While EV cars may be a thing of tomorrow, with the development of universal charging point for cars by SAE, the more rationalized cars of Tata Motors run on compressed air. The Indian auto-giant has reached new frontiers by successfully testing compressed air as a source of power for its cars.
For starters, Tata Motors is licensed from Motor Development International (Luxembourg) to work and develop air engine technology in India. The Indian automaker has announced that the prototype has been tested, with the demonstration and technical report ready. Moreover, the company is moving towards the development of a full-fledge production model.
Tata has confirmed that the first “proof of the technical concept” phase of the program is now complete with “the compressed air engine concept having been demonstrated in two Tata Motors vehicles.”
The concept is a part of mechanical engineer, Guy Nègre’s efforts to develop and promote zero emission engines. He established Luxembourg-based MDI in 1991 and the establishment has rolled out several products under the zero emission concept.
Although the organization had some brilliant ideas, it did not perform fairly well in the market due to strict regulations in the States. In 2007, Tata certified MDI’s technology, and is authorized to work and develop a production model based on compressed air engine. There is no word on when and how of the product, but Tata Motors has announced that they’ve had successful run in the project and a production model is on the way.
As a part of the second phase of the air-car project, the company has to complete thorough development of the compressed air engine into precise vehicle functions and stationary applications.
Under Phase two, the company has to, “complete detailed development of the compressed air engine into specific vehicle and stationary applications,” is now underway and, “the two companies are working together to complete detailed development of the technology and required technical processes to industrialize a market ready product application over the coming years.”
According to company officials, the air-car technology can be adopted for both passenger and commercial vehicles.