This car is supposed to absorb fine dust particles while driving

A somewhat bizarre-looking vehicle makes its electric laps through city centers around the world and reduces particulate matter pollution in metropolitan areas. What initially seems a bit futuristic and unrealistic could actually soon become a reality. Because if the British designer Thomas Heatherwick has to say, the car should be produced in China as early as 2023.

There is one thing Heatherwick definitely does not want: that his vehicle remains just a concept that, like other futuristic ideas, will never be built. The Briton, who is actually known for architectural achievements and is also responsible for the design of the Google headquarters in London and California, would like to see the Airo drive soon. Even if the wave-shaped design is likely to change marginally.

But how does the reduction in particulate matter work? According to documents, an air filter is to be housed in the front grille, which is supposed to filter particles the size of a tennis ball out of the air every year. That sounds like little at first, but if you look at the number of vehicles that roll alone through the People’s Republic every day, the result is quite a sum.

If we look into the interior of the Airo, we come across a large glass roof, a table where you can dine and talk together and seats that can be converted into a bed. The steering wheel is hidden in the front, and surfaces are predominantly textured.

This is also due to the fact that the benefits should go far beyond driving. Many cars are mostly standing around day after day, so why not create a place to meet and sleep as well? While Heatherwick is convinced of his idea, critics say the efforts should not be enough. In order to compensate for the environmental damage, alternatives to cars should be used in the long term.

Own opinion:

A car that removes particles from the environment? Sounds like a useful addition to existing technologies to me. In my opinion, the future is not just one big or a few medium-sized solutions, but many small ideas that will make the planet better. The car presented here only removes small amounts of particles, but that’s better than nothing.