designboom · Creativity & design

VENTRA EV Concept Captures Tire and Brake Particles

The student-designed VENTRA electric car concept by TU/ecomotive aims to address pollution from tire and brake wear, a byproduct of electric vehicles.

VENTRA features an electrostatic collection system called T.R.A.C.E. integrated into wheel covers. This system captures tire and brake particles from the air as the car moves, using airflow at higher speeds and fans at lower speeds. Simulations suggest it can capture around 24% of tire particles at 31-50 mph and up to 42% during city driving. The collected material can be removed with water or a vacuum and has been incorporated into an enamel coating within the car's cabin.

The vehicle also addresses particle generation through its lightweight design. Its chassis is constructed from carbon-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite sandwich panels, weighing approximately 135 kg, significantly less than conventional construction. The finished car weighs 790 kg and has an estimated WLTP range of 290 km.

Additionally, VENTRA includes a 'Clean Drive' system that provides drivers with feedback based on steering, braking, and acceleration data to help reduce tire and brake wear.

VENTRA is the eleventh concept car from TU/ecomotive, a student team from Eindhoven University of Technology, known for exploring sustainable automotive concepts. This project focuses on the particles vehicles leave behind during operation.

The European Euro 7 regulations are beginning to address brake-particle emissions and tire abrasion. VENTRA remains an experimental prototype, but its design physically represents a solution to this often-overlooked pollution source.

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