Scientists in the south of France have developed a revolutionary air powered engine that they claim generates “minus” emissions!
Motor Development International (MDI) are currently prototyping two compressed air powered vehicles, the ‘Minycat’ (pictured), for urban use, and the ‘Citycat’ for longer distance driving.
The Minycat works by using tanks of compressed air to push the pistons, rather than the small explosions of petrol that power the traditional internal combustion engine.
As the vehicles’ engines do not need to withstand the high temperatures required of petrol or diesel engines, they can be constructed from aluminium and subsequently weigh less than half that of standard car engine.
What’s more, MDI claim that their vehicles in fact have “minus pollution” because the air emitted is so clean.
Compressed air is stored in three tanks at a pressure of 300 bar, and to prevent explosions in the event of an accident, the tanks are made from carbon so they tear rather than shatter if hit.
The Minycat has a top speed of around 70 miles per hour and a range of around 120 miles before the tanks need refilling. This can be done at compressed air service stations, or via a compressor that can be plugged into the home electricity supply to refill the tanks in around four hours.
The Citycat, currently under development, is planned for longer distance driving. The range is increased by making the engine a hybrid, boosting the power of the engine with almost any fuel, from petrol to biodiesel to alcohol.
MDI scientists claim the Citycat would be able to travel from Los Angeles to New York on one tank of fuel, which makes for record-beating mileage.
Click here for MDI website