AIRPod
.JPG)
The AIRPod is an alternative fuel vehicle in development by Motor Development International and Tata Motors that is powered by compressed air.[1] The AIRPod is planned to be produced in three different configurations that will vary the number of seats and amount of cargo storage while keeping the same basic chassis.[2] It is designed as an zero-emission urban vehicle. Prototypes have been tested by KLM/AirFrance for use as emission-free vehicles in airports.
MDI has been promising production of the AirPod since 2000 but as of July 2016 none have gone on sale.
In September 2013 it was announced that the car would be manufactured in Sardinia, Italy,for sale in summer 2014. As of 2016 no car has yet been manufactured.
Technical Characteristics (Range, mileage and speed are claimed by MDI with no independent verification)
| Technical Characteristics | AIRPod | AIRPod Cargo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Urban carrier without driving licence | ||
| Number of Seats | 3-4 | 1 | |
| Length (m) | 2.07 | ||
| Width (m) | 1.60 | ||
| Height (m) |
1.74 | ||
| Turning radius (m) |
1.90 | ||
| Weight when empty (kg) |
220 |
210 | |
| Useful cargo (kg) |
- |
300 | |
| Cargo (m³) |
- |
1.10 | |
| Motor |
44P06 à chambre active | ||
| Total cylinder volume (cm³) |
180 (active chamber + expansion chamber) | ||
| Maximum power (kW) |
4 kW (5.45 cv) with 18 bars | ||
| Maximum torque (Nm) |
15 | ||
| Chassis / Body |
Composite sandwich (glass fiber / polyurethane foam) | ||
| Front wheels |
2 wheel "Diabolo" | ||
| Train arrière |
Bras tirés | ||
| Tires |
Front : 10×4.00-5 Rear : 100/90-16 | ||
| Brakes |
Rear discs | ||
| Steering |
Differential adjustment of read wheel speed | ||
| Energy Recovery | | ||
| Tank | | ||
| Tank Volume (litres) ' | | ||
| Tank pressure (bar) | | ||
| Stability control | | ||
| Rear view | | ||
| Active Security | | ||
| Steering control | | ||
| 'Electronics | | ||
| Maximum Speed (km/h) | | ||
| Range in urban cycle (km) | | ||
| Refuel time (minute) |
| ||
| Cost per 100 km (€) | | ||
Production model
In September 2013 it was claimed that the vehicle would be on sale from summer 2014 with a base model with 100 km range starting at 7000 Euros, and one with an improved engine, that uses some fuel in addition to the compressed air, giving 250 km range for 8000 Euros. The vehicles will be manufactured in Bolotana, Sardinia, Italy.[3] In August 2014 MDI posted photos of a partially completed demonstration assembly line in their Carros R&D facility, and illustrations and descriptions of the proposed finished assembly line. [4]
References
- ↑ Meet the AIRPod, CNN 10 December 2010
- ↑ AIRPod. Motor Development International
- ↑ http://www.sardegnaoggi.it/Scienza_e_Tecnologia/2013-09-20/22916/Airpod_a_Bolotana_la_prima_auto_ad_aria_compressa_made_in_Sardegna.html
- ↑ MDI News page (French) press release dated 2014-08-07, with attached PDF (visited 2014-08-14)