Tire Emissions—The Next Target For Environmental Groups
If you thought regulatory bodies were going to dial back once they solve the “climate crisis” created by the ICE, guess again.
And it begins…
If you thought regulatory bodies were going to disband or dial back once they solve the “climate crisis” created by internal combustion engines, guess again.
In an open letter in the U.K., attention is being called to pursue tire emissions, and an old article associated with one of its signatories suggests that tire wear particulate emissions are 1,850 times greater than tailpipe emissions.
In addition to calling on European regulators to pass legislation to force tire manufacturers to produce tires that reduce larger tread wear particulates, it also urges them to make the reduction of nanoparticles its highest priority. Citing the success of regulating nanoparticle tailpipe emissions in Euro 5 standards, the letter calls upon regulators to add a second phase to Euro 7 tire emissions, which would cover nanoparticles as well as chemical-release emissions from tires.
Of course, tire emissions are expected to increase as vehicles get heavier. And what’s making vehicles heavier? The battery cells that are vital for electric vehicles. ‘Round and round we go.
A Few Open Questions We Have
When the ICE is dead and legislation like this is passed, tires will likely be produced differently. Will they be as efficient as they are right now? Think low-rolling resistance tires (which are proven to increase mpg). And what effect will a different tire compound have on the range of the EV you’ve been forced to drive?
Brake manufacturers, you’re on deck…
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