The problem: Gas-powered cars are a big contributor to the world’s carbon emissions, but the transition to electric vehicles is sputtering as consumers remain skittish about pricey purchases. Toyota is one of the biggest skeptics among major automakers, estimating that the EV market will top out at 30% of drivers, meaning that carbon reduction will have to come from elsewhere.
The solution: Toyota has developed filters that capture carbon dioxide from the air as a vehicle drives. Simply fit them to the front of a car, and any carbon caught is converted to a liquid form — which is easier to store and dispose of — by the heat of the engine.
Yes, but: The filters are a long way from having a meaningful impact. A Corolla race car captured 20 grams of carbon over the course of 20 laps on Toyota’s test track, a 91 kilometre trip. For perspective, a new Corolla from your local dealership emits roughly 100 grams of carbon for every kilometre it travels.