How Do Magnetic Fields from Electric and Hybrid Cars Compare to Those From Daily Sources?

While electric and hybrid cars have a growing popularity because of their sustainability and low-emission performance, one question that tends to get asked is their magnetic field levels.

Magnetic fields are invisible forces generated by electricity, and we’re surrounded by them. But how different are these cars’ magnetic fields from those you get from everyday sources, and should you be worried?

Let’s simplify it a bit.

Where Are Magnetic Fields Found?

Magnetic fields are part of our natural world. They originate from all sorts of places, including:

• Earth’s magnetic field
• Building wiring
• Refrigerators
• Television sets

These fields are typically extremely small — often tiny enough that we cannot perceive them. The magnetic fields at a typical house, for example, are less than 0.1 microteslas (µT).

To put this into perspective, a microtesla is a measure of magnetic field strength. Think of it as a measure of how much “invisible energy” exists around a particular object or region.

Magnetic Fields in Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: What’s the Difference?

All electric and hybrid vehicles utilize high-power batteries and electric motors. These elements create magnetic fields that are often more powerful than what you’d find in everyday situations.

Research has found magnetic fields within these vehicles — particularly in the passenger compartment — to exceed 20 T. This is a far cry from the magnetic fields around most kitchen appliances.

For comparison:

Are These Magnetic Fields Harmful?

That’s where the science should come into play. The World Health Organization (WHO) studied this, and has categorized exposure to magnetic fields of more than 0.4 µT as carcinogenic (source: National Library of Medicine). Which is to say that there is some evidence that exposure to higher magnetic fields for longer periods of time can lead to increased risk of certain cancers (although the risk hasn’t been shown conclusively).

The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) also recommends protective measures against exposure to magnetic fields. The point is to minimize potential health hazards, and not induce unnecessary panic.

Applying the Numbers to Real-Life Situations

You might hear about electric cars getting to 20 µT, and that sounds scary, but how does that work in real life? Consider it as if the difference was between noise:

• A quiet home is like the magnetic field in most houses: barely noticeable at less than 0.1 µT.
• A busy café might represent the levels in electric cars: it’s noticeable and in some instances, people tend to be louder.
• When you stand beside a loudspeaker during a concert: this is almost equivalent to intensely strong magnetic fields that you wouldn’t want to be near for much longer.

The Need to Make Realistic Adjustments

While the advantages of electric and hybrid vehicles are undeniable, it is also worth considering if there are any downsides such as higher magnetic field exposure, and then making realistic adjustments.

Magnetic fields are strongest around the motor and battery, so sitting away from them helps reduce exposure. Sitting in the back seat of the car, for instance, can help.

Technological advancements have also yielded ways to mitigate magnetic field interference and one of them is SafeFields which uses active field cancelation. These technologies are used to remove or obstruct the effects of ELF magnetic fields and give you peace of mind.

What’s Next?

As EVs and hybrids become increasingly prevalent, it is important to grasp how these vehicles influence us on a daily basis.

Do you want to read more about the science behind magnetic fields or hear how manufacturers are dealing with these issues? How would you go about making the right choices between the environmental benefits of clean travel and your health?