Overview

• Measuring 50 DC fast-charging sites across Los Angeles, researchers found fine particulate levels near power cabinets roughly doubled background air and sometimes peaked near 200 micrograms per cubic meter.
• The study points to particle resuspension from charger cooling fans kicking up brake, tire and road dust rather than emissions from the chargers or the vehicles.
• Concentrations were highest at power cabinets and fell sharply within a few meters, leading researchers to advise staying in the vehicle or stepping back during fast charging.
• Mitigations proposed include adding filters to power cabinets and siting chargers away from sensitive locations, with ChargePoint saying it will add filters to its DC units.
• The team is expanding measurements to 24 additional sites for comparisons with gas stations, while emphasizing that transportation electrification still reduces overall urban air pollution.