fossil fuels persisted.
According to Posen, “Our model indicates that we would get significant health benefits from a greener grid.” Even though it is a less likely scenario, EV adoption instead of old combustion vehicles may benefit from the same net impact if the grid remains unchanged. This highlights the significance of clean energy.
EV Adoption and Power Sector Decarbonization
The report poses a crucial query: should the emphasis be on cleaning up the power generation industry or on using EVs to decarbonize transportation? Hatzopoulou and her colleagues make the case for the importance of both, pointing out that choices made now will have a long-term impact on the environment.
According to Hatzopoulou, “if we continue to rely on combustion engines, we’re locking in emissions for the long term. The vehicles being sold now will be on the roads for years.” “We must begin electrifying the fleet immediately and transition to greener power sources at the same time.”
Conclusion
The study emphasizes how urgent it is for EV adoption to become widespread and for the electrical grid to rapidly become carbon neutral. The study’s conclusions demonstrate the real health and financial advantages of rapidly shifting to clean transportation and renewable energy sources as nations throughout the world strive to meet climate targets and enhance public health. This dual strategy targets a wider range of contaminants that impact general air quality and public health in addition to lowering CO2 emissions.
