Did you know that vehicle pollution doesn't only come from the tailpipe?
Foto: User_65038. Mostphotos.com
Almost two years into the LIFE NEEVE project, the focus remains on a less visible but increasingly important source of vehicle pollution. When we talk about vehicle emissions, most people think about exhaust pipes. But a dominating part of the pollution actually comes from something entirely else, namely wear of vehicle components and the road, known as non-exhaust emissions.
While exhaust emissions have been significantly reduced through regulation, a growing share of road transport emissions comes from non-exhaust sources. The LIFE NEEVE project addresses these challenges by increasing understanding of non-exhaust emissions (NEE) and developing solutions to reduce their impact on air quality and human health.
What is LIFE NEEVE doing?
The project takes a broad, technology-driven approach to better understand and reduce these emissions:
- Real-time monitoring
Developing onboard systems to measure non-exhaust emissions under real driving conditions. - Eco-efficient components
Designing improved brake pads, brake discs and asphalt mixtures, as well as identifying low-emission tyres. - Health impact research
Studying how these particles affect human tissues using advanced biological models (organoids – lab-grown tissue models that mimic human organs). - Real-world validation
Testing and demonstrating solutions in Spain and Germany across different climates and vehicle types, including combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles.
What impact do we aim to achieve?
The project focuses on delivering measurable improvements:
- Around 30% reduction in emissions from brakes
- Around 20% reduction from road surfaces
- Around 10% reduction from tyres
- Improved air quality through lower levels of PM2.5 and PM10 in urban areas
- Support for more sustainable driving practices and future traffic regulations
What are non-exhaust emissions – and why do they matter?
Non-exhaust emissions include fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10) and microplastics generated during everyday driving. These particles affect both the environment and human health.
As vehicles become cleaner in terms of exhaust, non-exhaust emissions are making up an increasing share of total traffic-related pollution.
A European collaboration
LIFE NEEVE is a 48-month project coordinated by the University of Seville. The consortium includes 10 partners from Spain, Germany and Sweden: CHM, CIEMAT, HORIBA, ICER Brakes, Paudire Innova, RDT Ingenieros, UMH, VTI and CTCON.
Follow LIFE NEEVE to stay updated on the progress towards cleaner and more sustainable road transport.