We know, the world of Electric cars can be a little bit confusing to keep up with. Adding to the laundry list of new EVs launched and/or previewed at this year’s Shanghai Motor Show is this: The IM Airo. But to distinguish it from the herd, it has an ingenious trick up its sleeve that might just make it the next eco-warrior four-wheeler waiting in the wings.

In case you didn’t, IM is a new brand under Zhiji (Responsible for the wireless-charging L7). And Zhiji is a joint venture between SAIC, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech, and the Alibaba Group, while British design company Heatherwick Studio is responsible for the Airo’s design.

An EV With A Difference

This year’s Shanghai Auto Show has already brought with it a plethora of new EVs, making the humble internal combustion engine well and truly old hat. And with this new motive power comes a tsunami wave of new companies hoping to cash in on an almost tech-revolution-style boom in EV interest. So much so that Polestar’s CEO has called upon automakers to refocus their efforts on actually doing good for the environment, and not just their company valuations.

Read: This Electric Sports Sedan From China Features Wireless Charging And A 620-Mile Range

The design team at IM seems to have pre-empted this statement with the air-cleaning tech displayed on this radical concept. More pod than a car, this autonomous concept acts like a giant air purifier. The idea is that it’ll go one step further than having zero local emissions, offering a solution to the pollution around it. It carries with it (what we can only assume is a super-sized version) HEPA filter, as it sucks away the toxic gases from the dino-burning cars around it.

Centered On Autonomy

In addition to being a mobile clean-room, this concept is autonomous, meaning that it doesn’t conform to the “car” norms. You get massive, sliding glass doors and rotatable seating that’s lounge-like. Thankfully there’s still a steering wheel and controls allowing for at least some kind of “manual override.”

The founder of Heatherwick Studio, Thomas Heatherwick, described the Airo as a “multi-functional room with extra space for dining, working, gaming or even sleeping.” According to the designer’s website, the car/pod is slated to enter production in 2023.

Giant Air Purifier On Wheels Sets Out To Make A Real Difference: Say Hello To The IM Airo
Giant Air Purifier On Wheels Sets Out To Make A Real Difference: Say Hello To The IM Airo
Giant Air Purifier On Wheels Sets Out To Make A Real Difference: Say Hello To The IM Airo
Giant Air Purifier On Wheels Sets Out To Make A Real Difference: Say Hello To The IM Airo
Giant Air Purifier On Wheels Sets Out To Make A Real Difference: Say Hello To The IM Airo
Giant Air Purifier On Wheels Sets Out To Make A Real Difference: Say Hello To The IM Airo
Giant Air Purifier On Wheels Sets Out To Make A Real Difference: Say Hello To The IM Airo
Giant Air Purifier On Wheels Sets Out To Make A Real Difference: Say Hello To The IM Airo
Giant Air Purifier On Wheels Sets Out To Make A Real Difference: Say Hello To The IM Airo
Giant Air Purifier On Wheels Sets Out To Make A Real Difference: Say Hello To The IM Airo
Giant Air Purifier On Wheels Sets Out To Make A Real Difference: Say Hello To The IM Airo
Giant Air Purifier On Wheels Sets Out To Make A Real Difference: Say Hello To The IM Airo
Giant Air Purifier On Wheels Sets Out To Make A Real Difference: Say Hello To The IM Airo
Giant Air Purifier On Wheels Sets Out To Make A Real Difference: Say Hello To The IM Airo
Giant Air Purifier On Wheels Sets Out To Make A Real Difference: Say Hello To The IM Airo
Giant Air Purifier On Wheels Sets Out To Make A Real Difference: Say Hello To The IM Airo