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The Personal Health Benefits of EVs

Posted 10/07/2021

We all know EVs are better for the health of the environment, but did you know they’re also better for the health of us humans? October is Health Awareness Month, and at Blink, we’re celebrating the health benefits of electric vehicles. Air pollution kills a shocking 7 million people a year, according to the World Health Organization. So, what’s in air pollution? A mix of solid particulates and gases caused by car emissions (around 55%), chemicals used in factories, dust, mold, and pollen. Tailpipe emissions contain gasses such as nitrogen oxide and other compounds which trigger asthma, allergies, respiratory illnesses, COPD, and even lung cancer. There are two major categories of emissions: direct and life cycle. According to Midwest Evolve, “Direct emissions are emitted through the tailpipe, through evaporation from the fuel system, and during the fueling process. Direct emissions include smog-forming pollutants (such as nitrogen oxides), other pollutants harmful to human health, and greenhouse gases (GHGs), primarily carbon dioxide.”  All-electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions, which specifically helps improve air quality in urban areas. Life cycle emissions, however, include ALL emissions, not only from the use of the vehicle, but also from its creation, such as the drilling, processing, distribution, and use of petroleum, and waste products created from batteries. The amount of life cycle emissions produced by an EV is also dependent on the source of the electricity used to fuel it. When power comes from renewable resources, such as wind, water, or solar power, EVs are even better for the environment and produce nearly zero emissions of any kind. So, can adding more EVs to a community improve public health in a real way? A study from Harvard University suggests it can. The study says, “The analysis presents a clear case for substituting conventional internal combustion vehicles with electric vehicles in urban areas. Public health benefits of reduced air pollution exposures are substantial…. the benefits per mile are quite large and support a public policy argument for stimulating the rapid replacement of current gasoline and diesel cars and light-duty trucks with electric vehicles.” Can simply installing EVSE help improve public health? According to Louisiana Clean Fuels, yes, “Installing EV Charging stations in public or in the workplace incentivizes PEV adoption, which in turn reduces vehicle tailpipe emissions, reduces local air pollutants, and improves public health.” Having chargers already available influences and encourages individuals to purchase EVs, knowing they will be able to keep them charged. Public health is more important than ever, and this is an ideal time to purchase an EV, install a charging unit in your personal garage, or for a business to install Level 2 chargers for their employees and customers. Blink can help you find the right charger to power your EV and improve public health in your community.

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