China's EV shift cut pollution enough to prevent 262,000 deaths

A 2023 study in Nature Health found new energy vehicles reduced PM2.5 by 23.80% and carbon monoxide by 30.67% across 150 Chinese cities, preventing 262,000 premature deaths. The drop in PM2.5 was 8.97 micrograms per cubic meter, with nitrogen dioxide falling only 1.81 micrograms per cubic meter. Benefits were strongest in wealthier, developed cities.