Electric Vehicles Can’t Fix Sedentary Health Risks, Study Warns
Electric cars may clean up air, but they’re not solving the epidemic of sedentary living. A 2004 study by Lawrence Frank found that each additional hour spent in a car correlated with a 6% increase in obesity risk, while each kilometer walked reduced it by 5%.
A 2026 replication in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine confirmed these findings, showing technological advances like electric vehicles improve air quality but do not reduce sedentary behavior.
Lawrence Frank said:
"You can spend just as much time sitting in an electric vehicle as you can in a gas one."
Jacob Carson, a researcher in urban health, emphasized that transportation budgets often overlook the health costs of car dependence. He noted:
"The last 20 years of technological progress haven't changed the original findings of this paper, and neither will the electrification or autonomization of cars."
Walkable, transit-connected communities, however, show measurable public health benefits.
Small infrastructure investments—such as sidewalks, benches, and safe crossings—reduce obesity, heart disease, and diabetes risks, particularly in low-income areas. The National Public Health Assessment Model quantifies these benefits, highlighting that urban design shapes behavior more effectively than vehicle technology alone.
⚠️ LEGAL DISCLAIMER: It is for informational purposes only. It never substitutes for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor regarding any questions about your health.
