Peugeot unveils petrol hybrid using compressed air

[Xithras]

21. Honda demonstrated a similar system a couple years ago, and Tata has one in development.

Visually the Honda Air was a pure concept car, but the engine system was a brilliant and functional demonstration of the technology. Tata's version is even further along, with an actual car body developed, but they're release has been delayed by practical problems with the technology (like the fact that decompressing air tanks have a nasty tendency to ice up).

It's a good idea for an "around town" car, but I've long believed that hydrogen is a better option for longer range vehicles. Considering that ALL of the technology is developed and functional for hydrogen based cars (and since everyone from GM to Toyota has actually built fully functional hydrogen cars), it's a bit of a crime that we can't already buy one. The "next clean thing" is ALREADY here and ALREADY works...they just won't sell us the damned things!