Levels of PM2.5 from tyre and brake wear can be cut significantly by a simple switch to (often inexpensive) brake pads and new braking technology, according to a report published by consultancy firm Ricardo in December, for the UK Department of Transport (DfT).
With electric vehicles (EVs) being heavier than internal combustion engine vehicles, it is often argued that EVs should produce greater brake particulate and therefore have more impact on the environment. However, Ricardo’s experts seemingly demonstrated that even when 200kg heavier, the regenerative braking technology in EVs significantly reduces PM2.5 emissions.
Tasked by DfT with understanding the impact and mitigations from brake and tyre wear in real-world conditions, Ricardo used its in-house measurement capabilities to characterise particles emitted. The team studied EVs, plug-in hybrid vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles that share similar designs and braking systems
Ricardo’s Jon Andersson, said: “This is a first-of-a-kind study for the UK that not
only looks at the real-world impact of existing technologies, but has explored potential solutions that could be easily introduced to improve public health and our environment. When we look at the findings in collaboration with other research on the social and economic impacts of air quality, it becomes clear that technology interventions can have significant benefits”.
Over 30,000 deaths in the UK are attributed to poor air quality, with an expected annual cost of more than £27 billion, which vehicle emissions contribute toward. Reducing emissions at source is an important way of reducing these figures.
While further research is needed on particle reduction devices, the report recommends the use of low-dust and ceramic brake pads and encourages the use of vehicles with regenerative braking technologies in areas where control is critical.
Over the past two decades, efforts to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions have driven a notable decline in hazardous exhaust pollutants. Focus has pivoted to non-exhaust emissions, such as brake and tyre wear, which are now recognised as the dominant source of emissions from new car vehicles.
