25
Jul
Even since the year 2000, around the time this article was written, there have been many changes and lots of research done in this area. That article said Zero Pollution Motors in France would probably have the first air-powered vehicle, the e.Volution; this same company will be unveiling a competitively-priced six-seater in North America next year. But, even considering all the changes that will take place in the next year or two, we do good in looking at this subject a little further today.
The aforementioned e.Volution is supposedly able to go about 124 miles before it needs to be refueled with compressed air. It still requires oil, but less than a quart, and it only has to be changed every 31,000 miles. This vehicle made its debut in Johannesburg, South Africa at the Auto Africa Expo 2000.
There is still much debate as to whether or not this type of vehicle is actually more environmentally friendly. They still require electricity to compress the air in the tanks, and some argue that the pollution is merely transferred from the car’s exhaust to the electrical power plant. That power plant most likely still relies on fossil fuels for its energy.
(Source)(Source)(Image source)
24
Jul
We’ve looked at several types of more-fuel-efficient vehicles here, but we haven’t yet touched on something as revolutionary as this could become. HERE is a page of facts concerning the history of compressed air in conjunction with transportation. One of the more interesting things to note from that page is the several places where the inventors claimed the vehicle could run “forever” or for “months and months before its air tank must be artificially refilled.” This is definitely something I’ll be watching as more research is done on compressed air vehicles. If the tank can’t refill itself or recycle the air, I want to know why not, in uncomplicated terms. If inventors of the 1980’s could invent a vehicle and claim it could go 800 miles before filling up, don’t you think our inventors could do a little better now-a-days?
The concept is not a new one. Compressed air locomotives were regularly used in coal mines in the early 1900’s because they created no heat or sparks. This was wonderful for the mines where explosion was always a danger. Jules Vern wrote a novel called Paris in the 20th Century which showed glass skyscrapers as well as air-powered vehicles. Apparently he was a little before his time there.
Compressed air can be incorporated into hybrids with batteries or fuel tanks. They can also use regenerative braking, but we’ll look more into how they work in a later article. I believe this is something to keep you eye on. With gas prices as they are, and no prosepect of them ever coming significantly down in the near future, I expect we’ll see a lot more research done on anything that will reduce our dependence on oil.
(Source)(Source)(Image source)
20
May
Most hybrid cars on the market today are gas-electric, however, a French car manufacturer, PSA Peugeot Citroen, is working on a couple of diesel-electric hybrids.
The following things contribute to making hybrids more efficient:
- Smaller, lighter engines.
- Regenerative braking. The electric motor acts as a generator that charges the batteries while the vehicle is slowing down.
- Periodic engine shut-off. The engine temporarily shuts off when the vehicle is sitting in traffic; it immediately starts up when it is put back into gear.
- Advanced aerodynamics. Smaller profile reduces drag.
- Low-rolling resistance tires. Narrow, stiffer tires have lower drag than regular tires.
- Lightweight materials. The lighter the vehicle is the more efficient it will be.
These are the gas-electric hybrid vehicles available in North America:
(Source)(Source)
