University to use EVs to measure city pollution

Electric vehicles (EV) will soon be used to measure air quality in cities as researchers from the University of Leicester begin a new study. Scientists from the university have fitted specialised air monitoring sensors onto EVs in order to measure air pollution levels in urban environments.

The university's Air Quality Group has worked with Cenex - First Centre of Excellence in the UK for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell technologies - to fit out the EVs with the necessary monitoring equipment. Cenex specialises in bringing low and zero emissions forms of transport to the UK.

Each of the sensors will be able to measure pollutant concentrations as the EVs travel around city environments - creating no emissions themselves. The sensors will then relay the data, helping to provide a detailed insight into the true extent of street-level air pollution in city environments within the UK.

Dr Roland Leigh from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leicester and leader of the study, said: “Electric vehicles are part of the solution to urban air quality issues. A mobile air quality monitoring platform, such as a specially designed electric car, is highly valuable to the scientific study of urban air quality. 

“By monitoring air quality as a seamless part of our daily transport system, we are providing a cost-effective way to help inform future policy and operational systems.”

The university will install a charge point for Cenex branded Mercedes Smart EVs for the study. This charge point will also be able to be utilised by staff and students, encouraging a greater uptake of EVs by those on campus. In future, more charge points will also be provided.

Deputy director of estates in the Estates and Facilities Management division of the university, Tim Yates, said the charging points could go a long way in helping to encourage more people to make use of EVs. Not only would this make for a greener campus, it could also help reduce air pollution throughout the city.