The US going 100% EV by 2040 would save more than 100k lives, study says

A recent report from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) highlights the significant health benefits of transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States. While the fight against climate change is a major factor driving EV adoption, the report emphasizes that eliminating internal combustion engines can directly improve public health by reducing harmful air pollutants. Currently, air pollution from road transportation is linked to over 41,800 premature deaths annually. The ICCT's findings reiterate the dangers of living near busy roads, where pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM) are prevalent. These emissions have been shown to exacerbate respiratory illnesses and contribute to increased mortality rates among those living in proximity to major roadways. In collaboration with the FIA Foundation, which is associated with global motorsport governance, the ICCT developed a model to project road transport emissions through 2050. This model assessed various vehicle categories, including passenger cars, delivery trucks, buses, and two- and three-wheel vehicles. It predicted emissions levels for pollutants like NOx, black carbon, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The study examined how these emissions affect health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, and heart disease, all of which are linked to exposure to fine particulate matter and ozone. Additionally, it estimated the impact of NOx on pediatric asthma rates and adult mortality. Several scenarios were analyzed, including a baseline set in August 2025 under a government resistant to clean energy initiatives. Another scenario explored the outcomes of a robust EV adoption strategy, proposing that if all vehicles were zero-emission by 2045, with light vehicles transitioning to electric by 2035 and heavy vehicles by 2040, the health benefits could be substantial, potentially saving over 100,000 lives.