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Clean Rides, Healthy Lives: The Impact of Electric Vehicle Adoption on Air Quality and Infant Health

Author

Listed:
  • Cavit Baran

    (Sabancõ University)

  • Janet Currie

    (Yale University and NBER)

  • Bahadõr Dursun

    (Newcastle University and IZA)

  • Erdal Tekin

    (American University, IZA, and NBER)

Abstract

This paper provides the first nationwide U.S. evidence on the effects of electric vehicle (EV) adoption on air quality and child health. Using county-level data from 2010-2021, we link EV registrations to air pollution, birth outcomes, and emergency department visits. Endogenous adoption is addressed using two-way fixed effects and an instrumental variables strategy exploiting the rollout of federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. Greater EV adoption significantly lowers nitrogen dioxide and improves infant and child health, reducing very low birth weight, prematurity, and asthma-related emergency visits. The largest health gains occur in high-pollution areas and exceed $1.2-$4.0 billion annually.

Suggested Citation

  • Cavit Baran & Janet Currie & Bahadõr Dursun & Erdal Tekin, 2026. "Clean Rides, Healthy Lives: The Impact of Electric Vehicle Adoption on Air Quality and Infant Health," Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers 2486, Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics, Yale University.
    • Handle: RePEc:cwl:cwldpp:2486
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    File URL: https://cowles.yale.edu/sites/default/files/2026-01/d2486.pdf
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