A groundbreaking study from the University of Toronto has uncovered significant population-level health benefits associated with the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, used computer simulations to predict the impact of aggressive EV adoption coupled with renewable energy expansion.

Billions in Health Benefits

The study’s findings are eye-opening. An ambitious rollout of EVs and renewable electricity could lead to health benefits valued between $84 billion and $188 billion by 2050. Even less aggressive scenarios showed benefits in the tens of billions.

“When researchers examine the impacts of EVs, they typically focus on climate change in the form of mitigating CO2 emissions,” says Professor Marianne Hatzopoulou, a co-author of the study. “But CO2 is not the only thing that comes out of the tailpipe of an internal combustion vehicle.”

Beyond Carbon: The Air Pollution Factor

The research team adapted their models to simulate the production of air pollutants common in fossil fuel combustion, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and PM2.5 particles. These pollutants have localized health impacts, making their distribution as important as their quantity.

While EVs don’t produce tailpipe emissions, they can still contribute to air pollution if powered by fossil fuel plants. The study accounted for this, as well as the gradual improvement in both gas-powered vehicle efficiency and grid cleanliness over time.

Scenarios and Simulations

The team modeled two main scenarios through 2050:

No new EVs, but older gas vehicles replaced with newer, more efficient ones
All new vehicles electric by 2035 (in line with many countries’ goals)

They also considered various rates of grid transition to renewable energy. The results consistently showed significant health benefits from EV adoption, especially when paired with grid decarbonization.

The Importance of Timing

“We still need to decarbonize the power generation system—and we are—but we should not wait until that process is complete to get more EVs on the road,” Hatzopoulou emphasizes. “We need to start on the path to a healthier future today.”

EVXL’s Take

This study reinforces the urgency of transitioning to electric vehicles, not just for climate reasons, but for immediate public health benefits. It aligns with recent developments we’ve covered in the Tesla and GM categories, where manufacturers are ramping up EV production and improving battery technology. The potential health benefits uncovered here add another compelling reason for consumers and policymakers to accelerate EV adoption.

What’s your take on these findings? Do the health benefits of EVs make you more likely to consider making the switch? Share your thoughts in the comments below.