EVs might emit more brake dust, which the EU is stepping up to regulate

2022-06-18 20:36:15 By : Ms. Shirly yu

Tailpipe emissions tend to be the focus of regulators, but the next round of European Union emissions standards will tackle pollution from another source—one that is particularly relevant to EVs.

Scheduled to be unveiled in July, the upcoming Euro 7 standards will still require automakers to reduce tailpipe emissions such as nitrogen oxide. But they will also set limits on brake dust, according to Euractiv.

Yes, EVs don't use their friction brakes as much as internal combustion cars. That's thanks to regenerative braking. But as a 2020 paper rounding up previous research suggested, that might not be enough to offset the higher weight of EV battery packs.

The European Commission (the EU's governing body) announced its intention to regulate brake dust in a 2021 policy plan, saying it would address particulate emissions "from both conventional and electric vehicles alike."

A recent (and controversial) study suggested that EVs also provide a boost in tire-related particulate emissions—again caused by the added weight of battery packs. But these emissions aren't a target for EU regulators right now.

DS E Tense Performance prototype

It's not clear how automakers will reduce brake dust. A recent concept from Stellantis’ DS Automobiles, drawing from Formula E experience, suggested how EVs of the future might omit friction pads entirely.

Aggressive regenerative braking allows drivers of today's EVs to use their friction brakes less—generating less dust and allowing brake pads to last longer—so while we're also skeptical about the above study's conclusions on non-exhaust emissions, we should simply emphasize that more study needs to be done in real-world conditions.

Not every automaker agrees on the worth of one-pedal driving modes, either. Porsche purposely avoided one-pedal driving on the Taycan, claiming its automated regeneration strategy—and more coasting—would be more efficient overall.

Sign up to get the latest green car and environmental news, delivered to your inbox daily!

I agree to receive emails from Green Car Reports. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy.

For how long will Tesla be the world’s top EV maker? How does a tech supplier propose dropping the onboard charger from electric vehicles? This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending June 17, 2022. Remember when the Tesla Model Y was supposed to start around $40,000? Tesla raised prices again, this time up to $6,000, bringing the base U.S.-market price of a Model Y to $67,190. Tesla wasn’t the only one. GM on Friday announced a price hike for its 2023 GMC Hummer EV, citing supply chain, technology, and logistics...

The price hike starts with the 2023 model year and applies to all subsequent GMC Hummer EV (SUT) and Hummer EV SUV models, the automaker said.

General Motors is making sure the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV is priced at least as low as incoming 2023 versions. A startup claims it can boost the BMW iX to 600 miles of range. And Cadillac plans to make its Celestiq electric flagship in Michigan—by hand. This and more, here at Green Car...

A range of price cuts and discounts are making space for both the new Chevy Blazer EV, starting around $40,000, and the Equinox EV due to start around $30,000.

One chemistry will be devoted to power delivery, the other to energy storage—boosting range while minimizing use of nickel and cobalt, ONE claims.

The flagship model for Cadillac's electric remake will be built right at GM's historical center of innovation—with details and timing all yet to be announced.

Tesla prices are up again by thousands. The Kia EV6 is due for an in-motion debut soon. Nio has a new electric SUV. And Toyota's electric SUV concept is already getting some recognition. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. A design award was the occasion for Toyota to reveal a bit more about its buzz-worthy Compact Cruiser EV concept. Rooted in the design of the original Toyota Land Cruiser, the Compact Cruiser EV could be a refreshing departure from hulking electric SUVs like the GMC Hummer EV and Rivian R1S. Kia has confirmed that its most powerful car ever—the 576-hp EV6 GT...

The popular Tesla Model Y base price has been boosted by another $3,000, while price hikes of up to $6,000 apply to other models.

The Compact Cruiser EV evokes the FJ40-series Toyota Land Cruiser that inspired the FJ Cruiser—and it could be quite the counterpoint to the GMC Hummer EV and Rivian R1S.

The ES7 is somewhat larger than the Tesla Model Y. It will offer bidirectional charging and an available 150-kw Ultralong Range pack that tops 500 miles in the Chinese cycle.

Kia is looking to turn the heads of a certain kind of racing and motorsport fan with its debut of the quickest EV6 electric vehicle.

Polestar announces a debut date for its flagship model. A company sees the chance to get rid of EV onboard chargers. And the Ford Mustang Mach-E isn’t being delivered right now. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Deliveries of the Ford Mustang Mach-E have been halted due to a potential...