Request ID: FOI-1227-2324 Date published: 03 August 2023
You asked
Daily mail refers to extra pm2.5/10 from tyres due to increased weight of vehicle.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12296721/electric-vehicle-tire-pollution-emissions.html
.
What data has TFL obtained regarding increased particulates released from newer 'electric' or 'hybrid' compared to their diesel equivalents, due to increased weight.
Released from tyres and also increased impact to road surfaces.
I assume this must have been researched before committing to purchase these.
We answered
TfL Ref: EIR-1227-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 16th July 2023 asking for information about pollution from electric buses.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked:
“Daily mail refers to extra pm2.5/10 from tyres due to increased weight of vehicle.
Released from tyres and also increased impact to road surfaces.
I assume this must have been researched before committing to purchase these.”
TfL holds no such data or research regarding electric or hybrid buses. However, electric buses offer huge benefits. In addition to being zero emission at tail-pipe, they are quieter, improving quality of life for residents and customers alike. Introducing electric and zero-emission buses into the London bus fleet is extremely important in helping Transport for London (TfL) reduce carbon from the fleet, and in tackling the climate change emergency.
While electric buses are heavier than the vehicles they replace as they have battery packs on board – these buses are still within the legal limit for road vehicles. TfL does not currently monitored emissions or particulates released from tyres because as technology improves, TfL expects the energy density of the batteries to increase, reducing the weight of the bus, and enabling buses to operator for longer.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
