From what I've heard there's a countervailing effect for EVs, though - they end up generating more particulate pollution from tire wear because of greater vehicle weight and greater torque.
The number that I've seen bandied about is ~20% greater tire wear.
> They are looking at lightweight EVs at lower speeds. But Americans drive heavier EVs at highway speeds. The rotors & pads are huge.
Perhaps other EV drivers can chime in but, if anything, I think I use my friction brakes less at highway speeds where, in general, you're not really supposed to do a lot of braking. I'd say, overall and regardless of speed, my friction brakes are really used only to bring the car to a complete stop or for emergency braking to avoid a potential accident.
Not sure about that. If you accelerate a 2t vehicle to 60mph and then decelerate it back to 0mph then they would stress the tyres in the same way, no matter if you do EV & regen, EV no-regen or ICE, right? (I am keeping the weight constant).
Prompted by your comment I had a look at vehicle weights and two facts stood out
- ALL new cars are getting heavier EVERY YEAR because we keep adding more stuff (average car weight, and average SUV weight trend upwards from 2016 to 2023)
- The average electric car is heavier than a petrol equivalent but is lighter than an SUV
Weight certainly a problem, but the focus on EVs for weight is generally blown out of proportion.
tonymet|7 months ago
But you do raise a good point at the holistic condition, and assessing a broader population with less than ideal configuration.
They are looking at lightweight EVs at lower speeds. But Americans drive heavier EVs at highway speeds. The rotors & pads are huge.
pdabbadabba|7 months ago
Perhaps other EV drivers can chime in but, if anything, I think I use my friction brakes less at highway speeds where, in general, you're not really supposed to do a lot of braking. I'd say, overall and regardless of speed, my friction brakes are really used only to bring the car to a complete stop or for emergency braking to avoid a potential accident.
D13Fd|7 months ago
janosch_123|7 months ago
Prompted by your comment I had a look at vehicle weights and two facts stood out
- ALL new cars are getting heavier EVERY YEAR because we keep adding more stuff (average car weight, and average SUV weight trend upwards from 2016 to 2023)
- The average electric car is heavier than a petrol equivalent but is lighter than an SUV
Weight certainly a problem, but the focus on EVs for weight is generally blown out of proportion.
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-13588773/Ne... https://www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com/p/weighty-issue-of-e...