MDI's Airpod runs on compressed air, challenges Segway for dork gold

While outfits like Lightning and Tesla are attempting to make eco-friendly cars sexy, MDI is taking things in a completely different direction. The recently-made-official Airpod looks practically nothing like anything seen on American roadways today, which is probably why it's apt to hit the streets of France and New Zealand first. The oddly shaped automobile will reportedly reach a top speed of 70kmh (44mph) and cruise 100-kilometers (62 miles) on just $2. The secret? A minuscule compressed air-powered engine on each of the rear wheels, both of which get instructed by the car's joystick (Atari fans, rejoice!). We're told that reloading the engine with hot air takes less than two minutes, and if all goes well, the first of the urban vehicles will hit the cobblestones in the spring of 2009. Is that the sound of Tata's NANO feeling threatened, or what?

[Via EcoGeek]

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 14th 2008 1:02PM]

I've been following this AIR car for some time. And you are mistaken about Tata Nano being threatened. Check this search http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=tata%20mdi%20air

Tata is planning to get out the MDI aircar in India. It is more like Tata Nano might be getting the MDI Air engine.. It is more of a collaboration.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 14th 2008 3:32AM]

Wouldn't it be better just to have a small petrol/diesel powered compressor on board to keep the air tank topped up?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 14th 2008 7:32AM]

Anyone who knows how large air tank it has and the pressure inside the tank? It can get really ugly when a pressurized tank bursts open.

This is a link to an article about what will happen when a scuba tank (2900 psi) explodes; http://biobug.org/scuba/scubatank/

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 28th 2008 10:24PM]

as for the nano feeling threatend!i have some news for ur blog tata has already bought the rights to this tech from MDI much before this tech became cool or appeared on the net.and there is another version of this tech a composite engine is used in whic both gasoline and air is used and it more than quadruples the milage given per gallon.so tata is way ahead and iam jus waiting for them to unleash this technology on the unsuspecting mnc car companies in india.nano will be the perfect vehicle to implement this tech into as there will be no great need for a boot it strictly being a city car so an air tank can be easily be fitted behind the rear seats.
tata ppl are too smart to be outwitted they were making trucks(and those too not too good) when i was a kid and now they own jaguar and land rover.u jus see what they will be upto soon.