How to reduce air pollution with electric vehicles.

Kawinthip Rahaeng
6 days ago
3 min read

The reason the air quality in our country has noticeably worsened is mainly due to smoke and dust from vehicle exhaust pipes and emissions from various industrial factories.

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How does air pollution affect us?"

It has a direct impact on our health, both in the short term and the long term. Air pollution is a major cause of death, responsible for over 4 million deaths worldwide. It also leads to an increase in hospitalization rates.

What types of pollutants are in the air?

In Thailand, the government agency responsible for monitoring and reporting air pollution is the Pollution Control Department. This agency reports the Air Quality Index (AQI) — a simple, public-friendly measure indicating the levels of harmful air pollutants. The AQI includes six major pollutants that pose health risks:

Particulate Matter ≤ 2.5 microns (PM2.5)These are particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns, originating from combustion processes such as vehicle emissions, agricultural burning, wildfires, and industrial activities. PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs, reaching the alveoli, leading to lung damage, bronchitis, and asthma attacks.
Particulate Matter ≤ 10 microns (PM10)PM10 consists of particles with a diameter of less than 10 microns, arising from fuel combustion, open burning, industrial processes, grinding, crushing, and construction. These particles can accumulate in the respiratory system and are hazardous to health.
Ozone (O₃)Ozone at ground level is formed by a chemical reaction between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight. It can irritate the eyes, mucous membranes, and respiratory system, reducing lung function and causing fatigue—especially in children, the elderly, and those with chronic lung diseases.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)This gas is produced from the incomplete combustion of fuel. CO competes with oxygen by binding to hemoglobin in the blood, reducing oxygen delivery to the body's cells. This causes fatigue and forces the heart to work harder.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)Emitted from the combustion of fuels in industrial activities, NO₂ affects vision and can worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)This gas results from burning fuels containing sulfur. It irritates the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Long-term exposure may lead to chronic bronchitis.

In addition to harming the lungs, heart, and blood vessels, poor air quality can also damage the skin, leading to premature aging, uneven skin tone, and other dermatological issues.

How to Reduce Air Pollution Using Electric Vehicles

Switching to electric power—100% electricity—can greatly help reduce air pollution. This includes electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, electric tricycles, and electric scooters. These are excellent alternatives that significantly reduce harmful emissions.

1. High Engine Efficiency

Electric vehicles offer impressive performance from the first use. Compared to traditional engines, electric power is highly efficient—something that stands out in today’s market.

2. Eco-Friendly and Emission-Free

Pure electric power from batteries means no fuel combustion engines, and therefore, no exhaust emissions. This helps prevent air pollution and protects public health—especially by not producing PM2.5. With electric vehicles, you can enjoy a cleaner ride with peace of mind.

3. Saves Unnecessary Fuel Costs

There's no need to pay for increasingly expensive fuel. Switching to electric vehicles can reduce your transportation costs by up to 10 times.

4. Strong and Durable

Electric vehicles are low-maintenance. You only need to check the brakes, tire pressure, and regularly recharge the battery. Avoid letting the battery run completely dry, and you're good to go. It's very easy to take care of.

5. Capable of Driving Through Floods Up to 20 cm

Since electric vehicles don't have an exhaust pipe, they perform better in flooded conditions compared to gasoline-powered vehicles.

Thanks to Dr. Plinee Rattanasiriwilai,Dermatologist & Laser Specialist,Center for Anti-Aging Medicine, Phyathai 1 Hospital,for the valuable information on air pollution.