EV Tire Pollution

Comments discuss how electric vehicles generate significant particulate matter pollution from tire and brake wear, often more than ICE vehicles due to higher weight and torque, challenging claims of zero tailpipe emissions.

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Keywords

dynomight.net EPA HN yale.edu CO2 PM iiasa.ac nox.html SF PM2 pollution tires tire evs particles brake vehicles dust cars car

Sample Comments

storus Sep 23, 2025 View on HN

Much of PM2.5 particles is generated by tires. EVs are much harder on tires, often needing tire replacement after just 1 year. So on one hand, you get rid of PM2.5 from fossil fuels, on the other hand you increase tire PM2.5 five fold.

gusgus01 Nov 16, 2021 View on HN

Not sure if commenting here will alert the parent as well, but I believe that myth stems from the fact that tires create more PM (Particulate Matter) than exhaust. Exhaust of course emits much more CO2. The article discusses them separately and even mentions regenerative braking could help reduce PM, which would mean EV's could reduce both types of pollution.

Gabrys1 Mar 13, 2024 View on HN

There's probably more tyre pollution from EVs to be fair.

screye Jun 16, 2024 View on HN

Good call.If I remember right, then tire-wear [1] is the primary contributor to particulate emissions and a signifcant portion of vehicular pollution comes from the existence of the vehicle itself. (manufacturing, road maintenence)[1] https://dynomight.net/tires/

legulere Apr 23, 2021 View on HN

Zero emission vehicles still pollute with their tires.

ironman1478 Oct 12, 2024 View on HN

Tire and brake particulate is actually a big component of pollution and EVs will cause more pollution from tire and brake debris, which is already a larger portion of pollution than tail pipe emitions. We're increasing one type of pollution and decreasing another type, we'll see if long term it's a net benefit.Also, they could ban those things in places like SF or more liberal places, however I believe those are politically losing policies and wouldn't pass in places that

davidw Apr 12, 2025 View on HN

Given that tires produce a lot of particulate matter, even EV's contribute to pollution significantly.

ADSSDA Jul 11, 2021 View on HN

Isn't most PM 2.5 pollution produced by brake pad and tire wear, which is made worse by EVs due to their weight?

Hypx Mar 22, 2021 View on HN

Particulate emissions can come from the tires. EVs aren't magic on this form of pollution. Plus, you can have particulate filters on the engine exhaust, reducing this greatly.

sampo Sep 11, 2017 View on HN

You still get some fine particle emissions from the wear of rubber tires and road surface, and the brake pads. But this might be a small fraction compared to what gas engines emit.