ADAC: Electromagnetic radiation in electric vehicles lower than feared

ADAC measured 11 electric vehicles, several hybrids, and one gasoline vehicle using 10 probes on dummies; electromagnetic radiation was always below recommended levels, even when accelerating or charging.

Research conducted by the German Automobile Club ADAC shows that the levels of electromagnetic radiation inside electric vehicles are much lower than previously feared and even lower than some modern internal combustion engine cars. The measured values ​​are always below international recommended limits, confirming the safety of electric vehicles.

The survey, commissioned by the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection, dismissed the notion that large batteries placed under the floor would turn occupants into “living antennas.” According to ADAC, drivers and passengers are exposed to only very small amounts of electromagnetic radiation, with no significant health risks recorded.

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Main conclusion: safe in daily operation

Under real-world operating conditions, including acceleration, hard braking, and when electrical components are operating, the ADAC records some brief peaks in magnetic field strength. However, these transient variations are considered normal for high-voltage electrical systems and are well below the recommended threshold.

• The higher readings are concentrated in the leg area – near the drivetrain and power cord bundle – rather than the head area.
• There is no risk of damage to the cells, nervous system or cardiac support devices of the vehicle occupants.
• In many scenarios, the results on electric vehicles are safer than some modern internal combustion engine vehicles.

How ADAC tested: mannequin measurements, multiple seat positions

ADAC measured 11 electric vehicles, along with several hybrids and a gasoline-powered vehicle for comparison. The team placed 10 probes on a dummy, moving the dummy through various seating positions while the car was running and charging, to record the actual magnetic field strength and compare it to a safe threshold.

• Sample: 11 electric cars, several hybrids and one gasoline car.
• Measurement setup: 10 probes arranged on the dummy.
• Scenario: measurement while the vehicle is running (accelerating, braking suddenly, electrical systems operating) and while charging.

This method allows to evaluate the electromagnetic field distribution at the seating positions, reflecting the true emission characteristics of electric vehicles under real-life conditions.

Heated and charging seats: special situations

One notable finding was that heated seats – a common feature – generated much higher levels of electromagnetic activity than other components. This was true in electric, hybrid, and gasoline vehicles. However, even with heated seats turned on, the readings remained below the threshold considered dangerous.

In charging mode, the difference between AC and DC is also noted:

• Slow AC charging: higher readings appear at the plug area at the beginning of charging, but still within safety standards.
• DC fast charging: although the power is greater, the measured magnetic field is weaker than traditional AC charging.

Meaning for users and markets

The ADAC results reinforce the belief that electric vehicles do not pose the radiation risks that many people fear. The distribution of magnetic field intensity mainly in the foot area, short peaks during operation and safe charging indicate that the design of the high-voltage electrical system in electric vehicles is well controlled.

From a user perspective, this result helps to relieve concerns about the impact on the body and cardiac support devices when sitting in the cabin. From a market perspective, this is the basis for promoting confidence in the increasingly widespread presence of electrified transport technology.

Test summary table

Ingredient	Describe
Implementing unit	ADAC
Authority	German Federal Office for Radiation Protection
Survey subjects	11 electric cars, several hybrids and one gasoline car
Method	10 probes on the dummy, measuring at multiple seat positions during operation and charging
Measurement situation	Acceleration, braking, electrical components operating; AC charging and DC fast charging
Main results	Always below recommended threshold; short peaks are normal with high voltage systems
High index position	Foot area, near the drivetrain and power cord
Notable factors	Heated seats generate high electromagnetic activity but still below dangerous thresholds
Observe while charging	AC has a peak at the plug at the start; DC is weaker than AC

The synthesis of findings shows that electric vehicles meet the safety criteria for electromagnetic radiation in both operation and charging, which is the basis for users to feel secure in their choice.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/adac-buc-xa-dien-tu-trong-xe-dien-thap-hon-lo-ngai-10313433.html