An accelerated transition to electric vehicles could prevent more than 100,000 premature deaths by 2050 in the United States, according to a new analysis by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), which highlights the significant health burden linked to road transport emissions.

The report finds that pollution from the production and consumption of fuel for road transportation was responsible for more than 41,800 premature deaths and 23,100 new pediatric asthma cases in the US in 2024 alone. It also warns that the country records more new pediatric asthma cases attributable to vehicle pollution than any other nation, with US children accounting for around one in ten global cases in 2024.

Electric vehicle transition key to reducing health impacts

The ICCT analysis stresses that a faster shift to electric cars, trucks and buses would deliver substantial public health benefits by cutting emissions at the source.

While health impacts are expected to gradually decline as zero-emission vehicles gain market share, the study shows that an accelerated transition could significantly amplify the benefits. Under a scenario in which the US reaches 100% electric vehicle sales for cars, trucks and buses by 2040, more than 100,000 premature deaths could be avoided by 2050, alongside the prevention of over 42,000 cases of childhood asthma, compared to current adoption trajectories.

“At a time when many Americans are concerned about the impact of environmental toxins on their families’ health, public health authorities can’t afford to overlook the impact of vehicle pollution on mortality and respiratory health outcomes,” said Lingzhi Jin, Senior Researcher at ICCT.

“The chemicals in vehicle exhaust are known to worsen and contribute to the development of asthma, cancer, and other serious illnesses. By increasing the uptake of electric vehicles, we can cut this pollution at the source,” he added.

Heavy-duty transport identified as major pollution source

According to the report, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including large trucks, freight vehicles and buses, are the largest contributors to health-harming vehicle pollution, despite representing a relatively small share of total vehicles on the road.

The ICCT also notes that electric versions of these vehicles can deliver strong economic benefits over time, with previous analysis showing that electric freight vehicles can offset higher upfront costs within 1 to 10 years, driven by savings in fuel and maintenance.

“Zero-emission freight makes economic sense across a growing number of routes, especially where diesel health impacts are greatest,” said Ray Minjares, Program Director at ICCT. “With smart policies that drive down costs and increase adoption, US states can deliver economic growth, energy savings and a cleaner transport system.”

Policy push needed to accelerate electrification

The report concludes that achieving faster electrification across road transport will require stronger state and federal policy support to accelerate market transformation and expand the deployment of zero-emission vehicles across all segments.

Joshua Miller, Senior Director at ICCT, said the findings show that accelerating electrification over the next two decades could deliver “dramatic” public health gains, with impacts concentrated in both air quality improvement and reduced disease burden linked to transport emissions.