Study Examines Radiation Risk From Electric Cars

Germany’s Federal Office for Radiation Protection has released the findings of a multi-year investigation into electromagnetic exposure in modern vehicles, and the takeaway is straightforward: whether a car is powered by gasoline, batteries, or a mix of both, occupants aren’t being subjected to harmful levels of magnetic fields.

The study, commissioned by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, is the most detailed examination to date of electromagnetic conditions inside passenger vehicles. Fourteen models from the 2019–2021 period were evaluated, including eleven battery-electric cars, two hybrids, and one internal-combustion model.

Engineers from Seibersdorf Labor, RWTH Aachen University, and the ADAC Technology Centre conducted the work independently of vehicle manufacturers, using both real-world measurements and computer simulations.

Every vehicle tested fell below established exposure limits. There were brief, localized spikes—usually during hard acceleration, braking, or when systems woke up at startup—but none approached thresholds considered problematic. The strongest readings consistently appeared in the footwell, near high-voltage cabling or ancillary components, while levels around the torso and head remained low across all vehicles.

Unexpectedly, the data didn’t show a clean link between the type of powertrain and cabin electromagnetic intensity. Driving behavior had a greater influence than motor output, with aggressive acceleration producing short bursts of higher activity. And as in an earlier ADAC study, heated seats and other common components proved to be some of the more active electromagnetic sources, regardless of whether the car was electric or not.

Researchers also examined two-wheelers—an electric scooter, two light motorcycles, and an electric motorcycle—for the first time under this program. The pattern was similar: peak readings clustered near the rider’s lower legs, but all remained within recommended limits.

While the study confirms that EVs don’t expose occupants to unusual or unsafe magnetic fields, the BfS argues that regulations need updating. Current measurement standards overlook fluctuations lasting under 0.2 seconds, even though the new data shows these momentary peaks are common. The agency has urged lawmakers to revise testing protocols so that future guidelines reflect what actually occurs inside modern vehicles.

This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

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