PM10 and PM2.5 emission factors for non-exhaust particles from road vehicles: Dependence upon vehicle mass and implications for battery electric vehicles

Governments around the world are legislating to end the sale of conventionally fuelled (gasoline and diesel) internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV) and it is assumed that battery-electric vehicles (BEV) will take their place. It has been suggested that due to their increased weight, non-exhaust emissions of particles from BEV may exceed all particle emissions, including exhaust, from an ICEV. This paper examines the vehicle weight-dependence of PM10 and PM2.5 emissions from abrasion (brake, tyre and road surface wear) and road dust resuspension and generates a comparison of the two vehicle types. The outcome is critically dependent upon the extent of regenerative braking relative to use of friction brakes on the BEV, but overall there will be only modest changes to the total local emissions of particles from a passenger car built to current emissions standards.

Automated summary

This paper examines the relationship between vehicle weight and PM10 and PM2.5 emissions from electric vehicles and traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The outcome is dependent on the use of regenerative braking in electric vehicles relative to friction braking. Overall, there will be modest changes to the total local emissions of particles from a passenger car built to current emissions standards.