Compressed Air Car - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

88CRX · 06-16-2008, 03:51 PM

A friend forwarded me an email:

Link is here:zev car

The car won't be able to meet US Safety Regulations, but it's interesting:

AMAZING AIR CAR FROM INDIA
This is the same company which a few months back-invented a car that costs only $2500 new. BUT it's not available in the USA. Why is it that a gasless vehicle that eliminates the reason to buy oil from foreign countries hasn't even been noticed by US manufacturers? How bad can this be for anybody, anywhere in the world -- except, perhaps, for the oil tycoons?

The Compressed Air Car, developed by Motor Development International (MDI) Founder Guy Negre, might be the best thing to happen to the motor engine, and people all over the world.
The $12,700 CityCAT, one of the planned Air Car models, reaches 68 mph, goes for a range of 125 miles. It will take only a few minutes for the CityCAT to refuel at gas stations equipped with custom air compressor units. MDI says it should cost only around $2 to fill the car up with 340 liters of air!

The Air Car will be starting production soon, thanks to India's TATA Motors.

88CRX · 06-16-2008, 03:54 PM

Thinking about it, it's a good idea. If you can get the range.

no combustion, so less energy loss via heat.

I guess it'll sound alot like an air impact wrench, or other compressed air tool.

What's interesting, the concern is freezing, because of the expansion of the compressed air.

Bigs · 06-16-2008, 04:02 PM

The design has been there for a bit! I think some Buses are running on this principle somewhere in the world! The MYT Engine can work on both air and fuel... Interesting for sure!

http://www.angellabsllc.com/

88CRX · 06-16-2008, 04:09 PM

Imagine an accident in one of those that ruptures a fully charge Tank!!!

meemooer · 06-17-2008, 12:29 AM

I really want the MYT engine. The design is mind boggling and it is so capable

ebacherville · 06-17-2008, 12:36 AM

if they made a 3 wheel version they could sell them as motorcycles in the USA.. Hell id pay the same price or more for a 3 wheel version.. if it came with a air compressor for at home to fill up with .. hell id pay 3500 for one witha home compressor or on board compressor for charging it up..

However .. wouldn't this be considered non powered motor vehicles.. its not using a engine per say..its just kenitic energy..

Also as for the air tank rupturing , i read up on these the air tanks are carbon fiber and if they rupture they cant explode , just crack open and release the air.. may be loud as heck but not explosive..

88CRX · 06-17-2008, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebacherville

if they made a 3 wheel version they could sell them as motorcycles in the USA.. Hell id pay the same price or more for a 3 wheel version.. if it came with a air compressor for at home to fill up with .. hell id pay 3500 for one witha home compressor or on board compressor for charging it up..

However .. wouldn't this be considered non powered motor vehicles.. its not using a engine per say..its just kenitic energy..

Also as for the air tank rupturing , i read up on these the air tanks are carbon fiber and if they rupture they cant explode , just crack open and release the air.. may be loud as heck but not explosive..

According to the website, under products>comparison:
-it has an on board compressor that is plugged in an electric socket, which will take 4 hours to fill an empty tank. It's kinda like a battery that won't wear out. Maybe the gaskets...
-there is also the option of filling up in a filling station which would take 3 minutes

elepski · 06-17-2008, 08:22 AM

Hello all...

I have included a few clip from you tube about the MDI Aircar... maybe this will help dispel some of the myths i saw mentioned here

88CRX · 06-17-2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elepski

Hello all...

I have included a few clip from you tube about the MDI Aircar... maybe this will help dispel some of the myths i saw mentioned here

The first video got silly in the end by saying it's a perpetual car, if an on board generator is put on to charge it self. If anything it started it's own myth. Perpetual motion!!!

I sure the car is Legit, but the video producer didn't know what he was talking about.

It's not free. I the same webpage i mentioned, annual cost is expected to be $220. That will pretty much from the power used to compress the air.

boxchain · 06-17-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88CRX

What's interesting, the concern is freezing, because of the expansion of the compressed air.

Air conditioning!

