World's First Air-Powered Car

[touch_of_magic]

"......uses compressed air, as opposed to the gas-and-oxygen explosions of internal-combustion models, to push its engine’s pistons."

"...... it should cost around $2 to fill the car’s carbon-fiber tanks with 340 liters of air at 4350 psi. Drivers also will be able to plug into the electrical grid and use the car’s built-in compressor to refill the tanks in about 4 hours."


http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4217016.html



Air-Powered Car Coming to U.S. in 2009 to 2010 at Sub-$18,000, Could Hit 1000-Mile Range

"......expects to produce the world’s first air-powered car for the United States by late 2009 or early 2010."

".......thanks to an even more radical engine, is said to travel as far as 1000 miles at up to 96 mph with each tiny fill-up."


http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4251491.html?series=19

 

[C Dick]

And if you get in an accident, all the energy stored in the tank is released immediately. Like your gas tank exploding, but a lot more likely, and with shrapnel more than heat.

 

[Moraff]

"...... it should cost around $2 to fill the car’s carbon-fiber tanks with 340 liters of air at 4350 psi. Drivers also will be able to plug into the electrical grid and use the car’s built-in compressor to refill the tanks in about 4 hours."

Well if you're quick you can fill up your tires for 25cents and thats at 35psi for very few litres. Somehow I doubt that the gas station will only charge $2, especially since they would have to install a special compressor to get the pressure/volumes required.

Air-Powered Car Coming to U.S. in 2009 to 2010 at Sub-$18,000, Could Hit 1000-Mile Range
".......thanks to an even more radical engine, is said to travel as far as 1000 miles at up to 96 mph with each tiny fill-up."
[/I]

Sounds good, but when you read the article it mentions that to get the hoped for mileage there is a secondary fuel source required once speed gets over 35mph: gas, ethanol, sort of thing. They also covered their asses and said that they really had no idea what mileage they would get until they tried it.

I can also see North American Safety Councils being concerned that the cars are glued together.

That being said, it certainly is an interesting concept.

 

[danmand]

Compressed air is the one of the most inefficient ways of carrying energy. Except for very limited applications (e.g. amusement parks), this product is a total scam.

correct.

 

[hunter001]

Compressed air is the one of the most inefficient ways of carrying energy. Except for very limited applications (e.g. amusement parks), this product is a total scam.

It maybe but it could be in the engineering of the car that makes the technology viable. It may not be anything but be an in city commuter car but if it is priced properly there could be a strong market. If it could replace the family's second car that people use to commute downtown, go station, ...

If the only other current viable alternative is drilling a hole in ground or steaming sand, shipping the by-product thousands of kilometers to be further processed, then shipped again to be distribution at filling station, ... I would like to see more of this technology to see if is viable or just hot air.

 

[LancsLad]

Hook it's fuel tank up to a politician.

Unlimited source of compressed gas.


.

 

[KBear]

I was all ready to buy the new water powered car, and now they have an air powered car... decisions decisions...

 

[HafDun]

I was all ready to buy the new water powered car, and now they have an air powered car... decisions decisions...

Have you seen the price of a half litre of water?? Go for the air power.

 

[Doctor Zoidburg]

.....if it blows up its going to kill you and the guy 5 cars down!