Unprecedented! Dutch university students develop 3D car powered by solar energy and with filters for polluting gas emissions

The new car developed is entirely focused on sustainability: it has a body developed by a 3D printer, is powered by solar energy and also filters polluting gas emissions

A group of students at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands are making waves in the automobile industry with the development of the Zem, a revolutionary electric car that goes beyond the use of solar energy to minimize its environmental impact. With a 3D-printed body, an inner shell made from pineapples and integrated solar panels, this solar-powered vehicle promises a new approach to sustainable mobility, according to the UOL website.

The Zem: Towards zero-emission mobility

Zem, an acronym in English for “Zero Emission Mobility”, is an ambitious project that aims to achieve emissions neutrality. While many electric cars already reduce significantly the carbon emissions compared to combustion vehicles, the Zem takes this to a new level with the use of solar energy included.

One of the Zem's most notable features is its body, which was manufactured using 3D printing technology. This approach not only saves resources during the manufacturing process, but also allows for greater customization and flexibility in vehicle design.

Additionally, the Zem features an innovative inner lining made from pineapples. This material not only offers a sustainable alternative to plastic, but also helps reduce food waste by using parts of the fruit that would normally be discarded.

Solar energy and emissions filtering

The solar energy panels integrated into the Zem are responsible for providing up to 15% of the vehicle's charge through solar energy. However, the students went further by developing an emissions filtration system that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air while the vehicle is in motion.

These filters, located at the bottom of the car, take advantage of the Zem's movement to capture CO2 from the atmosphere. Later, this captured emission can be used as a source of clean fuels or stored to prevent it from returning to the atmosphere, thus contributing to the reduction of global carbon emissions.

Small step, big future impact

Although the Zem currently captures just 2 kg of CO2 every 32 km, the student group considers this a significant first step towards an emission-neutral vehicle. Although it is a relatively small amount, it represents an important milestone in the quest for greener mobility.

The team that developed Zem, made up of 35 students, believes that this pioneering project demonstrates the potential for sustainable innovation in the automotive industry. “We did it: five students very desire, but much less experience than the main industry we compete with,” Nikki Okkels, external relations manager at TU/ecomotive, told CNN.

Zem's ambition is clear: to create a new norm for urban mobility by promoting environmentally friendly vehicles and innovative approaches to reducing carbon emissions on our roads. While this little 3D car represents a modest step forward, it points to a future where sustainability is the central focus of the auto industry.