The ideal for compressed air cars has been kicked around for the last 20 years or so. But, with the recent energy crisis of sorts, any ideal that has a little merit is getting a little love, and this is no exception. The Airpod is an all new three seater being built by MDI, which has some experience in the area of air driven vehicles.
The vehicle actually uses electricity to build up pressure in its tank, which is then used to power the pistons and drive the vehicle. The Airpod runs about 40 mph, and the range between fillups is around a respectable 130 miles. Fillup itself is unique, in that the tank is filled with air. This means that you can go to a specialized compressed air filling station or do it yourself at home with a small home compressor, not unlike the unit that would put air in a tire. And for the record, refilling from a large capacity compressed air source could happen very quick. As for pollution, there is hardly any to speak of. Given the range, speed, and clean operation the vehicle would be ideal for city solutions as well as some limited distance commuters.
The unique interior of the Airpod incorporates three seats, one of which actually faces backwards. So the seating arrangement may not be the ideal conversation area, but with the range of the vehicle this is probably not an issue since any long trips would require repeated fillings, and you can catch up on the conversation at that time. Not to mention it might even be kinda cool to have a new perspective on a trip, as long as it doesn't make anyone carsick.
The overall design of the Airpod could be be described as playful and retro futuristic (when I look at it I keep thinking about something I would have seen on Space 1999 ), but it would definitely be a fun vehicle to have. And with a top speed of 40 mph it might be a good vehicle for a new driver, although they would have to keep an eye on the range.
Compressed Air Power
The first recorded compressed-air vehicle in France was built by the Frenchmen Andraud and Tessie of Motay in 1838. A car ran on a test track at Chaillot on the 9th July 1840, and worked well, but the idea was not pursued further
The Airpod is tentatively scheduled to be released in the US by 2010, and the technology has been licensed by TaTa Motors for Europe and India. In all likelihood the vehicle will probably launch first in Europe, especially given the vehicle source.
As it was mentioned, MDI does have some experience with compressed air cars. While there is no video of the new Airpod, we were able to find something showing another air driven vehicle. The video shows how compressed air, in the right place, could be a very viable alternative.
