Transitioning to emission-free grids and EVs means more health benefits and savings, finds a University of Toronto study on U.S. data

A team of researchers at the University of Toronto (U of T) has released the findings of their study on the impact of electric vehicles and a clean energy grid on air quality and human health.

While the data come from the U.S., the takeaways — that EVs and clean grids positively impact air quality and, as a result, human health — are applicable to Canada and, indeed, anywhere in the world.

“Air pollution is a leading cause of mortality, accounting for nearly [seven] million deaths worldwide in 2019, with the majority ([four] million) from ambient particulate matter exposure,” reads the study.

“Our results indicate that all fleet electrification scenarios provide reductions in adverse health effects compared to the current fleet.”

A coordinated approach

Previous studies of EVs have identified that transitioning to all-electric vehicles helps to lower on-road emissions, particularly fine particulate matter or PM2.5. Exposure to PM2.5 results in a higher risk of heart attack, asthma and decreased lung function. The 2024 U of T study claims PM2.5 was responsible for 19,800 deaths in the US. in 2017.

The U of T study considers not only the implications of EVs on the health of the population, but also the impact of a decarbonized grid. A transition to EVs with a carbon-intensive grid would simply displace pollution to local areas around sources of power generation, which, in turn, would disproportionately impact those populations.

“Postponing electrification policies reduces the cumulative benefits substantially over the 2022–2050 period…even a short delay in policy implementation can have negative health repercussions for many years to come,” reads the study.

“To maximize health benefits, fleet electrification policies should be deployed as soon as possible and must be supported by clean electricity sources.”

To achieve maximum health benefits from transportation decarbonization, the study finds the grid must transition to zero-emitting power sources at a similar or accelerated rate as fleet electrification.

Doing so could result in US$84 billion to $188 billion in health savings between 2022 and 2050. Meanwhile, not taking action could result in US$32 to $71 billion in “additional health disbenefits compared with fleet renewal.”

Meanwhile in Canada

Earlier this year, Electric Autonomy reported on the health impacts of internal combustion engine school buses on children and local populations.

The findings from multiple studies in Canada reach a similar conclusion to the 2024 U of T study: There are concrete and significant human health benefits to transitioning to EVs.

And, some experts believe, Canadians may benefit even more from zero-emission vehicles due to the reduction of emissions that come from idling while vehicles warm in the winter.

“[E]ven with the worst-case assumptions of EV energy efficiency and electricity supply (i.e. 100% natural gas supplying all addition electricity consumption from EVs), vehicle electrification can still deliver substantial health and climate benefits in the [Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area],” reads a joint 2020 study from a different team of researchers from U of T and the University of Montreal.

“If EVs are charged with renewable energy sources only, then electrifying all passenger vehicles can prevent 330 premature deaths per year, which is equivalent to [US]$3.8 billion…in social benefits.”

This rate of return, extrapolated over the 2022 to 2050 time period, equates to US$106.4 billion.