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Electric vehicles: 0 health risks to motorists

Author: Anna Service
by Anna Service
Posted: May 16, 2014

Buying a hybrid or electric vehicle has a number of advantages. First of all, the dependence on fuel and oil are eliminated, thus, motorists will be able to save on fuel expenses. In fact, it will only cost $2-$3 to fully charge an electric vehicle, simply by connecting the charger which is fitted to the vehicle to a common household outlet (or at a public charging point). Because electric vehicles have engines that have significantly less mechanical parts, savings can also be made without the need of regular maintenance and inspections where fuel based vehicles are subject to (excluding the battery that needs to be replaced after about 150,000 km of use). One of the greatest benefits are related to the environment because electric machines avoid the emission of air pollutants which will help reduce the greenhouse effect (associated with the emission of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere). Electric vehicles will also let you travel with maximum comfort, thanks to their low noise emission, which also helps reduce noise pollution.

However, certain rumors made regarding electric mobility was pointed at the health of motorists. The rumors claim that the mechanism of operation of an electric vehicle which involves the transmission of electricity from the batteries to the engine and the electromagnetic field that it creates is potentially harmful to the health of drivers. They say that these electromagnetic fields would cause a variety of illnesses including fatigue, headaches, memory problems, nervousness, miscarriages and even cancer. Some recent tests have been able to ascertain the existence of electromagnetic fields within electric vehicles. However, studies carried out have discredited these precarious claims, because the fields generated within the electrical machines turn out to be non-hazardous because the fields’ intensity are low. In fact, tests on different models of electric cars and hybrids had been conducted, and it was found that higher intensity can be found closer to the batteries and generally in areas where there is a passage of wires, which transfer the electricity from the batteries to the motor. The higher values were also measured when the vehicle is set in motion. However, overall levels of magnetism detected are much lower than the limits set by legal standards. These tests were also conducted comparing the values of electric vehicles with those of the common gasoline vehicles, and it was found that the difference between the two types is minimal with only a 10% difference. So the risks associated with the use of electric vehicles for motorists are not higher than those of traditional means of transport. In addition, to further improve the situation and preserve in full the health of drivers, it is sufficient that car manufacturers take steps to place some devices (such as the battery or the engine) away from the passenger cabins.

We must also remember that in recent years there were widespread fears related to safety issues of electric vehicles to those who have pacemakers (electronic equipment that promote cardiac contraction when it is not sufficient). According to some theories, the electromagnetic fields generated by electric and hybrid cars when it is running, could affect these devices which are often affected by external magnetic interference. Even this statement has been thoroughly disproved by recent research. The Mayo Clinic has conducted research that involved 30 subjects with pacemakers. All tests conducted have not found any link between the operation of pacemakers and electromagnetic fields generated by electrical engines.

As we can see, the increasing spread of electric vehicles in all sectors (industry, trade, agriculture, etc.) and with the growing manufacture in recent years of these vehicles to be more efficient and provide superior performance - has raised a number of doubts related to their safety. However, studies conducted by universities, research centers and by the same car companies have completely denied the health risks of motorists, confirming that electric mobility should be preferred for the future from every point of view.

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Author: Anna Service

Anna Service

Member since: May 16, 2014
Published articles: 3

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