[KJSJ]

I am strongly considering purchasing a hybrid sometime in the next year. This type of vehicle is new to me and the technology is exciting and I believe is a good fit for my family. I am trying to learn all I can about how it works and if there are any down-sides associated with this type of car vs the gasoline powered version. My primary concern was whether or not the battery, which will be located directly below my kids poses in any additional threat for fire or explosion in an accident (I know they currently are seated above a 20 gallon fuel tank in our current van, so there's that issue that I've always lived with without a second thought).

While doing some reading to attempt to do my due diligence, I came across many articles, EV forums, etc that debate the issue of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and radiation from them to passengers in hybrid, non-hybrid, or electric cars. From what I can find, there is no definitive evidence that passengers in hybrid cars are more at risk for health issues than for passengers in non-hybrids although some feel there is a definite link. There are many opinions out there and I guess everyone needs to find their own level of comfort in anything that we do or products we buy.

I thought that would make me more comfortable is to be able to compare the EMF levels in the hybrid to the non-hybrid (specifically in the middle row seats where the battery is located) and also to other common everyday products we use everyday such as cell phones, hairdryers, etc. I thought if I could see a comparison that it would ease my concern a little (although I realize no one knows that levels are safe for certain). Does anyone know how to find this data on the Pacifica Hybrid specifically and how do we find out what Chrysler has done in the manufacturing process to try to address this issue, if anything at all? The car is so new, no data seems to be out there as far as I can tell...thanks!

 

[toelke]

I thought that would make me more comfortable is to be able to compare the EMF levels in the hybrid to the non-hybrid (specifically in the middle row seats where the battery is located)

If you're really worried about EM fields, I recommend getting one without a sunroof.

Because the UV from the sun is almost certainly worse than whatever is going to come from the battery current below their feet.

how do we find out what Chrysler has done in the manufacturing process to try to address this issue, if anything at all?

there's the metal floor separating the wires/batteries from the car occupants.
And if there were any real issues to worry about you'd see mainstream reports about other cars like Tesla's or the Leaf or Volt.

 

[onusbonus]

The fire issue can be a concern with any battery and Lithium batteries are energetic. But that is also a concern with gasoline. Engines can fire up pretty quickly in a wreck. Electric or gas get out of the car quickly.
EM fields along EV cars are associated with first dc current from battery and then ac current in inverter to a 3 phase motor. The field follows the wires.
If you sleep with your phone charging at your head or close to the wires running in the walls of your house, than you are getting similar EM exposure. But EM is not the same as radiation. Radiation is a particle or an ionizing electro magnetic wave starting in the ultraviolet wavelength. Yes the sun exposure is more a concern.

 

[KJSJ]

I will definitely go without the sunroof then! Thanks for your input. I know it's probably silly to be concerned about and honestly never gave it a thought until the good 'ol internet search. I just was basically wondering if the manufacurers of cars like this have ever felt compelled to at least address this since there is some negativity out there about it or if it simply is a vocal minority and not worth the argument.

 

[BrettP]

But the sunroof is one of the coolest features if you don't need the eighth seat option, haha!!

 

[toelke]

I just was basically wondering if the manufacurers of cars like this have ever felt compelled to at least address this since there is some negativity out there about it or if it simply is a vocal minority and not worth the argument.

IMO the people who worry about it won't be convinced by anything the car manufacturer does.
And the people who aren't worried about it (because there really isn't anything to worry about) appreciate the manufacturer not wasting a bunch of money trying to convince those people. because that wasted money would just result in higher prices for the people who will actually buy.

I will definitely go without the sunroof then!

You understand that's really not necessary, right? But it's your money, so spend it how you want.

 

[KJSJ]

Yes I do realize that! I was only kidding. Thanks for your input.

 

[ScorpyMjolnir]

I will definitely go without the sunroof then! Thanks for your input. I know it's probably silly to be concerned about and honestly never gave it a thought until the good 'ol internet search. I just was basically wondering if the manufacurers of cars like this have ever felt compelled to at least address this since there is some negativity out there about it or if it simply is a vocal minority and not worth the argument.

I think you got sucked into interfacing with the tinfoil hat society. You'll find the people that say there is a connection between hybrids and illness also are anti-vaxxers and talk about chemtrails. Then they light up a cigarette and have a whisky.

Do you have wifi? A remote control? Keysense? Keyless entry? Remote start? A cell phone? Live in a part of Earth where there is cell service? Use anything with an electric motor in it? Have a microwave? Use a computer with a monitor? Have a television? Drive a car with an alternator?

All of those things have EM fields. Earth has an EM field. It's the whole reason there is life on Earth. You can't escape EM fields. Good thing they don't hurt us.

Don't worry about it my friend. Get the car you want.

 

[spicedham]

Interesting to see this as a concern. Going to date myself a bit: back in 1991 (or maybe it was 92) my science fair project was determining whether or not EMFs had an adverse effect on plant growth rates. My results: inconclusive. More than 25 years later and there's still no solid evidence that I know of. Plus, I'm sure there is some shielding in cars. At the time of my experiments people were concerned about living near/under power lines.

 

[Breezy]

The engineers designing EVs are careful to shield the motors, inverter, batteries and cabling. Aside from any potential human health effects, strong electromagnetic fields cause problems with the car's electronics.

There may be a human health effect to low levels of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, but science has struggled to quantify one because if it exists, it's a very small effect.

In any case, it's safer than vehicle exhaust, which is known to be toxic.

 

[Shygar]

But the sunroof is one of the coolest features if you don't need the eighth seat option, haha!!

There is no 8 seat option in the hybrid

 

[Shygar]

Sort of related to your topic; I don't know if Chrysler has something similar out yet, but this is Tesla's guide for emergencies.

https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/downloads/en_EU/emergency_response_guide.pdf

 

[KJSJ]

That's interesting. Thanks for sharing!

 

[RobZ]

I thought that would make me more comfortable is to be able to compare the EMF levels in the hybrid to the non-hybrid (specifically in the middle row seats where the battery is located) and also to other common everyday products we use everyday such as cell phones, hairdryers, etc.

Let me start by saying that nobody has proven any level of connection between EMF's and health, and people have tried and tried and tried. I would worry much more about known health concerns, like gasoline vapors and particulates and emissions coming from car exhaust, which are known to cause cancer and respiratory issues.

But that's not what you asked.

Electro-magnetic fields are produced by alternating current, like the 60Hz AC in our homes or the megahertz signals emitted by a cell phone antenna. In the Pacifica, the battery is mainly putting out DC voltage, with relatively slow fluctuations in current.

The parts that convert the DC into AC, and then use it, are mostly located at the front of the car, around the engine -- the inverter module and the motor. Any EMF, if you are worried about it, is coming from these modules.

Bottom line, if you are worried about EMF in the Pacifica, most of it would be in the front seats. But don't worry about it.

 

[TheWiseOne]

Anyone know if there is a similar document for our vehicle?

Sort of related to your topic; I don't know if Chrysler has something similar out yet, but this is Tesla's guide for emergencies.

https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/downloads/en_EU/emergency_response_guide.pdf

Shygar - Thanks for the posting!

This is an amazing document - I hope there is one available for our vehicle - Anyone have access that can be shared?