RIDING ON AIR: Activated carbon aims at autos

An old piece of science is set to bring new applications across the mobility spectrum.

Activated carbon may seem an esoteric piece of science in the automotive space, but it is quietly playing a key role in Audi A6 and A7 air-suspension systems. The technology also is promising for new applications in vehicle safety, comfort and acoustics.

Carbon Air, a company spun off from a U.K. university, is developing activated carbon for use in cars, light trucks, heavy commercial vehicles, buses, motorcycles and even mountain bikes. The technology, which is based on activated charcoal, has long been used in other industry sectors including medical, agricultural, water treatment and food production. Its opportunities in mobility appear to be equally broad, the company noted.