Air at electric vehicle fast-charging stations in Los Angeles contains significantly higher concentrations of fine particulate matter than surrounding city streets, according to a new study by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Researchers said the findings suggest charging hubs could become short-term pollution hotspots.
Measurements taken at 50 direct-current fast-charging stations showed PM2.5 levels ranging from 7.3 to 39 micrograms per cubic meter — roughly double the city average of 3.6 to 12.4 μg/m³. In some cases, peak levels reached as high as 200 μg/m³, while gas stations and busy roadways showed lower concentrations.
The study attributed the spikes to fans inside the electrical cabinets that convert alternating current to direct current for the chargers. These fans stir up particles containing barium, copper and zinc, materials typically associated with brake and tire wear. Researchers ruled out diesel engines and other sources as major contributors.
“There is no safe level of fine dust when it comes to inhalation,” said Yifang Zhu, professor of environmental health sciences at UCLA and co-author of the study. Zhu recommended drivers stay inside their vehicles during charging, use air conditioning, or keep a safe distance from the cabinets.
The researchers suggested that adding air filters to charging equipment could help reduce exposure over the long term, as electric vehicle adoption continues to expand.
Source: UCLA Newsroom