What seems to be the most unlikely candidate for a green conscious vehicle, has in fact won LA Auto Show’s Design Challenge themed at Environmental Sustainability.

GM’s Hummer O2 (yes… you did just see Hummer) is a fuel cell powered concept with hydraulic drive that is housed in algae-filled panels that 'give back to the environment' by converting CO2 to oxygen.

The concept features algae-filled body panels that consume atmospheric CO2 and produce oxygen that is released back into the environment. The O2’s construction specifies the use of 100% post-consumer materials like aluminum for the frame and VOC-free finishes.

Each phototropic body panel functions essentially as a leaf. Each panel contains an optimized photobioreactor where a solution of algae and water transforms the CO2 into oxygen.

Algae would be replaced annually, with the used algae recycled as biomass for the production of fuel.

The flow of CO2 and oxygen is regulated by a two-way valve system in the corner of each panel. These devices control and monitor the amount of CO2 and source nutrition required by the algae, and optimize oxygen production and distribution.

The concept uses four modular, self-contained hydrogen fuel cells to power hydraulic motors attached to each wheel. The hydrogen tanks sits in the center of the vehicle.

Think mean green.

Via EcoGeek