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Car Powered by Compressed Air

Posted by timothy on from the switched-from-suck-to-blow dept.

gripperzipper writes "CNN reports that a Korean company created a small car powered by compressed air. ENERGINE created its PHEV, or Pneumatic-Hybrid Electric Vehicle, which uses a two-stroke compressed air engine for start, acceleration, and uphill climbs. The car switches to an electric motor when its speed reaches 20-25 km/h (32-40 mi/h). Although major auto manufacturers have invested heavily in gasoline hybrids, it will be interesting to see if a market will open for this type of vehicle." Update: 04/04 17:18 GMT by T : Reader Tapsu spotted the incongruity here, writing "Interesting post, but the speed conversion has gone wrong way: "20-25 km/h (32-40 mi/h)". ... Thus the correct speed range in miles would be something like 12-15 mi/h."

3 of 409 comments (clear)

  1. Nothing But Hot Air by pressesc · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Here is another take on the same story, but with a little bit more science. The bottom line is there's no such thing as free energy... or lunch. You don't get owt for nowt. CNN needs to learn science

  2. Re:Say goodbye to free air by Rei · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The compressed air from a gas station could barely provide any stored energy.

    Compressed air has great power density, but awful energy density. I.e., you can unload power incredibly quickly from it, but can't store much at all. Even batteries store far more energy in a given mass. This sounds like a big step in the wrong direction, honestly.

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  3. Re:Still energy by homer_ca · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Yes, but it might be cheaper than a pure electric car because they they can get away with a less powerful motor and power controller. The motor charges up the air tank when the car is idling or braking. Then the compressed air is used for short bursts of extra power when needed like accelerating or climbing hills. Otherwise it's just like a battery electric car with a heavy, expensive battery pack.