A new study from the University of Southern California shows that the uptake of electric vehicles results in better air quality and better health, even at low penetration rates.
The study is the first real-world association that shows increasing zero-emission vehicles results in improved air quality and health.
The study found postcodes that had an increased penetration of zero-emission vehicles of just 2%, had a measurable drop in annual average nitrogen dioxide, NO2.
This drop in NO2 correlated with a 3.2 % decrease in annual asthma-related emergency department visits.
“This study should prompt discussion about targeting access to EV transition in areas of higher air pollution – because of the health benefits and associated health cost savings.”
Dr Arnagretta Hunter, Cardiologist and Physician, ANU Medical School