Electric vehicles and health: A scoping review

Abstract

Overview

The rapid transition to the use of electric vehicles (EVs) presents a largely unexplored area regarding its health impacts. This scoping review aimed to assess the state of evidence relating to the use of battery electric and hybrid electric vehicles and their association with health outcomes.

Methods

• Comprehensive literature search conducted across six major scientific databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL, Scopus, and Environmental Science Collection).
• Inclusion of articles from January 1990 to January 2024 that present observed or modeled data on the health effects of battery electric or hybrid electric vehicles (cars, trucks, buses).
• 52 articles met inclusion criteria out of 897 reviewed.

Findings

• The majority of articles studied transitions to electric vehicles (94%), with fewer focusing on hybrid (21%) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (15%).
• The most frequently examined outcomes were premature death (79%) and monetized health outcomes like medical expenditures (63%).
• Only one observational study was identified; the rest relied on modeled data.
• Almost all studies (98%) indicated some positive health impact from transitioning to electric or hybrid vehicles, though the magnitude of effect varied.
• Little information available on the environmental justice implications of EV adoption.

Conclusion

Current literature suggests an overall positive health impact associated with the shift to electric vehicles. However, more observational research is needed for a clearer understanding of real-world effects. Further studies should address environmental justice to understand equitable distribution of benefits.