Magnetic Field Measurement of Various Types of Vehicles, Including Electric Vehicles

Abstract

Category: Electromagnetic Field Safety, Vehicle Engineering Tags: magnetic fields, electric vehicles, electromagnetic field exposure, risk communication, public health, vehicle safety, measurement standards DOI: 10.3390/electronics14152936 URL: mdpi.com Overview Since the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) to the market around the year 2000, there has been increasing public concern regarding the level of magnetic flux density (MFD) experienced inside such vehicles. In response, the researchers conducted comprehensive magnetic field (MF) measurements on modern Japanese EVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), aligning with the methods outlined in the international standard IEC 62764-1:2022. This builds upon earlier studies, with significant methodological improvements—namely, conducting measurements during actual driving rather than using a chassis dynamometer. Findings - All measured MFD values in tested vehicle types were below the reference levels recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) for public exposure. - MF levels and their sources were mapped for various positions inside vehicles. For EVs and PHEVs, maximum MFs were detected at the rear seat (6.5 cm distance), while for ICEVs it was near the driver's dashboard (20 cm distance). - PHEVs exhibited the highest MF levels, followed by ICEVs and then EVs. - Frequency analysis revealed both speed-dependent and speed-independent components, including peaks attributable to magnetized tires and air conditioner operation, as well as wiring and wiper motor activity. - Comparison with prior 2013 data indicated that vehicle MF levels remain similar in 2025. However, an international comparison uncovered that other studies (e.g., Seibersdorf Laboratory, Austria) reported higher transient MF spikes, pointing to measurement methodology differences. Conclusion - Current MF exposures inside Japanese vehicles remain below known thresholds for acute health effects such as nerve stimulation, supporting ICNIRP guideline compliance. However, the study highlights the ongoing need for risk communication due to persistent public concern and the expectation that exposure may rise with improvements in EV performance (increased motor output and battery capacity). - Regular publication of updated MF measurement results is recommended to maintain transparency as vehicle electrification and new mobility technologies continue to expand. - The study emphasizes the importance of conducting similar measurements for emerging wireless charging systems and larger vehicles (e.g., buses) for comprehensive EMF safety assessment and risk communication. ⚠️ There is a consistent concern linking EMF exposure in electric vehicles to health risks, underscoring the necessity for continued monitoring and public information.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Comprehensive in-vehicle magnetic field measurements in modern Japanese EVs, PHEVs, and ICEVs (during actual driving) found all measured magnetic flux density values were below ICNIRP public exposure reference levels. Maximum fields were observed at the rear seat (6.5 cm) for EVs/PHEVs and near the driver’s dashboard (20 cm) for ICEVs; PHEVs showed the highest levels, followed by ICEVs and then EVs. Frequency analysis identified multiple components (e.g., magnetized tires, air conditioner, wiring, wiper motor), and comparison with prior studies suggested similar levels to 2013 while noting methodological differences affecting transient spikes in other reports.

Outcomes measured

• Magnetic flux density (MFD) levels inside vehicles
• Spatial distribution of magnetic fields inside vehicles
• Frequency components/sources of in-vehicle magnetic fields
• Compliance with ICNIRP public exposure reference levels

Limitations

• Sample size and specific vehicle models/number of vehicles tested not stated in the provided abstract
• Results described for modern Japanese vehicles; generalizability to other regions/fleets not established in the abstract
• International comparison suggests measurement methodology can affect detection of transient spikes

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.2)
  Study concerns exposure inside vehicles, but no occupational population is specified; relevance is indirect.
• who-icnirp (0.85)
  Findings are explicitly framed against ICNIRP public exposure reference levels and guideline compliance.

{
    "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF",
        "source": "vehicles (EV, PHEV, ICEV)",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "during actual driving (per IEC 62764-1:2022 methods)"
    },
    "population": null,
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Magnetic flux density (MFD) levels inside vehicles",
        "Spatial distribution of magnetic fields inside vehicles",
        "Frequency components/sources of in-vehicle magnetic fields",
        "Compliance with ICNIRP public exposure reference levels"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Comprehensive in-vehicle magnetic field measurements in modern Japanese EVs, PHEVs, and ICEVs (during actual driving) found all measured magnetic flux density values were below ICNIRP public exposure reference levels. Maximum fields were observed at the rear seat (6.5 cm) for EVs/PHEVs and near the driver’s dashboard (20 cm) for ICEVs; PHEVs showed the highest levels, followed by ICEVs and then EVs. Frequency analysis identified multiple components (e.g., magnetized tires, air conditioner, wiring, wiper motor), and comparison with prior studies suggested similar levels to 2013 while noting methodological differences affecting transient spikes in other reports.",
    "effect_direction": "no_effect",
    "limitations": [
        "Sample size and specific vehicle models/number of vehicles tested not stated in the provided abstract",
        "Results described for modern Japanese vehicles; generalizability to other regions/fleets not established in the abstract",
        "International comparison suggests measurement methodology can affect detection of transient spikes"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "magnetic fields",
        "magnetic flux density",
        "electric vehicles",
        "plug-in hybrid electric vehicles",
        "internal combustion engine vehicles",
        "IEC 62764-1:2022",
        "ICNIRP",
        "public exposure",
        "risk communication",
        "vehicle safety",
        "measurement during driving"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.200000000000000011102230246251565404236316680908203125,
            "reason": "Study concerns exposure inside vehicles, but no occupational population is specified; relevance is indirect."
        },
        {
            "slug": "who-icnirp",
            "weight": 0.84999999999999997779553950749686919152736663818359375,
            "reason": "Findings are explicitly framed against ICNIRP public exposure reference levels and guideline compliance."
        }
    ]
}

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