A car that utilizes compressed air instead of combustion to power the motor is gearing up for production in the United States. Zero Pollution Motors has obtained a license from MDI Inc., a European company, to produce the car in the U.S. The hybrid car makers report initial performance of 106 mpg in their prototype vehicles.
Background
The technology behind the compressed air car comes from race car enthusiast Guy Negro in Nice, France. The technology has gained some interest around the world. India's Tata Motors has decided to utilize the technology and gear it towards mass production. The concept is being developed by Negro to be entered into the Automotive X Prize contest.
References
Fast Facts
-
Fact:
Uses compressed air and gasoline
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
Anticipated price tag will be less than $18,000
-
Fact:
Current model to provide seating capacity for six
-
Fact:
Uses compressed air to move the pistons
-
Fact:
High speed more than 90 mph
-
Fact:
Range of 800+ miles on tank of gas
-
Fact:
Below 35 mph the car runs on air only
-
Fact:
Above 35 mph some air is heated by fuel combustion to expand its volume
