Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: thedoc on 25/11/2015 22:50:02

Title: What is the pollutant exposure inside an electric car?
Post by: thedoc on 25/11/2015 22:50:02

Shirley Worrall asked the Naked Scientists:
   Question following you article on diesel pollution levels inside cars. We have an electric car. What is our exposure to particulates when driving in heavy traffic through London?
What are exposure levels inside a modern diesel car travelling along quiet country roads?
What do you think?

Title: Re: What is the pollutant exposure inside an electric car?
Post by: evan_au on 26/11/2015 10:43:28

Assuming that moving cars draw their passenger compartment air in the front, and disperse any pollutants into their wake, the pollution levels inside moving electric and diesel cars will be similar.

However, it does make a difference to you if the car in front of you is diesel or electric - one will add to the pollution in your car, the other will add to the pollution 100m up a power station smokestack many miles away (which hopefully is fitted with an effective dust filter).

Title: Re: What is the pollutant exposure inside an electric car?
Post by: alancalverd on 26/11/2015 15:08:00

Properly tuned, a diesel car will actually emit less pollution than it inhales. Best way of cleaning up cities with domestic coal fires.