<"How does it work?

90m3 of compressed air is stored in fibre tanks. The expansion of this air pushes the pistons and creates movement. The atmospheric temperature is used to re-heat the engine and increase the road coverage. The air conditioning system makes use of the expelled cold air. Due to the absence of combustion and the fact there is no pollution, the oil change is only necessary every 31.000 miles."



Hi Ed,

It's hard to get any exact engine specs and figures from their site so this is just a cursory evaluation.

If they are using ambient temperatures to reheat the air and the engine - the car is extremely limited in its operating temperature. If it is driven in extremely cold weather the performance of the engine will likely falter quickly. The weight of the vehicle at 720kg is almost featherlight - but when you put even three people in it - the performance will quickly degrade. Just imagine performance for a fully loaded "pick up" model.

Its air conditioner relying on expelled air is not likely to work in all but the most mild temperatures, certainly not meant to compensate for the southwestern heat of the US, although its engine would clearly be happier in warmer climates.

Another issue might be engine corrosion. Using regular air there will be a constant condensation of moisture in the engine - promoting corrosion. Exhaust systems would need to be stainless steel. Engines would need to be aluminum or some other costlier metal to machine into a durable engine. The timing issue is all important as well and probably requires very precise computer control.

I also agree with Marcia & Shane -The air tank also does seem like it poses potential severe rupture danger problems - over filling the tank could prove fatal to the occupants or anyone nearby or simply destroy the tank and cost a fortune to replace. The electric charger obviously operates a small pump to fill the tank up. I would be afraid to let it charge too long and would be afraid it might not click off when it was supposed to.

It would get clobbered in an accident and likely fold like an accordion. However, I admire their innovative approach. Looking at the video of the car running and driving it looks like they may have some real harmonic resonance issues that need work. This means the car will likely ride like a mack truck and may be noisy as well. Ten years from now or if they really bust their tails and have enough support - five years - and they may have worked out the bugs to create a viable car for certain regions and which may meet some buyers needs.

However, various international safety regulations and keeping production expenses low will likely be a very big issue and barrier for the company.

It's very interesting and has a lot of potential, if indeed they work out the likely numerous bugs and limitations.

Thanks for the link,

SDAI-Tech1