A research study from the University of Toronto’s Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering has uncovered substantial public health benefits associated with the large-scale adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). 

According to the University of Toronto’s Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering, the study found that aggressive EV adoption in the United States (U.S.), coupled with a significant increase in renewable energy, could lead to health-related savings of $84 billion to $188 billion by 2050.

The study, led by Professor Marianne Hatzopoulou focused on the often-overlooked health impacts of EV adoption. Their analysis went beyond the typical focus on CO2 emissions reduction, examining the effects of decreased air pollution from internal combustion engines.The Importance of a Greener Grid

The researchers modeled the reduction in air pollutants commonly produced by fossil fuel combustion, such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, and particulate matter (PM2.5). These pollutants are known contributors to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, which pose significant public health concerns.

The research team explored two primary scenarios for 2050. The first scenario assumed no further adoption of EVs, where older internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles would gradually be replaced by newer, more efficient models. 

The second scenario aligned with many national plans, such as Canada’s, in which all new vehicles sold by 2035 would be electric. For each scenario, they modeled varying rates of grid decarbonization, ranging from the current pace to a more accelerated shift towards renewable energy sources.

Moreover, the study revealed several important findings. As more vehicles switch to electric, air pollution from internal combustion engines would decrease, leading to fewer health issues related to pollution. However, the researchers emphasized that these health benefits would only occur if the electric grid becomes greener, transitioning towards low-emission and renewable energy.

Otherwise, the pollution might simply shift from highways to areas surrounding fossil-fuel power plants. Even with slower grid decarbonization, the reduction in air pollution could result in significant health improvements, potentially saving billions in health-related costs.

The study also underscored the issue of environmental justice, with Professor Hatzopoulou noting that the negative effects of air pollution disproportionately impact low-income, racialized, and marginalized communities.

Additionally, the researchers stressed that immediate action is needed. Delaying EV adoption until the grid is fully clean would result in continued pollution from newly manufactured internal combustion vehicles for years.

While the study highlights the substantial health benefits of EV adoption, the researchers caution that this alone is not a comprehensive solution to climate change. They recommend combining EV adoption with other strategies, such as investing in public transportation and promoting active transportation.

Professor Posen, member of the research team, noted, “Our simulation shows that the cumulative public health benefits of large-scale EV adoption between now and 2050 could run into the hundreds of billions of dollars. That’s significant, but another thing we found is that we only get these benefits if the grid continues to get greener.”

Notably, this study underlines the significance of advancing EV adoption in parallel with efforts to clean up the energy grid. By doing so, society can reap significant public health benefits while also reducing the economic burden associated with air pollution. 

Read More: Study Finds EVs Are Set For Major Boost As Battery Prices Could Halve By 2026

As EV adoption increases globally, this research serves as a powerful reminder that the transition to EVs is not only a climate imperative but also a critical public health strategy that will be in need for a comprehensive approach to maximize the benefits of the transition to EVs.

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