Can high-voltage EV charging interfere with life-saving heart devices?
In short: As electric vehicles become a staple of modern transport, a critical question remains for those with medical implants: does the massive electromagnetic output of a supercharger pose a risk? Researchers recently put this to the test by monitoring patients with cardiac defibrillators during high-power charging sessions.
The study addressed a specific safety concern regarding electromagnetic interference (EMI) from Tesla's charging infrastructure. Specifically, researchers investigated whether the EMI generated while charging all-electric vehicles could disrupt the function of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). These devices are essential for patients who require automated monitoring and electrical therapy to manage cardiac rhythms.
To test this, a proof-of-concept study was conducted involving 69 patients with stable ICD function. The research was split into two phases: the first involved 34 patients using a standard 220-V wall charger, while the second phase included 35 additional patients using a 480-V Tesla Supercharger. During these sessions, patients were monitored in real time by certified technicians from various positions inside and around the vehicles, including the driver's seat, passenger seats, back seats, and facing the charging port.
The researchers looked for specific interactions such as oversensing, undersensing, mode switches, or upper rate tracking behavior. They tested both nominal and highest sensitivity settings to ensure a rigorous safety margin. The results showed no device interactions were identified at any of the five positions tested. Furthermore, there was no damage to any ICDs and no inappropriate shocks were administered to any patients.
Research findings indicated that EMI produced during Tesla vehicle charging, via a 480-V Supercharger or 220-V wall charger, does not disrupt transvenous ICD operation. This provides important data for the integration of EV infrastructure into public spaces where individuals with medical implants may be present.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Impact of Electromagnetic Interference from Charging All-electric Vehicles on Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator Performance.
- Also: Tesla Supercharger
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