Tire emissions and health concerns

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【Summary】EV tires are wearing out quickly, leading to the release of microscopic particles that contribute to pollution. The particles, including a chemical called 6PPD, can end up in the air, water, and living beings, posing health risks. The issue highlights the environmental impact of EVs beyond tailpipe emissions.

FutureCar Staff Aug 31, 2023 4:16 PM PT

Buyers of Rivian's electric pickup and SUV have been expressing a common complaint on online forums - the tires wear out too quickly. One Colorado Rivian driver experienced this issue firsthand when he loaded his truck with two motorcycles and embarked on a road trip. After covering approximately 6,000 miles, he noticed that nearly a tenth of an inch of rubber had worn off his front tires. These tiny rubber particles now exist somewhere in the environment. Surprisingly, other electric vehicle buyers have reported similar experiences.

While electric vehicles have successfully eliminated tailpipe emissions, they have unintentionally contributed to a different type of pollution that is causing concern among scientists and environmentalists. The substantial weight of these vehicles is exacerbating the problem.

It has long been recognized that tires release pollution. As they roll over pavement, the friction causes rubber particles and other substances to detach. Over time, these particles, some of which are as small as human cells, find their way into the air, water, and even living organisms. Scientists in Washington state have discovered a connection between a chemical called 6PPD, which is used in all tires to prevent cracking, and the premature deaths of salmon. During rainstorms, the 6PPD is washed off the roads and into streams, where it is then ingested by the fish.