An anti-smog vehicle has gained popularity in China as the country focuses more and more on improving air quality. However, experts are warning that, in reality, the vehicle is no more effective at dispersing pollution than a high-powered sprinkler.

The vehicle was hailed by many as “smog-control helper,” but experts now argue that there is no hard evidence to prove the tool's contribution to smog elimination. Instead, it is financial motivation that drives sales of the anti-smog vehicles.

According to an investigation, 18 cities believe the vehicle can prevent and control smog. Information from a governmental procurement website showed that Fujian, Guangxi, Hebei, Henan, Jiangsu, Shandong and Zhejiang provinces, along with Chongqing municipality and several other places, have plans to purchase the instrument. The procurement departments are mainly environmental protection agencies and municipal corporations.

Local governments have publicized the effects of these tools, or lack thereof. However, vague data from 18 cities doesn’t mean much to most people. Few reports have offered specific data on smog control.

Wang Yuesi, a researcher at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has no confidence in the efficacy of anti-smog vehicles. He said that such vehicles are about as effective as a highly efficient sprinkler would be. They are only useful for minimizing dust caused by construction and dry conditions, Wang argued.

Wang also analyzed the promotion of anti-smog vehicles, noting that their publicity is drawn in large part from endorsements by officials, serving as a kind of profit exchange.