Combustion Engine Breakthrough?

A car powered by compressed air. Interesting.

Sounds too good at first glance. Questions like this one will definitely be asked- 'What kind of efficiency do you get for converting electrical energy to mechanical energy, then to energy stored in compressed air and then back into mechanical energy?  Are Indian electricity costs subsidised?'

Tata Motors is ready to introduce Air Car - Will it be the next big thing?
      

Developed by ex-Formula One engineer, Guy Negre, Tata is on-stream to produce the first commercial air-powered vehicle, 'The Air Car'for Luxembourg-based MDI.

It uses compressed air, as opposed to the gas-and-oxygen explosions of internal-combustion
models, to push its engine's pistons.  Some 6000 zero-emissions Air Cars are scheduled to
hit Indian streets by August 2010. [Is this old fodder?]
      

The Air Car, called the "MiniCAT" could cost around Rs. 3,475,225 (RM8,177.00) and refuels after every 300 kilometres. Per refill cost is only Rs. 85 (RM2.00)

What exactly is the MiniCAT? In gist, it is a simple, light urban car, with a tubular chassis that is glued, not welded, and a body of fiberglass powered by compressed air.

Microcontrollers are used in every device in the car, so one tiny radio transmitter sends instructions to the lights, indicators, etc.

There are no keys - just an access card which can be read by the car from your pocket. 

According to the designers, it costs less than 50 rupees per 100 Km (about a tenth that of a petrol car).  Its mileage is about double that of the most advanced electric car (200 to 300 km or 10 hours of driving), a factor which makes a perfect choice in cities where 80% of motorists drive at less than 60 Km.  The car has a top speed of 105 Kmph.
     
Refilling the car will, once the market develops, take place at adapted petrol stations to administer compressed air.

In two or three minutes filling time, the car will be ready to go another 200-300 kilometers.

As a viable alternative, the car carries a small compressor which can be connected to the mains (220V or 380V) and refill the tank in 3-4 hours.

Due to the absence of combustion and, consequently, of residues, changing the oil (1 litre of vegetable oil) is necessary only every 50,000 Km).

The temperature of the clean air expelled by the exhaust pipe is between 0-15degrees below zero,which makes it suitable for use by the internal air conditioning system with no need for gases or loss of power.

Will the Air Car revolutionise motoring forever?