EV electromagnetic fields: ADAC study shows safe levels
Real-world EMF in EVs: what ADAC’s tests actually found
EV electromagnetic fields: ADAC study shows safe levels
ADAC’s real‑world tests of 11 EVs found cabin electromagnetic fields far below safety limits—often lower than ICE cars. Charging and acceleration stayed safe.
2025-12-23T08:35:55+03:00
2025-12-23T08:35:55+03:00
2025-12-23T08:35:55+03:00
Fears about electric cars often center on the idea that high‑voltage batteries and cabling must be emitting something harmful. Real measurements, however, point the other way. A study by Germany’s ADAC recorded extremely low electromagnetic-field levels in modern EVs—far below international safety limits and, in some cases, even lower than in cars with internal-combustion engines. The numbers make for reassuring reading, and SPEEDME.RU takes a closer look.The tests covered 11 fully electric models, several hybrids, and one gasoline car. Measurements were taken in conditions close to everyday use: on the move, during acceleration, and while charging. Sensors were placed in seat-mounted mannequins to gauge exposure across different body areas. The highest readings appeared around the feet, next to high-voltage cables, while the head and chest areas stayed at minimal levels.For context, instruments inside EV cabins showed roughly 0.8–1.0 microtesla at the front and 0.3–0.5 microtesla in the rear. By comparison, ordinary electric blankets can generate 10–50 microtesla. It’s also telling that seat heaters ranked among the strongest sources of electromagnetic fields—both in EVs and in cars with combustion engines. That perspective helps put the usual worries in their place.Charging was evaluated separately. Short spikes did appear under hard acceleration or when powerful electrical consumers were active, but even those stayed well clear of hazardous levels. And, contrary to expectations, fast DC charging produced lower field levels than slower AC charging. It’s a counterintuitive result, yet fully consistent with the measurements.
electric vehicles, electromagnetic fields, EMF, ADAC study, EV safety, cabin exposure, charging, DC charging, AC charging, hybrids, ICE cars, measurements, microtesla, seat heaters
2025
Michael Powers
news
Real-world EMF in EVs: what ADAC’s tests actually found
ADAC’s real‑world tests of 11 EVs found cabin electromagnetic fields far below safety limits—often lower than ICE cars. Charging and acceleration stayed safe.
Michael Powers, Editor
Fears about electric cars often center on the idea that high‑voltage batteries and cabling must be emitting something harmful. Real measurements, however, point the other way. A study by Germany’s ADAC recorded extremely low electromagnetic-field levels in modern EVs—far below international safety limits and, in some cases, even lower than in cars with internal-combustion engines. The numbers make for reassuring reading, and SPEEDME.RU takes a closer look.
The tests covered 11 fully electric models, several hybrids, and one gasoline car. Measurements were taken in conditions close to everyday use: on the move, during acceleration, and while charging. Sensors were placed in seat-mounted mannequins to gauge exposure across different body areas. The highest readings appeared around the feet, next to high-voltage cables, while the head and chest areas stayed at minimal levels.
For context, instruments inside EV cabins showed roughly 0.8–1.0 microtesla at the front and 0.3–0.5 microtesla in the rear. By comparison, ordinary electric blankets can generate 10–50 microtesla. It’s also telling that seat heaters ranked among the strongest sources of electromagnetic fields—both in EVs and in cars with combustion engines. That perspective helps put the usual worries in their place.
Charging was evaluated separately. Short spikes did appear under hard acceleration or when powerful electrical consumers were active, but even those stayed well clear of hazardous levels. And, contrary to expectations, fast DC charging produced lower field levels than slower AC charging. It’s a counterintuitive result, yet fully consistent with the measurements.
