Electromagnetic Exposure Levels of Electric Vehicle Drive Motors to Passenger Wearing Cardiac Pacemakers

Authors: Dong X, Qian Y, Lu M

Year: 2024

Category: Electromagnetic Safety / Medical Device Safety

Journal: Sensors

DOI: 10.3390/s24134395

URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/24/13/4395

Abstract

Overview

As populations age and cardiovascular disease becomes increasingly prevalent, the number of individuals relying on cardiac pacemakers rises rapidly. Ensuring the safe functioning of pacemakers in various life scenarios—including travel—is a growing concern.

Electric Vehicles & EMF Exposure

With the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) encouraged by low-carbon policies, the resultant electromagnetic environment in modern vehicles is far more complex. Because EVs integrate multiple high-power electrical devices, questions arise about electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure risks for passengers—especially those with implanted cardiac devices.

Findings

  • Calculation models simulated the vehicle, human body, heart, and pacemaker using the finite element method.
  • Key metrics analyzed:
    • Induced electric field
    • Specific absorption rate (SAR)
    • Temperature changes
  • Results:
    • Maximum induced electric field in the body: 60.3 mV/m (at the ankle)
    • Electric field in the heart higher than the trunk; peak is 283 mV/m near the pacemaker electrode
    • Maximum SAR for the human body: 1.08 × 10-6 W/kg; heart near electrode: 2.76 × 10-5 W/kg
    • Max temperature increase (30 min exposure): torso—0.16 × 10-5 °C, heart—0.4 × 10-6 °C, pacemaker—0.44 × 10-6 °C

Conclusion

  • All measured values—induced electric field, SAR, and temperature rise—were below ICNIRP safety limits and met ISO 14708-2 medical device standards for pacemaker operation.
  • The study found that electromagnetic fields from EV drive motors, under tested conditions, do not pose a safety risk to pacemaker wearers. However, the connection between EMF exposure and health effects remains an important area for ongoing research, including for sensitive populations.

This work advances our understanding of the EMF environment in electric vehicles and provides crucial guidance for the safe travel of individuals with cardiac pacemakers.

electromagnetic fields electric vehicles cardiac pacemakers exposure assessment specific absorption rate EMF safety medical devices
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