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World’s first emission neutral vehicle

Even electric vehicles result in local air pollution. Despite the zero tailpipe emissions, brakes, tyres and road abrasion still create particulate matter, a substance harmful to human health.

Now, Deutsche Post DHL Group, StreetScooter and the German filtration specialist MANN+HUMMEL have created what they call the world’s first ‘emission neutral vehicle’ – with the addition of a particulate filter to Deutsche Post DHL Group’s electric StreetScooter delivery vehicles. 

The fine dust particulate filter, pictured, means that, according to DHL Group, the vehicle is now particulate neutral, with the particulate filter retaining as many dust particles as are produced by tire, brake and road abrasion.

The filter modules have been fitted to five test vehicles that are operating in German city centres. If successful, the plan is to extend the filter to the entire StreetScooter series – around 5,000 vehicles.

The particulate filter system works by actively blowing air into the filters, and even when the vehicle is at a standstill it is still able to filter particulates from the ambient air. The positioning of the filter – underneath the car at the height of the rear axle – is designed to pick up the highest concentration of particulates. 

According to the World Health Organisation around 47,000 people a year in Germany die from the effects of particulates.

News Item details


Journal title: Energy World

Countries: Germany -

Subjects: Particulate matter, Ultra Low Emission Vehicles

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