Automobiles were subjected to EMP environments under both engine turned off and engine turned on conditions. No effects were subsequently observed in those automobiles that were not turned on during EMP exposure. The most serious effect observed on running automobiles was that the motors in three cars stopped at field strengths of approximately 30 kV/m or above. In an actual EMP exposure, these vehicles would glide to a stop and require the driver to restart them. Electronics in the dashboard of one automobile were damaged and required repair. Other effects were relatively minor. Twenty-five automobiles exhibited malfunctions that could be considered only a nuisance (e.g., blinking dashboard lights) and did not require driver intervention to correct. Eight of the 37 cars tested did not exhibit any anomalous response.
No effects were subsequently observed in those automobiles that were not turned on during EMP exposure.
I wrote that “given” the grid and communications down for a year, 90% casualties are reasonable.
Highly unlikely to happen, though.
I have read the EMP commission report your link references.
We simply do not know just what the effects of a high level EMP pulse attack would be, because it is very difficult to test. That works for us, because an attacker would be stupid or desperate to attack the U.S. with an EMP device, where they do not know what will happen. The uncertainty works in our favor.
Thanks for the clarification on that.