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Radiation protection in electromobility
- In the case of electric vehicles, electric and magnetic fields arise primarily during operation and charging.
- The magnetic fields are of particular importance from a radiation protection perspective.
- In relation to electric vehicles, existing research shows that the magnetic fields depend less on the electric power of the motors than on a vehicle's operating state and technical design (position of the battery, cables, power electronics, etc.).
- In principle, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection is committed to ensuring that the potential exposure of users is kept to a minimum as part of the development of equipment and, in this case, vehicles.
Electric car with battery in rear section of vehicle
Source: Firstsignal/Getty Images
As with anywhere that electricity is used, electromobility leads to the production of electric and magnetic fields. These fields surround the battery, motor and cables during the operation of electric vehicles. In many cases, the strongest fields are found in the footwells of the front seats. Depending on the construction of the vehicle and the position of the battery, for example, the highest values may also be recorded in the back seat – in other words, where children often sit. Electric and magnetic fields are also produced while the vehicles are being charged.
The term "electric vehicles" is used to refer to purely battery-electric vehicles as well as hybrid electric vehicles. The fields associated with electromobility have frequencies ranging from zero hertz (static fields) to several tens or hundreds of kilohertz (low-frequency fields and fields in what is known as the intermediate frequency range). The magnetic fields are of particular importance from a radiation protection perspective.
With the number of electric vehicles likely to increase in the coming years, the BfS recommends giving due regard to radiation protection aspects in electromobility.
Health effects
On the whole, the health effects of intermediate-frequency fields are not as well-researched as the effects of low or high frequencies. This was the result of a systematic review commissioned by the BfS that investigated not only the possible health effects but also the population’s exposure to intermediate-frequency fields. Apart from electric vehicles, magnetic fields with these frequencies can also be generated by other types of technology.
According to current knowledge, these intermediate-frequency fields do not trigger any health effects, provided that the recommendations of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) are adhered to. There are no legal limit values for electromagnetic fields in motor vehicles in Germany.
In relation to electric vehicles, existing research shows that the magnetic fields depend less on the electric power of the motors than on a vehicle's operating state and technical design (position of the battery, cables, power electronics, etc.).
Electromobility: research into possible sources of electric and magnetic fields
In the case of electric vehicles, electric and magnetic fields arise primarily during operation and charging. A research project commissioned by the BfS investigated magnetic fields in electric vehicles and hybrids.
Where do electric and magnetic fields occur in the vehicle?
Irrespective of their propulsion system, modern vehicles have numerous sources of alternating magnetic fields, including air conditioning systems, fans and heated seats as well as driver assistance, comfort and entertainment systems that use high-frequency electromagnetic fields to transmit information wirelessly by radio. These sources are also present in vehicles with conventional propulsion systems and can give rise to fields of a similar strength to the drive trains of hybrid or electric vehicles.
Research and studies into electromobility
Research project on the operation of electric vehiclesShow / Hide
Research project on the charging of electric vehiclesShow / Hide
Recommendations
In principle, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection is committed to ensuring that the potential exposure of users is kept to a minimum as part of the development of equipment and, in this case, vehicles. From the outset, the development of new vehicle models should ensure that vehicle occupants are exposed to the lowest possible field strengths.
In the case of wireless charging, the BfS wishes to emphasise that the ground coil in particular can generate strong magnetic fields, but that these quickly become weaker with increasing distance from the coil. Precautions must therefore be taken to ensure that the area between the coils remains clear and that only low field strengths occur in locations where people might be present.
People with active physical aids (pacemakers, neurostimulators, etc.) should also ask the doctor who is treating them whether magnetic fields can affect the operation of the medical product they are using.
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