Impact of Electric Vehicle Adoption on Urban Air Quality: A Simulation Study

The growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is anticipated to play a pivotal role in mitigating urban air pollution, a critical concern for public health and environmental sustainability. This research paper presents a comprehensive simulation study analyzing the potential impacts of EV adoption on urban air quality, employing advanced computational models to simulate scenarios of varying EV penetration rates within urban transport systems. The study integrates a multidimensional approach, considering factors such as vehicle emission reductions, changes in electricity generation mix, and traffic flow dynamics. Results indicate a significant potential for improvement in urban air quality, with notable reductions in pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and carbon monoxide (CO), contingent upon the extent of EV adoption and the decarbonization of the power sector. Furthermore, the paper elucidates the non-linear relationship between EV adoption levels and air quality benefits, highlighting the critical thresholds necessary to achieve meaningful improvements. The findings underscore the importance of supportive policy frameworks and infrastructure development to maximize the environmental benefits of EVs. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable urban mobility, offering insights into the role of EVs in fostering cleaner urban environments.