Dutch students develop car that captures more CO2 than it emits

The transport sector accounts for roughly a quarter of the EU's total carbon emissions. To address this, Dutch students have developed a car that captures more CO2 than it emits while driving.

The transport sector appears to be responsible for around a quarter of the EU's total carbon emissions. To reduce these emissions, Dutch students developed a car that captures more CO2 than emissions while driving. The innovation from Dutch soil is unique, and let's be honest, the sporty appearance of this car makes you look great...

The TU/ecomotive student team of the Eindhoven University of Technology developed the car and gave it the name The earth. CO2 can be collected via a special filter and then discharged. In total, Zem can capture two kilograms of CO2 with 20.000 travel kilometers per year. This means that ten cars can store as much CO2 as an average tree. This may not seem like much at first, but considering that there are more than a billion passenger cars on the road around the world, this will make a significant difference. 

A total of 35 students built the Zem. The filter developed in the Zem is unique; the students are even currently applying for a patent. Although it is still a proof-of-concept, they do see that the capacity of the filter can be increased in the coming years. The team is thinking of a future where the full filter can easily be emptied via the charging station when the car is charging. Currently the car can drive 320 miles before the filter is full.  

One step further

Not only are emissions saved while driving, but the TU/ecomotive student team goes one step further... During construction, the frame and body panels are manufactured with a 3D printer. This way, almost no residual waste is created. In addition, circular plastics are used that can be reused for other projects. 

As far as the sporty appearance is concerned, you can look great with the Zem. According to the students, the automotive industry also faces a sporting challenge: ''We want to stimulate the industry by showing what is already possible. And working together. If 35 students can design, develop and build an almost carbon-neutral car in one year, then there are also opportunities and possibilities for the industry. We call on the industry to take up the challenge and of course we are happy to think along with them. We are not finished developing yet and want to take big steps in the coming years. We cordially invite car manufacturers to come and take a look." Also read: 'Meet the world's first electric flying racing boat'