https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-026-02162-9
Regular Article
Pilot study on electromagnetic fields generated by battery electric vehicles
1
National Center of Public Health and Analyses, Sofia, Bulgaria
2
Medical University of Pleven, Pleven, Bulgaria
3
Burgas Free University, Burgas, Bulgaria
a
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Received:
1
July
2024
Accepted:
27
January
2026
Published online:
15
February
2026
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a rise in the use of fully electric and hybrid vehicles. The Electric Vehicles Industrial Cluster in Bulgaria released statistics (http://www.emic-bg.org/news/item/1605) showing that the number of registered electric and hybrid vehicles increased by more than 100% in the previous year. However, users of this type of vehicle are concerned about potential negative effects related to exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). It is well-known that the low-frequency magnetic field was classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (Non-ionizing radiation, Part 1: Static and extremely low-frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. IARC Press, Lyon, 2002) as a possible carcinogen class 2B. Despite this, there is no national legislation in our country to protect the general public from exposure to low-frequency magnetic fields. The International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has recommended limits for protecting humans exposed to electromagnetic fields (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) in Health Phys 74:494–522, 1998). The focus of the study was to perform pilot measurements of the static magnetic field, the low-frequency magnetic fields generated by battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and to explore the complex exposure conditions for the driver and passengers. For the purpose of the study we examine some of the commonly purchased models of BEVs for personal use in Bulgaria. The study aims to develop a methodology that would provide data for further evaluation of EMF exposure in light of international safety standards. A primary measurement protocol was developed based on the studied specificity of the EMF distribution in the confined space of BEVs and the obtained measurement results. The results from primary measurements and pilot exposure assessment comply with ICNIRP guidelines (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 1998). However, there is a need for further investigation and more measurement data of EMF generated by BEVs considering the long-term exposure of the users and the complex EMF fields that occur in the limited space of BEVs.
A correction to this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-026-02230-0.
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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026
modified publication 2026
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
