106 MPG 'Air Car' Creates Buzz & Questions -- Journal 15 - August 10, 2008

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/08/08/air.car/index.html

European researchers are currently working on designing a car that can get 106 miles per gallon. The concept backing this car’s inception is similar to how steam locomotives are powered. The difference: the car would run on compressed air rather than steam.

The plan for the car includes six seats and is able to reach over 90 miles per hour. The car would also have a range of over 800 miles per tank because of the dual energy motor. Anything under 35 miles per hour, the car would run on compressed air only. Fuel would be needed to power the car to its fullest potential and for anything above 35 miles per hour. The first car in the United States is said to be available in 2010. The price tag is less than $18,000.

The design of the car would also be made as lightly as possible. The body would be built with fiberglass and foam. The chassis would be constructed of aluminum and glued together than traditionally welded.

Skeptics have their criticisms though. The main one being its fuel efficiency claims. Critics believe the mileage is ‘at the edge of possibility’ and it is a great leap to claim that a car will get double the mileage as the Toyota Prius.

I am all for anything that will save us from the current or worsening fuel crises. Maybe this is the one design that makes that possible. Back in 2006 there were some ‘breakthrough’ discoveries that old vegetable cooking oil would be our saving grace to gas. The only problem here is the inconvenience of converting your diesel vehicle or even using it. That has not gone very far since its inception.

One thing I worry about with the ‘lightest possible body’ of the car is its safety. How can something glued together be safer than/as safe as the car’s that are made of metal and welded together? Will they even pass crash tests?

I am rooting for the people that will make this possible. It seems to be a nice concept, so I hope it becomes a reality. If not this exact design, maybe someone will be inspired and work from there.

Reference: http://money.cnn.com/2006/07/21/news/economy/vegetable_cars/index.htm