Tue 7 Oct 2008
image source: zeropollutionmotors.us
In a previous post I talked about the air car from Tata Motors. Since then other manufacturers are entering into the race to take the lead in this environmentally friendly from of transportation.
Zero Pollution Motors in cooperation with MDI group unveiled their new air car at the 2008 New York Auto show on March 20. They also entered a team to compete for the Automotive X Prize.
Zero Pollution Motors has plans of introducing a compressed air vehicle to the US market in the year 2010. This family sized vehicle will seat 6, have 4 doors, and will achieve over 100 MPGe (mpg equivalent) with the ability to go over 90 mph. One interesting point is the affordability of this vehicle, it is expected that it will cost around $18,000. An economy/utility model will be produced by MDI for sale in France and elsewhere 2009 at a price of beginning at around $5,000-$6,000 for the basic model.
History of the air car
If you are looking for more information on the history of the air car www.theaircar.com has an interesting page on their site Air Car History. Work on air cars started back as early as 1872.
Air Locomotives
There were even a number of locomotives manufactured (pneumatic locomotive). Hundreds were made for the mining industry for their increased safety. Pneumatic Locomotives create no heat or spark, which in a mine with a high possibility of explosion is a marked benefit.
There was even an experimental dragster made with an air power engine that covered the quarter mile in about 9 seconds.
So while it seems that the idea of an air car has been around for quite a while, some of the new technologies have given a new life to this form of transportation. I for one, look forward to giving one of these a road test to see how they do.
For more information on the US Air Car.
October 15th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
These new and interesting alternatives to internal combustion are springing up all over the place now. Just imagine where we’d be if this had been “allowed” to happen twenty years ago?
October 21st, 2008 at 12:45 am
As long as the car isn’t a tinny monstrosity, I’d be willing to give the car a go. The trouble with most innovative cars, whether the Smart car, or something like it is that they are too lightweight. I don’t want to drive a death trap.
October 21st, 2008 at 8:39 am
@Matt Keegan
I’m guessing tinny monstrosity will be a pretty accurate description of the car. Although to get allowed in the US it would still be much safer than the ones allowed elsewhere.
Before you get too down on the smart car, check out these kits Smart Car Kits (unfortunately photoshopped)
October 26th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
What happen to the hydrogen powered car? I thought it will become more famous but it didn’t.
October 26th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Are you sure the year is 2010? The economy is not stable. I think it will be delayed.
October 26th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Can you tell me when it will be available over the world…? All the cars should be replaced with this kind of cars. We have no other way to do things.
October 30th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
cool car. I like such a that kinds of cars.
November 9th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
I thought it will become more famous but it didn’t.
November 13th, 2008 at 3:20 am
Nice car this is.
November 13th, 2008 at 11:08 am
if ever that car would come out in the year 2010, this simply tells us that there will be more high tech cars would develop in the next few years. maybe you don’t need a human driver anymore, a built in robot will drive you 27/7.
November 25th, 2008 at 2:02 am
Great resources site, keep up
November 26th, 2008 at 3:08 am
I guess it is still under testing. When we will find a stable power source like Gas?
May 3rd, 2009 at 6:50 am
I’m glad that we are inventing cars that are anti-pollution car. This would help a lot to reduce air-pollution in the near future. Thanks.
September 17th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I like such a that kinds of cars but which looks Nice car i think not available but somethings available even all cars are not Smart but able to benefit this blog Zero Pollution Motors is very like to me cause she is away from pollution which appear left her all cars i like it very much so i will try to buy her thanks for info
November 28th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
I herd these Air cars will never hit the U.S. because they cause so much pollution.
January 7th, 2010 at 5:34 am
It’s nice to hear that cars will run with compressed air. But what would be maximum speed and other features should also be kept in mind. Undoubtedly its fantastic that cars will run with air.
February 20th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
more widespread use of this car is necessary for everyone to be sensitive to environmental issues and its competitors must pay attention to production of similar instruments. NO OTHER WORLD
March 31st, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Its a great & innovative idea. It will help in pollution free environment which the greatest need of this era.
June 9th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
I don’t like small models. They are neither catchy, nor attractive and looks so cheap.
June 9th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Small cars are generally bought by those who don’t have budget or who is thinking to save fuel as they are consuming less fuel. Yeah they are not catchy and attractive but there is a group of consumers who still needs small cars.
June 16th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
People are so crazy about a small care being less safe: defensive driving. I currently drive a Chevy Aveo and love it. Have actually been able to avoid 3 serious accidents because of its small size. Just check out the cute, efective models that Tata has to offer. I have been following the ‘Air Car’ since 2007 but am concerned the US will deem them (unnecessarily) unsafe. I say AIR, BABY, AIR!
June 16th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Small cars are not made for highways its made to drive in internal areas or your town or city only the main intention of small cars is to save petrol and to lessen down the problems of parking as you know now a days the parking problem is increasing day by day so to cope up the issue parking small cars plays an important role.