Electric vehicles (EVs) are widely seen as the future of clean transport. With zero tailpipe emissions, they promise to reduce pollution and improve air quality. But what if we told you that EVs may still be polluting the air—and in some cases, even more than diesel cars?
A new study from the University of Southampton has revealed a surprising culprit: brake dust and tyre wear. In fact, some of these particles are more harmful to human lungs than diesel exhaust itself.
One of the lead researchers, warns that while EVs eliminate exhaust emissions, they are not truly emission-free. In fact, they could increase because electric vehicles are heavier, putting more strain on brakes, tires, and roads.
“As we shift from diesel and petrol-powered cars to electric cars, emissions of non-exhaust particulate matter will not disappear,” he stated.
The study found that brake dust, especially from certain types of brake pads, is highly toxic. Non-asbestos brake pads with high copper content were even more harmful to lung cells than diesel exhaust particles.
The second most harmful were ceramic brake pads.
Let’s break down why this happens—and what you can do to protect yourself.
While EVs eliminate exhaust fumes, they are not truly “emission-free.” The main issue? They are heavier.
Electric cars carry large, dense battery packs, making them significantly heavier than petrol or diesel cars. This added weight increases wear and tear on brakes, tyres, and road surfaces. The result? More fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)—tiny toxic particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs, leading to respiratory diseases, heart problems, and even premature death.
One of the biggest sources of this pollution is brake dust. The University of Southampton study found that:
These findings are concerning, especially for people living near busy roads, cyclists sharing the streets, or even children playing outside.
While EVs don’t produce tailpipe emissions, their reliance on traditional braking systems still creates pollution. Some solutions are emerging, but they’re not perfect:
✔ Regenerative Braking: Many electric cars, like Tesla and Nissan Leaf models, use regenerative braking to slow down without using brake pads. This reduces brake dust but doesn’t eliminate it entirely.
✔ Innovative Braking Systems: Mercedes-Benz is developing an electric motor-based braking system that could remove 98% of traditional brake wear. But until this technology becomes mainstream, brake dust will remain a major issue.
✔ Air Purification: Since we can’t stop this pollution overnight, the best way to protect yourself is to filter it out—both inside your home and your car.
The best way to combat airborne particulate pollution is with a high-efficiency air purifier. Since brake dust, tyre wear, and road friction produce PM2.5 particles, you need an air purifier that can capture ultra-fine contaminants.
For Your Home: The IQAir ATEM X is one of the most effective air purifiers for filtering out PM2.5 and other microscopic pollutants.
For Your Car: The IQAir ATEM Car ensures you breathe cleaner air while driving—crucial if you spend time in heavy traffic or live near a busy road.
At Air Cleaners Australia, we specialise in high-performance air purifiers that tackle pollution at its source. Protect yourself and your loved ones from unseen dangers in the air.
Browse our collection at www.aircleanersaus.com.au
Final Thoughts
EVs are a big step forward in reducing carbon emissions, but they are not pollution-free. Brake dust, tyre wear, and road friction will continue to contribute to poor air quality—especially in urban areas.
While new technologies aim to reduce this pollution, the reality is that it’s already affecting our health today. Investing in a high-efficiency air purifier can make a real difference, keeping the air inside your home and car as clean as possible.
Breathe cleaner, live healthier.
