EV tire emissions and health concerns

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【Summary】EV tires are wearing out quickly, leading to the release of microscopic particles that can cause pollution and health risks. These particles, including a chemical called 6PPD, end up in the air, water, and living beings. Scientists are concerned about the environmental impact and the potential harm to ecosystems and human health.

FutureCar Staff Sep 01, 2023 9:22 AM PT

Buyers discussing Rivian's electric pickup and SUV on online forums frequently express a common complaint - the tires wear out too quickly. One driver from Colorado loaded his truck with two motorcycles and embarked on a journey. After traveling approximately 6,000 miles, he noticed that nearly a tenth of an inch of rubber had worn off his front tires. This means that microscopic rubber particles are now scattered somewhere. Interestingly, other electric vehicle buyers are also facing the same issue.

While electric vehicles have successfully eliminated tailpipe emissions, they have inadvertently contributed to another form of pollution that is causing concern among scientists and environmentalists. The issue lies in the substantial curb weights of these vehicles, which exacerbate the problem.

It is not a new revelation that tires emit pollution. As they roll on pavement, the friction causes rubber particles and other substances to separate. Eventually, these particles, some as tiny as human cells, find their way into the air, water, and even living organisms. Scientists in Washington state have made a connection between a chemical known as 6PPD, which is used in all tires to prevent cracking, and the premature deaths of salmon. During rainstorms, the 6PPD washes off roads and into streams, where it is then ingested by the fish.