Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

I wonder if heavy EVs cause more tire and brake dust.


Purpose-built EVs typically weigh 5-10% more than a comparable ICEV. That's not enough to make much of a difference. Go back to the usual target of anti-car hate -- pickups. Those are pretty heavy.

And EVs make almost zero brake dust. On many EVs the pads will last the life of the vehicle, unless they malfunction due to non-usage.


Put another way, EVs average about 20% more tire dust, but the majority of ICE particulate emissions are from the engine.

So, EVs are a huge improvement.

Recently, tire manufacturers have started phasing out some of the nastier additives in tires (due to a new one causing fish die offs when it rains).

Tire dust is still terrible though. Hopefully, it’ll be the biggest environmental problem today’s toddlers have to deal with.


Probably nearly no brake dust. EVs are notorious for using so little brakes that they just rust due to lack of use.




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: