MUNICH: Are consumers exposed to high levels of electromagnetic radiation while driving or charging an electric car?
Based on a recent study by ADAC (German Automobile Club), all 11 electric cars examined in the study showed no abnormalities during driving or charging.
The study, commissioned by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, was jointly done with Seibersdorf Labor GmbH and the Research Centre for Electromagnetic Environmental Compatibility (femu) at RWTH Aachen University.
Measurements were taken at the ADAC Technology Centre in Landsberg and on the test track at the former Penzing airfield, examining 11 electric cars, two plug-in hybrids, and one combustion engine vehicle.
For the measurements during driving and charging, 10 probes were distributed throughout a seat dummy, from the feet to head height.
These probes were placed in at least two seats in each car and tested under various scenarios.
The term "electrosmog" is not a scientific term, but rather a colloquial description of all artificially generated electromagnetic fields.
These are created by electrical devices, power lines, or wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile communications.
The study showed that electromagnetic fields are present in all motor vehicles, regardless of the type of drive system.
All electric cars tested, as well as the four additional electric motorcycles examined, complied with the recommended maximum values and are therefore considered safe.
Even people with implants need not worry when traveling in an electric car or at a charging station.
The ADAC assumes that electromagnetic environmental compatibility will become even more important as electromobility develops and advocates for manufacturers to conduct thorough and realistic measurements.
Ideally, the issue of electrosmog should be considered during the vehicle development phase, and the car should be designed accordingly so that as few or no emissions as possible reach the consumer.
This naturally also applies to the charging infrastructure.
