Latest Experiment in Hybrids: "Fill 'er up…with air!"
"Heating the air increases its volume, and by increasing its volume, it increases [the car's] range. That's why with one gallon of gasoline or its equivalent we are able to make over 100 mpg."
There are some good things that seem to be coming out of the current energy crisis—entrepreneurs, engineers and inventors everywhere are pushing out new ideas daily, in the quest for alternate forms of fuel.
One of the latest inspirations is a hybrid car driven mostly by compressed air. (Photo: Zero Pollution Motors)
With a concept not unlike a locomotive, pistons would be moved up and down by the force of, not steam, but compressed air. Under 35 mph, the vehicle reportedly would run on the air alone, but to increase speed and distance, a small amount of gas (or biofuel) would be used. The result is a car that can get about 106 MPG.
According to a CNN report, the technology has been propelled by European company; MDI, which has provided Zero Pollution Motors (based in New York) with a production license for the U.S. The company plans to have the compressed air cars available to American consumers by 2010, and for a purchase price of less than $18,000.
To read more on this exciting new development, follow the link provided.
