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Dutch students develop car that captures more CO2 than it emits

The transport sector has been found to be responsible for about a quarter of the EU's total carbon emissions. To reduce these emissions, Dutch students developed a car that captures more CO2 than it emits while driving. The innovation from Dutch soil is unique, and fair is fair with the sporty appearance of this car you can get along just fine ...
Bart van Overbeeke

The TU/ecomotive student team from Eindhoven University of Technology developed the car and named it Zem. Through a special filter, CO2 can be captured and then disposed of. 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. While this may not seem like a lot at first, considering that there are more than a billion passenger cars driving 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; in fact, the students are currently in the process of 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. For example, the team envisions a future where the full filter can be easily emptied via the charging pole when the car is charging. Currently, the car can drive 320 kilometers before the filter is full.  

One step further

It's not just while driving that emissions are saved, but the TU/ecomotive student team is going a step further... In construction, the frame and body panels are manufactured using a 3D printer. This way, almost no residual waste is created. In addition, circular plastics are used that can be reused for other projects. 

So as far as sporty looks go, the Zem will do just fine. According to the students, a sporting challenge also awaits the auto industry: ''We want to excite the industry by showing what is already possible. And working together. If 35 students can design, develop and build a nearly carbon-neutral car in one year, there are also opportunities and possibilities for the industry. We call on industry to take up the challenge and of course we like to think with them. We are also not finished developing 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'