According to an article on wired.com, the AirPod air-powered car could be ferrying passengers between gates at Charles De Gualle Airport in Paris and Schiphol Airport in Stockholm by spring of 2009. Air France is the lucky investor that gets to test these cutesy bubble cars that run on nothing but compressed air.
Motor Development International, a French based company, is developing the vehicle, promising air powered cars with serviceable top speeds and decent ranges. The Airpod, weighing in at 450 pounds and capable of carrying up to four passengers, is supposed to have a top speed of 43 mph and a range of 135 miles. AirPod’s engine is single-pistoned and the air tank can hold up to 175 liters of compressed air and be refilled within minutes. Best of all, steering is controlled via joystick!
Some experts pooh-pooh the idea in this NY Times article, saying that compressed air vehicles aren’t efficient enough to work.
It’s definitely a must-see to watch the over-the-top skepticism of Glen Beck with CNN…money quote is at 1:15, where Beck calls it a “coffin on wheels”:
…and check this one out to see the AirPod in action:
If you enjoyed this post consider subscribing to our feed, following us on twitter, and also signing up for our Weekly Green Tips email newsletter.
Related posts:
- American Airlines Transatlantic Flights Go Greener On Thursday, June 11, 2009, American Airlines is testing...
- Trash – The Next Car Fuel Do you remember in the movie Back to the...
- The Governator and The Scorpion We have a thing for sports cars here at...
- Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell While watching sports on TV Saturday, I ran across...
- Solar Powered Parking Meters Ever had a parking ticket? I have had a...
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s amazing. I would buy one in a hot second if they were available. Ben, do you know what they are priced at, or will be priced at?
Rob, I read probably five articles on the AirPod and I don’t think they’re available to the public in 2009, so don’t know about individual unit cost. Not sure if I’d buy an AirPod because I’m not so keen on the bubble car look! Plus, how would you fill it? You need a high compression air station.
Sunshines last blog post..Ten Tips to Green Your Apartment or Condo