Students Create VENTRA Electric Car That Captures Harmful Particles

Students Present Electric Car That Cleans the Air of Tire and Brake Dust

Eindhoven, Netherlands – A group of students from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/ecomotive) has developed the innovative VENTRA electric car concept, which can actively reduce air pollution by capturing harmful particles generated by tire and brake wear. The project aims to draw automakers’ attention not only to exhaust emissions, but also to other sources of vehicle-related pollution.

VENTRA is an eco-friendly electric car equipped with a unique air-cleaning system. Unlike traditional electric vehicles, which, although they have no exhaust pipes, still generate a significant amount of fine particles while driving, VENTRA has a mechanism to collect them. These particles, released into the atmosphere from tire friction against the road surface and brake pad wear, can pose a serious threat to health.

Innovative Technology to Combat Microplastics

The main innovation of VENTRA lies in a system that electrically charges fine particles directly around the wheels. The charged particles are then attracted to a special surface located near the wheel, effectively trapping them. This process makes it possible to significantly reduce the amount of harmful emissions released into the environment.

Developers from TU/ecomotive report that the system can be easily cleaned after each trip using a regular vacuum cleaner or by rinsing it with water. The team also plans to develop a system for further recycling of the collected particles. According to simulations, the VENTRA system can capture up to 24% of fine particles while the car is moving at speeds between 50 and 80 km/h, and at lower speeds this figure reaches 42%.

Lightweight Design and Eco-Friendly Approach

In addition to its air-cleaning system, VENTRA stands out for its lightweight construction. The car’s chassis is made using thermoplastic panels reinforced with carbon fiber, which reduced the vehicle’s total weight by almost 100 kg. The lower weight not only improves energy efficiency, but also reduces stress on the tires, which in turn leads to less tire wear and, accordingly, fewer solid particle emissions.

Additionally, VENTRA is equipped with a “Clean Drive” system that analyzes the driver’s driving style. A special display provides recommendations for smoother movement, acceleration and braking, as well as steering optimization. This not only improves safety, but also helps further reduce the formation of harmful particles.

Consequences of Micro-Particle Pollution and New Standards

Researchers emphasize that emissions of fine particles from tires and brakes are often underestimated compared with traditional exhaust emissions. These microparticles can penetrate deep into the lungs, and some, depending on their size and composition, can even enter the bloodstream. Exposure to such pollutants has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, lung disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer.

Against the backdrop of these findings, new Euro 7 requirements will come into force in the European Union in November, covering brake and tire emissions for the first time, highlighting growing attention to this issue at the legislative level. The TU/ecomotive student project is an important step toward creating cleaner vehicles of the future.