106mpg subcompact

[solarbird]

I've posted about this before, but maybe they actually have this working at range now. We'll see in 2009 in India, at least. These guys have been promising cars based on this compressed-air engine in the two-year timeframe for over a decade, but this is the first time I've seen a one-year timeframe announcement for actual production of a vehicle, even in test quantities.

Comments

[darkphoenixrisn.livejournal.com]

Fascinating. I wouldn't drive one, though. A car like that on the same roads as SUVs? Not safe, IMHO.

[maellenkleth]

might could work. problem has always been the one of energy density (as relates to storage and deliverability)[1], and the power requirement rising with slightly less than the square of running speed (slightly less, because there is a base requirement for power to run ancillary automotive systems even at a zero-velocity idle. [2]

developing a robust air container, one that is not susceptible to cracking due to cyclical or road-impact fatique, or due to corrosion, has been the big hurdle. if they can do that, great!

[1] biggest one is that of discharge-line icing as the compressed air is expanded. need absolutely dry and oil-free air in that tank.

[2] think of headlights, marker lights, etc.; the expanding air in the engine serves as a very effective system coolant, though.