EV charging may ‘cause electromagnetic interference’ in cardiac devices: Study

Is Charging Your Electric Vehicle Safe for Pacemaker and Defibrillator Users?

New
research
suggests precautionary measures should be taken by people with
pacemakers and defibrillators
when charging
electric vehicles.

According to a new study published in EP Europace,
EV high power chargers have the “potential to electromagnetic interference‘ in cardiac devices: Study”>create strong electromagnetic fields and cause electromagnetic interference in pacemakers and defibrillators, leading them to malfunction.”

What the Study Found

• The study included 130 patients using a pacemaker or defibrillator.
• It considered electromagnetic interference over the course of 561 high power charges.
• No adverse interactions were detected.

“The risk of malfunction of pacemakers and defibrillators is extremely low in this situation. Sitting inside the car or standing next to the charging cable or charger is also safe,” Dr. Carsten Lennerz of the German Heart Centre Munich said. “However, we would recommend not placing the charging cable directly over the cardiac device to maintain distance from the charging elements.”

What Precautions Should You Take?

• Do not place the charging cable over your cardiac device.
• Do not stay near the charging cable for an extended period of time.

The study did not look at interactions between the cardiac devices and home chargers. “Home charging is likely safe with sensible precautions, such as not staying next to the charging cable for extended periods of time,” Lennerz added.

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