The search for sustainable, zero emission alternatives to oil-based fuels is a number one priority for carmakers.
And though hydrogen has many attractive properties there's still the problem of extraction, storage and transportation.
No such issue for this futuristic, cute little city car. It literally runs on thin air! Built by French firm MDI (standing for Motor Development International) the AIRPod is part of the firm's continuing research into zero emissions compressed air and dual fuel engines and the latest in a line of prototypes built by the firm.
A tricycle urban transport vehicle with seating for three adults and one child, the AIRPod is just over 2m long and 1.6m wide - 70mm shorter than a smart - and weighs just 220kg. The engine runs simply on compressed air, stored in a tank and good for a range of around 60 miles.
Air is stored at a pressure of 350bar in rupture proof tanks pressure tested for double that figure and already proven in vehicles running on natural gas. So it's not as if you're sitting on some giant balloon. The AIRPod can charge its own tank with an on-board compressor but eventually roadside compressors could be installed.
Powered by water, solar power or wind turbines, these are able to fill the air tank in just a minute and half, offering true zero emissions transport. With only 5.4hp the engine doesn't sound powerful but with a top speed of up to 43mph the AIRPod is plenty fast enough to keep up with city traffic.
Steered with a joystick and boasting running costs of just one Euro for every 125 miles the attractions are obvious enough. A cargo version for light delivery work is also being developed and is being tested by Air France and KLM at Charles de Gaulle and Schipol airports as zero-emissions transport for staff and goods on site.
Compressed air isn't just for futuristic city transport 'pods' either. MDI also has a dual-fuel engine that can run on air alone or together with petrol, diesel or alcohol to deliver useful power and an astonishing 141mpg on a 45mph cruise. And with power outputs of 50hp or more the wider potential of the technology is clear to see.
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