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As more EVs have joined our roads over the past few years, it’s resulted in an unexpected side effect.

A new study looking at electric vehicles identified several benefits (and negatives) that come with increased EV ownership.

The lack of direct emissions was of course one of the benefits.

But there was one notable side effect that came as a surprise.

It wasn’t all good news, according to this study

You don’t have to be an expert to know that EVs don’t emit anything from the exhaust, providing one obvious benefit of an electric car.

However, the EIT Urban Mobility study looked into other forms of pollution.

And this is where there was some bad news for EVs and their supporters.

When it comes to tire wear, EVs fared wore than their gas counterparts, mostly due to them being heavier.

Why is this considered a form of pollution?

Well, when you consider the fact that tires shed millions of microplastics into the environment, it becomes more clear.

One 2017 study from the Netherlands found that around 3.5 million tonnes of tire particles were emitted into the environment every year – and that’s just in 13 countries.

What negative effect does this have on the environment?

Forbes published a deep-dive article covering this subject in 2024, taking a wide look at various studies.

These studies revealed that the presence of microplastics could harm plant growth and fish reproduction.

Exposure to microplastics has also been linked to several chronic diseases in humans.

So this is evidently one area where EVs came out worse than gas cars.

But there was one side effect of increased electric car purchases that might take you by surprise.

And then there’s this unexpected side effect

Have you ever considered how much pollution is caused by brake dust?

Us neither.

According to this study, EVs saw brake dust pollution dip by a whopping 83 percent.

This is because electric cars use regenerative braking, meaning the car can slow down without needing to touch the brakes.

Any time a driver’s foot is lifted off the throttle, the car automatically slows down.

One study found that brake pad dust can be just as toxic as exhaust emissions.

This is because some commonly used brake pads contain a higher concentration of copper, which can harm some of the sensitive cells in the lungs.

Undoubtedly, more studies will be produced in the years to come which will generate further discussion about the pros and cons of electric cars.

But here’s one that provided us with a revealing figure – 96 percent of people who switch to electric cars never go back to driving gas cars.

The perks of increasing numbers of EVs on the roads

Many of the benefits that come with increased EV ownership seem obvious from the outset.

For one thing, cutting down on CO2 emissions is definitely good on the environmental front.

And then there’s the reduction in noise pollution – although many gearheads will admit they miss the noise that comes with a ICE car.

After all, manufacturers wouldn’t be making fake noises for their EVs if people didn’t miss it, right?

A complete history of EVs