The move towards electric cars is driven by government policies to meet climate targets and improve air quality.
Leading on from this the UK electric car market is experiencing significant growth, driven by new government incentives, a rapidly-expanding public charging network and a wider variety of available models.
As of September 2025, over 1.7 million fully-electric cars are on UK roads.
I’d like to reach out to all within our community to empower you with information on how electric cars can improve your health.
Electric cars improve health by reducing air pollution.
They have no exhaust emissions unlike petrol or diesel cars that release pollutants like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds such as benzene and formaldehyde and particulate matter.
Diesel cars also release sulphur dioxide due to the higher sulphur content.
Generally, diesel cars are worse for causing air pollution due to higher emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter which contribute to respiratory problems and smog.
However, they typically produce less carbon dioxide than petrol cars, making them slightly better for climate change.
Modern diesel cars have filters and technology to mitigate some of these emissions but older models are particularly damaging to urban air quality.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen while carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
Sulphur dioxide contributes to acid rain which pollutes our waterways and damages delicate marine ecosystems and plant life.
It also irritates the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, causing symptoms like coughing, wheezing and chest tightness.
Short-term exposure to high levels of sulphur dioxide can lead to more severe issues such as difficulty breathing with corrosive damage to the respiratory tract.
Long-term or repeated exposure can exacerbate conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis and can cause cardiovascular disease, including an increased risk of heart attacks, heart failure and electrical abnormalities of the heart called arrhythmias.
Nitrogen oxide emissions can cause inflammation and irritation of the airways, leading to symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath, and can worsen existing respiratory conditions like asthma.
Short-term exposure can increase susceptibility to airway infections while long-term it may lead to poorer lung function and an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
These pollutants also contribute to other harmful air pollutants such as ground-level ozone which has similar respiratory effects.
Particulate matter emissions are a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets, including soot, dust and ash.
They are tiny particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less and are therefore commonly referred to as PM2.5.
Because they are small, once inhaled they enter the bloodstream where they lead to widespread effects on organs.
They can damage the body by causing respiratory issues like asthma and increasing the risk of lung infections, cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and stroke and are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.
Furthermore, particulate matter emissions are associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative conditions, including dementia.
Particulate matter emissions are also linked to an increased risk of other diseases such as type 2 diabetes and leukaemia.
Volatile organic compound emissions can cause immediate effects like eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea and dizziness.
Long-term effects of inhaling volatile organic compounds include damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system.
Some volatile organic compound emissions are linked to cancer and exposure can worsen symptoms for people with asthma.
Those at high risk of health problems from diesel and petrol emissions include occupational groups like professional drivers, construction workers and miners as well as people living near high-traffic areas, industrial sites or ports.
Children, the elderly and individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma are also at higher risk due to the respiratory and cardiovascular impacts of pollution.
Electric vehicles produce less exhaust heat which can help cool urban environments and reduce heat-related health risks for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
They are much quieter than traditional cars which can lower stress levels, improve concentration and lead to better sleep for those living or working near busy roads.
Of equal importance the convenience of home charging and the quieter driving experience can reduce stress and improve overall mental wellbeing.
However, electric vehicles can also harm health and the environment.
Electric cars have negative environmental impacts from their manufacturing, particularly the energy-intensive production of batteries from the sourcing of minerals like lithium and cobalt which can involve significant water use and pollution.
Additionally, the electricity used to charge them can have a large carbon footprint if it’s generated from fossil fuels.
Another health concern is non-exhaust particulate matter generation from greater tyre and brake wear due to electric vehicles being much heavier compared to petrol and diesel cars.
Anyone concerned about how their health has been harmed from petrol and diesel vehicles should consult with their GP.
Our columnist Dr Jason Seewoodhary is a former Worcestershire GP.
