Long-Term Monitoring of Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields in Electric Vehicles

Yang Yang,Lu Lu,Lin Lin,Lai Lai,Zhang Zhang,Li Li,Wu Wu

doi:10.3390/ijerph16193765

Abstract

Extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field (MF) exposure in electric vehicles (EVs) has raised public concern for human health. There have been many studies evaluating magnetic field values in these vehicles. However, there has been no report on the temporal variation of the magnetic field in the cabin. This is the first study on the long-term monitoring of actual MFs in EVs. In the study, we measured the magnetic flux density (B) in three shared vehicles over a period of two years. The measurements were performed at the front and rear seats during acceleration and constant-speed driving modes. We found that the B amplitudes and the spectral components could be modified by replacing the components and the hubs, while regular checks or maintenance did not influence the B values in the vehicle. This observation highlights the necessity of regularly monitoring ELF MF in EVs, especially after major repairs or accidents, to protect car users from potentially excessive ELF MF exposure. These results should be considered in updates of the measurement standards. The ELF MF effect should also be taken into consideration in relevant epidemiological studies.

Highlights

Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have gained popularity in recent years
The results revealed that the Extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field (MF) values in the EVs would not change significantly due to long-term driving or regular maintenance
EVs used in the study were designated EV1 to EV3 to protect the commercial interest of the manufacturers

Summary

Introduction

Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have gained popularity in recent years. EVs depend on electricity, and HEVs are partially fueled by electricity. Electric motors usually react quickly, so the vehicles seem more responsive compared to those with conventional engines. Generation of electricity may still largely depend on the consumption of conventional energy. The health effects of extremely low frequency (ELF, frequency range from 0–100 kHz [1]) magnetic field (MF) exposure in EVs and HEVs have raised public concern. MF exposure is inevitable in the compact metallic cabin, and the internal field distribution is very complex. ELF MF exposure, identified by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as possibly carcinogenic to humans, is closely associated with the incidence of leukemia [1].

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