Do Hybrid Cars Expose You To More Radiation Than Regular Cars?

Hybrid vehicles can expose occupants to higher electromagnetic fields than conventional cars under certain operating conditions. The answer isn’t binary, though. To better understand the actual exposure levels, it is necessary to clarify what type of radiation is being discussed, how these fields are generated inside a vehicle, and what current scientific assessments say about potential health implications.

What “radiation” from Hybrid Cars Actually Refers To

When concerns are raised about radiation from hybrids, the topic is almost always electromagnetic fields generated by electrical systems, not ionizing radiation such as X‑rays. Electromagnetic fields arise whenever electric current passes through conductors. The electric component is linked to voltage, while the magnetic component is linked to current flow.

These fields are non-ionizing. They don’t carry enough energy to strip electrons from atoms, but they can induce small currents in biological tissue. For this reason, they have been extensively studied. Reviews by the World Health Organization (see WHO EHC 238) and related agencies describe how extremely low‑frequency magnetic fields, similar to those produced by vehicle powertrains and electrical systems, may influence the nervous system or other biological processes at sufficiently high levels.

All vehicles generate some level of electromagnetic fields due to alternators, wiring harnesses, HVAC blowers, window motors, and heating elements. Hybrid and electric vehicles incorporate additional high‑voltage systems, including traction batteries, inverters, electric drive motors, and regenerative braking circuits. These components create more current paths and place stronger electrical systems in closer proximity to occupants, which changes the overall magnetic field environment inside the cabin.

Why Hybrid Cars May Show Higher Magnetic Fields Inside the Cabin

Hybrid vehicles integrate a combustion engine with one or more electric motors and a traction battery. These components are connected through high-current cables, which often run beneath the cabin floor or near the rear seats. When current flows through a closed loop of conductors, it creates a surrounding magnetic field. This field is always present whenever current flows.

Technical reviews covering EMF in modern vehicles show that passengers are exposed to various field types: static magnetic fields (from permanent magnets and DC currents), low-frequency fields (from high-current cables and inverters and motors), and sometimes even higher frequency components, especially during charging or mode switching (more from Gryz K, et al. (2022)).

Because hybrids constantly shift power demand between the engine and electric drivetrain, in-cabin magnetic fields vary over time.For example, during sudden acceleration or regenerative braking, drive current peaks sharply which can  lead to higher magnetic field levels, particularly close to the battery pack or along cable paths under the floor. Field strength may vary significantly depending on the driving mode and the physical layout of the power system.

Measurements Inside Vehicles

Multiple independent research teams have measured low-frequency magnetic fields in actual vehicles under standardized test conditions. One study (JRC Policy Report) assessed fields in gasoline, diesel, and hybrid vehicles using recognized drive cycles. Field strength varied depending on seat location, driving speed, and vehicle architecture. Higher readings were recorded in some hybrid models, particularly near the driver’s seat and rear passenger area.

In a separate investigation initiated by the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS), researchers evaluated magnetic field levels across several alternative propulsion systems, including hybrid drivetrains. This work formed part of a larger government-sponsored research program. A later technical report from the European Commission expanded on these findings by reviewing magnetic field exposure in electrified vehicles within the broader scope of EU standards and exposure benchmarks.

The collective findings from these reports indicate the following:

• Magnetic fields peak near high-current subsystems: above battery packs, near motor compartments, and adjacent to thick power cables.
• Cabin exposure in hybrids and EVs often exceeds that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, especially near the footwells and floorboards.
• Field intensity drops with distance from the source. Measurements at head level are typically much lower than those taken at floor level.

In another experimental study, researchers monitored exposure levels aboard a fully electric bus using biological sensors (i.e., animals) as passive measurement tools. The authors highlighted that due to the presence of various high-voltage and electronic subsystems, electromagnetic exposure in EVs is more complex than a simple 50/60 Hz alternating field. They also noted that exposure guidelines for chronic, long-duration exposure in such environments are lacking.

Comparison to Health Guidelines

International safety limits for extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields are primarily aim to prevent acute biological effects, such as induced currents strong enough to cause nerve stimulation (see WHO EHC 238, 2007). Technical guidance documents issued by expert panels outline the threshold field levels needed to trigger such effects. These thresholds are relatively high.

Across conventional and hybrid vehicles, many measured in-cabin fields are well below the public reference levels (source: JRC Policy Report). As a result, policy discussions increasingly focus on mapping spatial hotspots and engineering design measures that reduce elevated values in specific zones.

Scientific debate centers on potential long-term risks from continuous low-level exposure.. A widely cited pooled analysis conducted by Ahlbom, A., Day, N., Feychting, M., et al. found that children living in residences with average magnetic field levels ≥0.4 μT had roughly double the incidence of childhood leukemia compared to peers exposed to lower levels. Notably, most children in the general population were exposed to levels below this threshold.

While this association does not establish causation (and the biophysical mechanism remains unidentified), it has led several researchers and public health advocates to recommend precautionary exposure limits significantly below the established reference levels.

Influence of Radiation Concern on Vehicle Choice

The way people become aware of potential health risks can affect their decisions when choosing a vehicle. In a transportation study, participants were presented with information comparing hybrid electric vehicles and conventional internal combustion cars, specifically focusing on possible exposure to non-ionizing radiation. The data showed that when individuals were informed about the presence of electromagnetic fields in hybrid vehicles, some adjusted their preferences and placed more weight on health risks than on environmental benefits.

This behavior reveals a challenge in public communication. Providing exaggerated warnings may unintentionally reduce interest in lower-emission vehicles, while minimizing known uncertainties can lead to mistrust. A balanced and transparent presentation of facts is a must to support better and informed consumer choices.

References

1. World Health Organization (2007). Extremely Low Frequency Fields: Environmental Health Criteria 238
2. European Commission Joint Research Centre (2020). Assessment of Low Frequency Magnetic Fields in Electrified Vehicles
3. Gryz K, Karpowicz J, Zradziński P. (2022). Complex Electromagnetic Issues Associated with the Use of Electric Vehicles in Urban Transportation
4. Hareuveny R, Sudan M, et al. (2015). Characterization of Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields from Diesel, Gasoline and Hybrid Cars under Controlled Conditions
5. Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz (German Federal Office for Radiation Protection) (2009). Bestimmung der Exposition durch Magnetfelder alternativer Antriebskonzepte: Abschlussbericht zum Forschungsvorhaben
6. Li, J., Wang, C., & Zhang, Y. (2022). Biological experimental study on cumulative effect of vehicle electromagnetic radiation
7. Ahlbom A, Day N, et al. (2000). A Pooled Analysis of Magnetic Fields and Childhood Leukemia. British Journal of Cancer
8. Tchetchik A, Kaplan S, Rotem-Mindali O. (2024). Do non-ionizing radiation concerns affect people’s choice between hybrid and traditional cars