Imagine that your car behind a diesel truck sends its toxic black smoke out, while your near-zero carbon emissions car cleans up the carbon emissions. One day, this may become a reality as a team of 35 Dutch students from the Eindhoven University of Technology has built a Zero Emission Mobility (ZEM) vehicle - a fully electric, battery-powered EV that absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) as it drives.

As part of their assignment, the students were asked to create a zero-emission car, but they took it a step further, creating a unique filter that can capture carbon, cleaning the air as they drive.

Team estimates reveal that the ZEM could reduce emissions by 2kg while the EV travels 20,000 miles. Though this might not seem like much, 10 ZEMs could be a substantial factor in countering carbon emissions, like an average tree.

The team is in the process of acquiring a patent for their CO2 filter with plans to ramp up production in the coming years. This is significant because not only does the team have the lofty goal of being carbon neutral from the cradle to the grave, but it also aims to apply that status to the machine itself.

Powered by a Clean Track lithium-ion battery pack, the ZEM is a sporty-looking two-seater reminiscent of the Tesla Roadster and Alfa Romeo coupe. However, the most distinct feature is its ability to capture carbon.

Louise de Laat, team leader, says: “It is still a proof of concept, but we can already see that we will be able to increase the capacity of the filter in the coming years. Capturing CO2 is a prerequisite for compensating for emissions during production and recycling.”

The new carbon-capturing EV was expected to lead a new trend in the industry, Nikko Okkels stated. “We want to tickle the industry by showing what is already possible. If 35 students can design, develop, and build an almost carbon-neutral car in a year, there are also opportunities and possibilities for the industry.”

The Zero Emission Mobility (ZEM) vehicle has toured around the country, visiting universities and companies to showcase its merits.