88CRX · 06-17-2008, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elepski

Hello all...

I have included a few clip from you tube about the MDI Aircar... maybe this will help dispel some of the myths i saw mentioned here

Thanks for the videos. i liked the second on with the Australian designed engine. Pistons waste alot of energy...

elepski · 06-17-2008, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88CRX

The first video got silly in the end by saying it's a perpetual car, if an on board generator is put on to charge it self. If anything it started it's own myth. Perpetual motion!!!

I sure the car is Legit, but the video producer didn't know what he was talking about.

It's not free. I the same webpage i mentioned, annual cost is expected to be $220. That will pretty much from the power used to compress the air.

I agree with you there on the perpetual motion junk they mentioned...that is just hype...

However, that van is PRIME for a nice high watt solar array on the roof... one that could help to recharge the system on sunny days while it sits in a parking lot... depending on the system and exposure time.. it could recharge most of not all of the air consumed while it sits... This would not be perpetual motion.. but it could help with the time between top offs of air. And yes the air IS free.. the Method of Compressing it is not. but the annual cost of running a compressor is much lower than the cost of adding petrol... so free?... no.. better?... by far yes....

88CRX · 06-17-2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elepski

I agree with you there on the perpetual motion junk they mentioned...that is just hype...

However, that van is PRIME for a nice high watt solar array on the roof... one that could help to recharge the system on sunny days while it sits in a parking lot... depending on the system and exposure time.. it could recharge most of not all of the air consumed while it sits... This would not be perpetual motion.. but it could help with the time between top offs of air. And yes the air IS free.. the Method of Compressing it is not. but the annual cost of running a compressor is much lower than the cost of adding petrol... so free?... no.. better?... by far yes....

Yeah it is much better. i imagine it does not idle when your not pushing the pedal it's off.

It would be great if they can modify in a way that will allow it to compresses air when you brake.

ihatejoefitz · 06-17-2008, 12:56 PM

This is very cool.

elepski · 06-17-2008, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88CRX

Yeah it is much better. i imagine it does not idle when your not pushing the pedal it's off.

It would be great if they can modify in a way that will allow it to compresses air when you brake.

Yes.. that was one of the key things of that system... there is no idle.. as it dose not need to... gas engines need to idle to sustain the reaction.. or have a electric starter motor to start the reaction... in the air motor.. one or more pistons are always on a power stroke.. you would just need to open the valve and apply the air pressure to start it up again...

The system really has potential...

I am kinda working on my own concept... using some of the ideas I mentioned about power reclamation..

Bigs · 06-17-2008, 01:01 PM

You can even add your name to a list for info when they become available!

The guys here at work are freaking out now! lol

88CRX · 06-17-2008, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigs

You can even add your name to a list for info when they become available!

The guys here at work are freaking out now! lol

It a great idea huh...

I wonder if they will have conversions available. When my CRX's engine blows up, I'd like to put one in.

ebacherville · 06-17-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88CRX

It a great idea huh...

I wonder if they will have conversions available. When my CRX's engine blows up, I'd like to put one in.

OH man what a great idea.. really the CRX is not to much heavier than these thing snad probably more areo efficient..

I want one of these things .. Just make it a 3 wheeler and they can sell them her eint he USA.. 3 wheeler 3 seats would suffice great here int he USA.. if they prove to be safe enough as a three wheeler we have a argument for allowing 4 wheelers to be legalized..

Id feel far safer in one of those than a motorcycle .. Plus out of the weather

MPaulHolmes · 06-17-2008, 06:30 PM

In L.A., if they compress the air from the atmosphere, then when it's released in the car's exhaust, it won't meet air quality standards. hehe

Duffman · 06-18-2008, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigs

The design has been there for a bit! I think some Buses are running on this principle somewhere in the world! The MYT Engine can work on both air and fuel... Interesting for sure!

http://www.angellabsllc.com/

I looked into the MYT engine about a year ago and my conclusion was that the inventor is a wonk with no scientific/engineering understanding or it is a scam to collect $$$ from investors based on wild claims.