Study: No Safety Risk in Magnetic Fields from EVs

Electromagnetic emissions from electric vehicles are "absolutely no cause for concern" about human health, according to a new study led by Norway-based SINTEF, Scandinavia's largest independent research group.

The report comes from EM-Safety, a project that also involves nine other European research institutes and companies. One of the team's goals is to establish a standard method of measuring electromagnetic fields in vehicles. Its EM research has been backed by the European Union

The researchers took EM measurements at several locations in eight electric cars, two conventional gasoline engines and one diesel. All registered field strengths no more than 20% of the limit recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.

The report offers several "prudent avoidance" design guidelines if needed to minimize the magnetic fields in an EV's passenger compartment.

The study suggests routing high-power cables in twisted pairs, avoiding loops and positioning cables as far as possible from passengers, for example. It also recommends shielding when such cables or the vehicle's battery are within 200 mm (8 inches) of occupant seating.

The analysis advises that electric motor housings be made of steel rather than aluminum if weight permits. It says motors should be positioned far away from the passenger compartment, aligned so their rotation axis doesn't point to the seating area and shielded if they are within 500 mm (20 inches) of occupant positions.