Measurement of Electromagnetic Fields Exposure to Humans from Electric Vehicles and Their Supply Equipment

Abstract

Overview

Electric Vehicles (EVs) represent a progressive approach to fostering a healthy and sustainable transportation future for our planet by decarbonizing the transportation sector, thereby mitigating global warming. However, the electrification of transportation brings forth the necessity to study non-ionizing Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). Despite extensive research, the health effects related to long-term exposure to EMF are still inconclusive and remain a concern for public safety.

Methodology

• Shared and disseminated EMF emission measurements from EVs and their Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
• Discussed instrumentation, measurement methodology, and observed results.
• Measurements performed on different EVs and EVSEs in and around Chennai city, covering up to the 400 kHz frequency band.
• Measured Electric Field Intensity (E) and Magnetic Flux Density (B) both inside EVs (driver and passenger seats during driving) and near EVSEs (during charging).
• Compared results with the ICNIRP and IEEE standard recommendations for human external body exposure levels.

Findings

• E & B inside EVs were found to be within standard safety limits.
• Electric Field (E) around EVSEs was also within standard limits.
• However, Magnetic Flux Density (B) around certain EVSE positions exceeded the general public exposure threshold (~200 μT), indicating a potential health risk from EMF exposure in those areas.
• Performed preliminary computational analysis using Finite Element Method (FEM) which was then compared to measurement readings of AC chargers—fields were found to be relatively higher at charging infrastructure.

Conclusion

As global adoption of EVs increases, more research on the health impacts of long-term EMF exposure is necessary. The study recommends policy actions to mitigate human exposure to EMF from EVs and their supply equipment.