The aptly named Zero Emission Mobility (ZEM), naturally, runs on an all-electric drivetrain, which inherently releases no carbon into the atmosphere as it drives. It’s a sporty two-seater with a rooftop solar panels – sort of like a cross between Tesla’s racehorses and Lightyear’s ultra-efficient EV. It also uses a combination of regenerative braking and digital mirrors to eke out some extra range.

The kicker? The ZEM is equipped with twin filters that draw carbon dioxide right out of the air. Just one caveat though: this isn’t a panacea for global warming. As it stands, direct air capture via the filters snag around 2kg of carbon for every 12,800 miles (around 20,600km) a ZEM travels.

To put that number into context, a single human’s breathing alone results in around 1kg of carbon a day. This means that it would take around a dozen cars travelling that distance to siphon off the same amount of carbon that an average tree could manage in a year.

Related: Why is Singapore so slow to adopt electric vehicles?

The students, who are seeking a patent for their filter, are dreaming bigger. They plan to increase the capacity of their carbon dioxide filter in coming years – it currently reaches capacity after around 320km of continuous driving – with the hope that it could one day be emptied out at charging stations while you tend to your EV’s charging needs.

They also hope to implement a system into the ZEM that they’ve called “bi-directional charging”. That is, using the ZEM’s battery (or excess charge from its rooftop solar panels) to power your house with green energy as and when its needed.

Said the team’s external relations manager Nikko Okkels: “We want to tickle the industry by showing what is already possible. If 35 students can design, develop, and build an almost carbon-neutral car in a year, then there are also opportunities and possibilities for the industry.”

Related: The best electric cars in Singapore for an eco-friendly ride