The German Aerospace Center (DLR) and HWA have developed a new vehicle that is being hailed as the world’s most environmentally friendly car. While electric cars do not emit local CO2 emissions, they still contribute to pollution through the production of fine dust and microplastics. The Zero Emission Drive Unit Generation 1 (ZEDU-1) is a street vehicle that produces almost no emissions, thanks to a new braking system. Instead of traditional disc brakes, the ZEDU-1 has a lamella brake that is integrated into the closed electric motor-transmission unit. The lamellae are immersed in oil, which prevents abrasion from entering the environment. The oil is continuously filtered, and an innovative electronics system can almost completely recover braking energy.
To minimize the environmental impact of tire abrasion, the researchers have developed a closed wheel arch that creates a strong vacuum during driving, collecting the abrasion in the front section. The particles are then sucked up by a filter system, and the cleaned air is released back into the environment. The ZEDU-1 has been successfully tested on a test bench and at the Boxberg test center in the summer of 2022. The vehicle underwent various emission measurements, including the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Cycles (WLTC), an internationally recognized measurement method for determining emissions. The results showed that the ZEDU-1 produces no brake abrasion in the environment and completely avoids tire abrasion at speeds up to 50 km/h. At higher speeds, tire abrasion is reduced by 70 to 80 percent compared to conventional vehicles.
The ZEDU-1 is a significant step forward in the development of environmentally friendly vehicles. The new braking system and closed wheel arch are innovative solutions that could be implemented in other vehicles to reduce pollution. The ZEDU-1’s success in reducing emissions and minimizing environmental impact is a promising development for the future of sustainable transportation.
