How electric Zambonis highlight the need for zero-emission EVs on and off the ice
Source: https://electrek.co/2023/02/13/how-electric-zambonis-highlight-the-need-for-zero-emission-evs/
Author: Peter Johnson
Electric vehicles are better for the climate and your health, with zero tailpipe emissions. Electric Zambonis are a perfect example since they often operate in an enclosed environment. Even with new zero-emission electric technology and research to prove its benefits, most Zambonis still run on natural gas, gasoline, diesel, or propane. Although electric Zambonis can cost more upfront (around $50,000 more), the additional expenses are recouped through fuel and maintenance savings. Although researchers have tried various strategies to remove the pollution, including upgraded ventilation, zero-emission electric Zambonis were the only extremely effective solution. The agency says documented cases of CO poisonings from resurfaced emissions in arenas have repod levels of 40 to 170 ppm (it recommends a short-term exposure limit of 25 ppm).And the worst part is the pollutants aren’t fully cleared overnight by the ventilation system, meaning they can build up over time with more use. To overcome this, Health Canada claims in the report: Electric-powered equipment is the best option for eliminating CO and NO2 emissions in ice arenas. Arenas using electric resurfacers have been shown to have CO and NO2 levels similar to concurrent levels outside the arena, consistently below 1.0 ppm and 0.02 ppm. The electric Zamboni is a prime example of what’s happening outside the rink. Toxic emissions are being emitted consistently every day, and although you can’t see it, you are likely breathing it in.