TThere is an old saying in India not to build castles in the air... meaning too much hot air in your talk, that myth is about to be busted. India is building cars that run on air power; compressed air.
This is one small step for mankind, but a giant leap for independence from fossil fuels. I am sure, air impact studies will be done, environmental effects will be considered, but we are moving forward.
This is one small step for mankind, but a giant leap for independence from fossil fuels. I am sure, air impact studies will be done, environmental effects will be considered, but we are moving forward.
Hopefully we will manage our planet responsibly.
In my weekly article at Dallas Morning News, I wrote, "If Senator Mulla Santorum had attended science classes; he would have known how fertile lands become deserts, or how irresponsible management of waste can cause our water to be destructive to health, and how the soil erosion (alluvial) can rob the food productivity. If we don't take care of mother Earth, she would deprive us of her fruits. It is a mutually respectful relationship with Earth, and not a Bam, slam, thank you maam kind of relationship."
In my weekly article at Dallas Morning News, I wrote, "If Senator Mulla Santorum had attended science classes; he would have known how fertile lands become deserts, or how irresponsible management of waste can cause our water to be destructive to health, and how the soil erosion (alluvial) can rob the food productivity. If we don't take care of mother Earth, she would deprive us of her fruits. It is a mutually respectful relationship with Earth, and not a Bam, slam, thank you maam kind of relationship."
We are all a part of one interconnected and interdependent system. Keeping its equilibrium is our responsibility for our own survival as a part of the whole.
Hope you are as excited about the innovation as I am.
This Air Car almost sounds too good to be true. We'll see in August. 2012
Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer offering pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. All his work is indexed at www.MikeGhouse.net
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The following is an excerpt from Tata Motor company.
The following is an excerpt from Tata Motor company.
News of Tata's air-powered "Mini CAT" car first surfaced way back in 2008, and even now it remains one of the most contentious articles on the TMR website.
Now, the Indian owner of Jaguar and Land Rover, and producer of one of the world's most affordable cars - the Nano - has confirmed that the Mini CAT will hit showrooms in August.
The Mini CAT is made mostly from fibreglass, with a bonded (glued) tubular chassis rather than welded. And power, of course, is provided entirely by compressed air.
Fuelling the car costs only as much the electricity needed to power the compressor - around $2, Tata says.
After a 'fill', which takes around three to four hours at home or only a few minutes at a suitably equipped service station, the Mini CAT is supposedly good for around 300 kilometres.
Developed jointly with ex-F1 engineer Guy Negre and his outfit Motor Development International, the Mini CAT will be priced from around $8000, or around four times the price of the Nano city car.
What will the Oil Companies do to stop it?
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It is an auto engine that runs on air. That's right; air not gas or diesel or electric but just the air around us. Take a look.[cid:_2_09DF50AC09DF4B70000A4D62CA25791F]
Tata Motors of India has scheduled the Air Car to hit Indian streets by August 2012
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The Air Car, developed by ex-Formula One engineer Guy N. For Luxembourg-based MDI, uses compressed air to push its engine's pistons and make the car go. The Air Car, called the "Mini CAT" could cost around 365,757 rupees in India or $8,177 US.
The Mini CAT which is a simple, light urban car, with a tubular chassis, a body of fiberglass that is glued not welded and powered by compressed air. A Microprocessor is used to control all electrical functions of the car. One tiny radio transmitter sends instructions to the lights, turn signals and every other electrical device on the car. Which are not many. The temperature of the clean air expelled by the exhaust pipe is between 0-15 degrees below zero, which makes it suitable for use by the internal air conditioning system with no need for gases or loss of power.
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, that's about a tenth the cost of a car running on gas. It's mileage is about double that of the most advanced electric car, a factor which makes it a perfect choice for city motorists. The car has a top speed of 105 KM per hour or 60 mph and would have a range of around 300 km or 185 miles between refuels. Refilling the car will take place at adapted gas stations with special air compressors. A fill up will only take two to three minutes and costs approximately 100 rupees and the car will be ready to go another 300 kilometers.
This car can also be filled at home with it's on board compressor. Itwill take 3-4 hours to refill the tank, but it can be done while you sleep. Because there is no combustion engine, changing the 1 liter of vegetable oil is only necessary every 50,000 KM or 30,000 miles. Due to its simplicity, there is very little maintenance to be done on this car.
This Air Car almost sounds too good to be true. We'll see in August. 2012
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