Magnetic Fields in Electric and Hybrid Cars: What You Should Know

Electric and hybrid cars are becoming more popular as cleaner and more efficient alternatives to traditional gas-powered vehicles. But if you’re curious about how they work, you may have heard about “magnetic fields” in these cars.

So, what are they, and should you be concerned? Let’s break it down into simple, everyday language to help you understand this topic better.

What Are Magnetic Fields, and Where Do They Come From?

Think of a magnetic field like an invisible force that surrounds a magnet or anything carrying electricity. For example, when you plug in a lamp, the electricity flowing through the cord creates a weak magnetic field around it. You can’t see it, but it’s there.

In electric and hybrid cars, magnetic fields are created by the electrical systems that power the vehicle. These include:

1. The Electric Motor: This is like the heart of the car, turning electricity into motion. It’s what makes the wheels move. As the motor runs, it generates magnetic fields.
2. The Battery: The car’s battery stores energy, just like the batteries in your phone or remote control. When it sends electricity to power the car, it creates magnetic fields as well.
3. Connecting Cables: The cables that link the battery, motor, and other components carry high amounts of electricity. As electricity flows through them, these cables also generate magnetic fields.
4. Other Parts of the System: Devices like chargers and inverters help manage the electricity in the car. They also contribute to these magnetic fields.

These fields are a normal part of how the car works and are measured in special units called microteslas (µT) or milligauss (mG). To give you an idea, 1 milligauss is equal to 0.1 microtesla—just different ways to measure the same thing.

Let’s Make Sense of the Numbers

Hearing terms like microteslas and milligauss can feel confusing. Here’s an analogy to help:
Imagine you’re standing near a campfire. The heat you feel depends on how close you are.

Magnetic fields work the same way—the closer you are to the source, like the motor or battery, the stronger the field. But just like with the fire, moving a short distance away makes a big difference in what you feel.

For example, inside the cabin of the car, where you sit, the magnetic fields are much weaker than near the motor or battery (source: National Library of Medicine). It’s like sitting comfortably by a campfire instead of standing right next to the flames.

How Can You Reduce Exposure?

If you’re still curious about reducing exposure to magnetic fields, here are some simple steps anyone can take:

1. Keep Some Distance: The farther you are from the source of the fields (like the battery or motor), the weaker they become.
2. Avoid Spending Long Time in Cars, Especially for Children: Limit prolonged exposure to magnetic fields in vehicles, particularly for children, who may be more sensitive to these effects.
3. Stay Updated: Follow the latest research and recommendations from health organizations to stay informed about this topic.
4. Use Add-on Magnetic Fields Cancelation Technology: Consider using products or systems designed to shield or reduce magnetic field exposure in vehicles like the one that’s developed by SafeFields Technologies. It offers innovative solutions tailored to minimize exposure for an extra layer of protection.

Why Are Magnetic Fields Important to Understand?

Understanding magnetic fields isn’t just about addressing concerns—it’s also about appreciating the amazing technology behind electric and hybrid cars. These vehicles are a big step toward reducing pollution and reliance on fossil fuels. The magnetic fields they produce are simply part of how they work, much like how an oven produces heat when baking a cake.

Stay Informed to Lower Your Exposure

Electric and hybrid cars represent a significant leap toward a greener future, but like any technology, they come with factors worth understanding.

It’s always wise to stay informed and take simple steps to minimize unnecessary exposure. After all, taking a little extra caution now can go a long way in ensuring your long-term health and well-being.