Panasonic relies less on platinum for catalytic converters

Panasonic relies less on platinum for catalytic convertersNew innovations that reduce costs are always welcome, and here’s one example. Panasonic has revealed a new diesel exhaust catalyst that will use 80% less platinum as compared to standard catalysts.

Found in your catalytic converter, the catalyst cleans up exhaust fumes before they leave your car, so that it contains less harmful emissions. Platinum has always been a major component in producing catalysts, and precious metal prices have been on the up. Apparently, the amount of platinum used in a standard catalytic converter can cost from $250 to $300.

Panasonic’s new catalyst will use an alkali-metal compound to coat the filter that traps and burns particulate matter in the tailpipe. This new component also consumes less energy as it treats the fumes at a temperature that is 20% lower than conventional catalysts. Its lifespan is comparable to that of current catalysts.

This new creation is Panasonic Ecology Systems’ first step into the automotive sector and the company has shipped samples to about 10 carmakers and suppliers in Japan and Europe. The company aims to bring the catalyst into mass production in 2012 and reach global sales of ¥20 billion ($220.6 million) by 2018.

Source

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Jacob Alexander

Jacob Mathew Alexander has been a motoring nut for as far as he can remember and has recently turned his passion into writing. After spending some time in the same industry in the UK, Jacob's work is from a slightly different perspective.

 

Comments

  • No regulations here with regards to emission controls.
    Msian will remove the CatConvertor cos they swear that
    their car will go faster and not forgetting the XXL tail pipe too !!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Hurray.

    God saves the world.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • squawk on Jul 01, 2010 at 10:08 am

      The world doesn’t need saving lah. It doesn’t even care if humans are gone. We need saving. :-)

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • squawk on Jul 01, 2010 at 10:07 am

    Good job. Now please work on an alternative to lithium cuz that’ll soon run out with the number of digicams, handphones & iPods around. And they need to use it in hybrids and EVs too?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • alpha999 on Jul 01, 2010 at 12:15 pm

    this is what local undergrads can work on for the next Perodua Eco-Challenge……something more innovative

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required