Hemp Car Stops in Denver
Body of prototype car made from molded hemp, runs on biofuel
Body of prototype car made from molded hemp, runs on biofuel
A red convertible rolled into Denver recently, boasting its status as the 'greenest car in the world.' In a nod to the plant's inherent strength, durability and versatility, this sweet ride is actually an industrial hemp car. Built upon a chassis from a Mazda Miata, the natural fiber prototype runs on biofuel and was designed by Bruce Dietzen, according to the Denver Post.
Dietzen's creation is the brainchild of his company, Renew Sports Cars. The vehicle has a body made from molded hemp resin composite panels. He told the Post that he hopes to extend the vehicle's natural fiber content by integrating hemp into floorboards and other components.
The hemp car is fueled by biobutanol, a product of agricultural waste, and can now run on ethanol as well.
Dietzen offers a range of vehicles with a rating of between ten and twenty-two percent greener than the average electric car.
Cultivation of industrial hemp itself assists in crop rotation, conditioning the soil. Other ecological benefits include prevention of mud slides and erosion. Additionally, hemp plants process more carbon dioxide than trees and industrial hemp fiber products boast a higher tensile strength than steel.
Industrial hemp offers tens of thousands of applications, including as substitutes for plastic, metal and wood. Hemp construction materials are increasing in popularity, whereas automobile components have for generations been manufactured from industrial hemp fibers and composites.
Hemp plastic products currently on the market include musical instruments, furniture, sporting equipment (e.g., surf-, snow- and skateboards), packaging materials and more.
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