The pluses and minuses are well summarised in the wikipedia article on the topic.
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What will the Oil Companies do to stop it? It is an auto engine that runs on air. That's right; air not gas or diesel or electric but just the air around us. Take a look. Tata Motors of India has scheduled the Air Car to hit Indian streets by August 2012. The Air Car, developed by an ex-Formula One engineer for Luxembourg-based MDI, uses compressed air to push its engine's pistons and make the car go. The Air Car, called the "Mini CAT" could cost around 365,757 rupees in India or $8,177 US. The Mini CAT which is a simple, light urban car, with a tubular chassis, a body of fiberglass that is glued not welded and powered by compressed air. A Microprocessor is used to control all electrical functions of the car. One tiny radio transmitter sends instructions to the lights, turn signals and every other electrical device on the car. Which are not many. The temperature of the clean air expelled by the exhaust pipe is between 0-15 degrees below zero, which makes it suitable for use by the internal air conditioning system with no need for gases or loss of power. There are no keys, just an access card which can be read by the car from your pocket. According to the designers, it costs less than 50 rupees (approx. $US 1.12) per 100 km, that's about a tenth the cost of a car running on gas. It's mileage is about double that of the most advanced electric car, a factor which makes it a perfect choice for city motorists. The car has a top speed of 105 km per hour or 60 mph and would have a range of around 300 km or 185 miles between refuels. Refilling the car will take place at adapted gas stations with special air compressors. A fill up will only take two to three minutes and costs approximately 100 rupees and the car will be ready to go another 300 kilometers. This car can also be filled at home with it's on board compressor. It will take 3-4 hours to refill the tank, but it can be done while you sleep. Because there is no combustion engine, changing the 1 liter of vegetable oil is only necessary every 50,000 km or 30,000 miles. Due to its simplicity, there is very little maintenance to be done on this car.
1 comment:
Hi! This is superb like Nano. Small Car Like Nano and air compressed driven cars are for small family like to drive safer, short distance, slow speed (max. 0f 40-50). Nano was framed for small family, who rides with parent, two or three children in one motorbike which is not safe for the riding family and for the public on road. But some foolish I can say GREEDY people expect more from small cars, which has smaller engines. People should understand the capacity, and purpose of small cars and whether it suits their expectations or requirements before gping for it.
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