Two West Midlands universities have developed groundbreaking low carbon and green technologies that could revolutionise how cars are manufactured and powered in the future.
Warwick Manufacturing Group has created the world’s first fully sustainable Formula 3 racing car, while the University of Birmingham is working to develop a commercially viable means of coupling battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology to power cars in a clean and efficient way.
Their expertise in R&D was proudly showcased to an audience of investors, advisers and academics at a Science Capital event in Birmingham.
Parts of the racing car are made out of woven hemp and flax, while the steering wheel – one of the most complicated parts on the car - is made of carrot pulp discarded by juice and soup manufacturers.
The body is made from recycled carbon fibre and a resin derived from plastic bottles has also been used. The engine runs on biofuels derived from waste chocolate, animal fats and vegetable oils, while the whole car is lubricated by plant oils.
Source and full story: UKTI
Links
http://www.fuelcells.bham.ac.uk/
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/