RAW VIDEO: Dutch Designer Creates Car That Runs On Recycled Plastic
Credit: Gijs Schalkx/Cover Images Gijs Schalkx, a Dutch designer, has embarked on a groundbreaking project that has converted his car to run on plastic waste. His invention, dubbed "The Plastic Car (Is Made of Metal)," involves retrofitting an old Volvo to operate on an unconventional fuel: waste plastic transformed back into oil. The project originated as a follow-up to Schalkx's previous creation, the Sloot Motor motorcycle, which ran on methane derived from local bogs. Schalkx's opted for plastic as a fuel source due to its abundant supply, readily available from household recycling. Procuring an old car from a scrapyard in Germany, Schalkx meticulously restored it to roadworthy condition and equipped it with a "de-refinery" mounted on the roof. This device, resembling a traditional oil refinery, heats plastic in an oxygen-free environment, causing it to evaporate into gas. The condensed gas then transforms back into oil, dripping into a fuel tank located at the rear of the vehicle. Operating solely on household recycling, Schalkx drove the Plastic Car for approximately six months, documenting his journey. Despite its environmental benefits, the process is notably inefficient, with one kilogram of plastic required for every seven kilometers traveled. Schalkx deliberately crafted the Plastic Car to challenge conventional notions of sustainability. Unlike sleek electric vehicles, his creation intentionally bears a rugged appearance, complete with uneven paintwork, wooden bumpers, and visible emissions during operation. While the project has garnered criticism for its emissions and plastic usage, Schalkx defends it as emphasising the importance of repurposing existing materials and fostering knowledge of repair and reuse. By limiting his environmental impact to his own household waste and driving within a constrained radius, Schalkx underscores the potential for reducing one's carbon footprint. His endeavor highlights the possibilities of alternative fuel sources and challenges the status quo in automotive design and sustainability efforts.
2024-05-13T13:56:29Z