This prototype solves an almost unsolvable problem
A team from Eindhoven University of Technology presented a very special electric car as a prototype. The car, called Zem, should not only not emit any exhaust gases, but also capture CO₂ when driving. Solar cells are also included to increase the range.
Zem: New e-car prototype captures CO₂
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed what they say is an emission-free car that sucking CO₂ out of the air while driving on the road. The prototype of the Zero Emission Mobility (Zem) has installed several replaceable filters in which the CO₂ is collected. After all, 4.5 pounds (approx. 2 kg) of carbon can be collected for every 20,000 miles driven.
Although electric vehicles themselves do not emit carbon dioxide on the road, the production of the required lithium batteries can large amounts of carbon are produced. Carbon is also often released when generating the electricity that ultimately powers the batteries of an electric vehicle.
More about Zem in the video:
In addition to the CO₂ filters, the Zem has Solar cells on the roof and hood. The vehicle’s eight lithium batteries receive up to 15 percent additional electricity. The research team has also implemented bidirectional charging technology so that the electric car can also be used to power other devices.
The body of the car consists of recycled 3D printed plastics. The interior is made partly from pineapple, while the dashboard is made from recycled cooking oil.
Zem: inspiration instead of market introduction
The team from the Technical University of Eindhoven is following according to their own statements no plans to develop Zem into a commercial product. Instead, they hope that the special concept will be taken up by established car manufacturers. Only the technology behind the CO₂ collection could be patented, as is currently being considered (source: TU/ecomotive).
