Electric cars have come under criticism from some scientists for emitting a lot of fine dust, produced by the tires and brakes.
Now it has also become clear that the road surface wears out much faster from electrical vehicles, compared to internal-combustion engine cars.
Due to the massive battery, electric cars weigh more than ordinary passenger cars. Because of this bigger weight, not only do the tires wear out faster. According to experts from the Delft University of Technology, the top layer of the asphalt is also likely to wear out more quickly because electric cars have a higher acceleration capacity.
“Asphalt is an extraordinary material. The faster you accelerate, the harder it gets and the more counter-pressure it gives,” explained Sandra Erkens, professor of applied civil engineering at the TU Delft.
Fine Particles
“Research has shown that electric vehicles do indeed cause extra wear due to their weight,” said Bruno Van Zeebroeck, researcher at Leuven’s Transport & Mobility research centre.
“Furthermore, it appears that electric cars produce hardly any less fine dust than modern petrol cars. Exhaust emissions for electric cars are zero, but due to their weight, there is more wear on brakes, tires, and the road surface.