A new study led by an international team of scientists highlights tire particles (TPs) as the leading contributor to microplastics and calls for urgent, targeted research to address their unique environmental and health risks.
Accounting for nearly one-third of all microplastics,
Reducing the size and weight of a car goes a long way for environmental impact. People seem to think it’s just less fuel being burned.
In reality, there is a reduction of almost every consumable. Smaller tyres. Less tyre wear. Less brake dust. Less oil used. Less chemicals when washing. Less wear on the road surface. Less manufacturing emissions. Less disposal when it’s done.
The relationship isn’t linear either. Doubling the weight of the car results in about 10x the surface wear.
I like to remind people of these things when they have a massive SUV but claim it is “good for the planet” just because it is electric.
No car is good for the planet. Some are better than others but they are all bad and destructive compared to nearly any alternative mode of transportation.
This reminds me of those solar cars. https://wonderfulengineering.com/family-solar-car-stella-runs-completely-on-solar-energy/