Well, people have a lot of feelings.
It generated a huge amount of attention, with the story translated into over 40 languages worldwide.
During driving, the rubber from car tires wears down and flakes off into tiny airborne or roadside particles.
These tire emissions cancause damageto peoples health as well as air quality, soil, and water.
They occur as a result of tire ingredients, driving behavior, and road conditions.
And, as wevepreviously reported, EVs arent blameless when it comes to air pollution.
In fact, 55% of roadside traffic pollution comes from non-exhaust particles from both kinds of cars.
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How are tire particles measured?
Understandably, the research had its critics in EV-land for not accurately representing common driving scenarios.
It worked with the National Physical Laboratory in the UK objectively to quantify its chemical measurements.
The good news is that tailpipe emissions are substantially lower on new cars as exhaust filters become more efficient.
However,tirewear particles are rising as vehicles become heavier and added power and torque become available.
Worse, as tires age, their emissions increase.
Especially in comparison to an ICE vehicle driven badly at speed.
It would be good to get more details on this from the researchers in more detail.
Its definitely something worth investigating further.
Currently, tire makers are investing inmaking tires specifically for EVsin response to these challenges.
Theres also considerable R&D in making tires from renewable, recycled, and traceable materials.
We can expect to see more growth and investment in these areas.
Emissions Analytics will soon publish the chemical composition and toxicity of hundreds of different tires in a subscription database.
I think it will give tire makers a lot to talk and get angry about.
Story byCate Lawrence
Cate Lawrence is an Australian tech journo living in Berlin.
