New Study Reveals Electric Vehicles Slash Brake Emissions, but Tire Wear Poses New Challenges

A recent study on non-exhaust emissions in road transport, conducted by e’misia in collaboration with EIT Urban Mobility, Transport for London (TfL), and the Greater London Authority (GLA), highlights a significant benefit of electric vehicles (EVs) for EV owners and enthusiasts: a drastic reduction in brake wear emissions. However, the report also flags tire and road wear as emerging concerns, urging a comprehensive approach to improve air quality in urban areas like London.

Brake Emissions Drop Sharply with EVs

The study, released in May 2025, identifies brake wear as the largest source of non-exhaust emissions (NEEs) in urban environments, where frequent acceleration and deceleration release significant amounts of particles—over 80% of which become airborne. EVs, thanks to regenerative braking, lower brake wear emissions by more than 80%, offering a clear win for air quality. Since EVs eliminate exhaust emissions entirely, this reduction in brake-related particulates directly benefits urban air quality, aligning with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines often exceeded in cities.

This is a game-changer for EV owners in densely populated areas. Less brake wear not only means cleaner air but also reduces maintenance costs, as brake pads and rotors last longer with regenerative systems. For example, a typical EV driver in London could see brake maintenance intervals extended significantly compared to a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.

Tire and Road Wear: The Next Frontier

Despite the progress on brake emissions, the study points to tire wear as the second-largest source of NEEs, with 1–5% becoming airborne and the rest accumulating in road dust, water systems, and soil. In urban areas with frequent braking and cornering, tire wear emissions rise, and warmer temperatures—exacerbated by climate change—may worsen this trend. Notably, EVs, which are on average 20% heavier than ICE vehicles due to their batteries, generate more tire wear, raising concerns about long-term particulate pollution trends.

Road wear emissions, though smaller in airborne contribution, remain a challenge in cities with poor road maintenance. In London, where TfL oversees 580 miles of road networks, the study emphasizes that well-maintained roads can play a key role in mitigating these emissions. For EV enthusiasts, this underscores the need for advancements in tire technology, such as low-wear compounds, to complement the benefits of electrification.

Policy and Technology Solutions on the Horizon

The upcoming Euro 7 regulation, set to take effect in late 2026, will introduce new limits on particulate matter (PM) emissions from brake and tire wear—about two years after its implementation for new vehicles. While this is a step forward, the study notes that its full impact will take time, as it only applies to new vehicles, leaving existing fleets unaffected initially. Encouraging early adoption of wear-resistant brake and tire designs across all vehicles could accelerate benefits, the report suggests.

At the local level, cities like London are urged to integrate NEE considerations into air quality policies, such as expanding Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and promoting public transport. A modal shift from private vehicles to public transport could reduce NEEs by up to five times compared to fleet electrification alone, offering a powerful strategy for urban EV owners who also rely on TfL’s network, including its iconic 250-mile Underground system.

A Balanced Approach for EV Owners

For EV owners and enthusiasts, the study underscores the air quality benefits of electrification while highlighting the need for broader solutions. Fleet electrification, combined with smoother driving behaviors—like reducing speeds and optimizing traffic flow—can further minimize brake, tire, and road wear emissions. Nationally, supporting Euro 7 and promoting low-emission transport options will be key to tackling NEEs. As the EV industry evolves, addressing tire wear through innovation and policy will be critical to ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.

Photos courtesy of Tesla