YeZ Concept car sucks in C02, exhales oxygen
(Credit: Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp)
This I like very much. A vehicle that behaves like a plant, photosynthesizing carbon dioxide from the air to exchange oxygen back into the atmosphere. Meet the YeZ, a concept two-seater that puts other eco cars to the blush when it comes to zero and even negative emissions.
Showcased recently at the Shanghai Expo 2010, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC)--perhaps driven by the mainland's extensive pollution--is behind this clever little creation, in partnership with General Motors and Volkswagen. YeZ, pronounced yea-zi, which means "leaf" in Mandarin, also lends its name to the aesthetics and big leaf-like roof of the buggy. Though cross my fingers and toes the commercial version rolling off the assembly lines won't look quite so kitschy.
(Credit: Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp)
YeZ works its magic of photoelectric conversion with the help of state-of-the-art solar panels on the roof, wind power conversion via small wind turbines in the wheels, and carbon dioxide absorption and conversion through the bodywork. This last bit is made of a metal-organic framework that can apparently absorb carbon dioxide and water molecules from the air. Through the series of chemical reactions, energy is generated, which is then stored in the car's lithium-ion batteries.
According to the press release, the electric car will "work during both sunny and overcast days, while also being able to leverage wind power" and enable "mobility with zero greenhouse gas emissions". But it's a claim that will have to wait a good 20 years to flower. Hopefully, we won't all be wearing respirators by then just to breathe in some clean air.
(Credit: Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp)
(Credit: Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp)
Via Gizmag
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