Report highlights the transition to electric vehicles as a strategy to address the dual public health crisis of air pollution and climate change.
Nationwide, United States
The Road to Clean Air: Benefits of a Nationwide Transition to Electric Vehicles
Summary Information
Although innovations in vehicle technology have reduced direct vehicle emissions, air pollution is a widespread and serious public health problem around the world, where exposure can be a contributing factor for asthma, cardiovascular disease, and even premature death. One possible solution to direct vehicle air pollution is widespread vehicle electrification. Electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions and thus have the potential to substantially improve air quality, especially near major roadways.
To better estimate the effects of full US vehicle fleet electrification, the American Lung Association conducted a modeling study. The team first collected data on vehicle emissions, current US vehicle fleet composition, electric vehicle emissions, health impacts of emissions etc. from a variety of sources. The team then created several models to estimate the benefits of full US fleet electrification under both a conservative and optimistic scenario.
The study found that by 2050, full vehicle electrification has the potential to:
- Avoid 6,300 premature deaths
- Reduce disease burden and save $72 billion on health expenditures
It should be noted that the study assumed full fleet electrification by 2040. While this may unrealistic, it still demonstrates that electric vehicles could engender substantial public health benefits.
