Frequently asked question

What is the basic principle of the vehicle ?

If you inflate a balloon, you store the energy of your breath in the balloon. When you release the opening, you release that energy and the balloon fly erratically. The principle here is the same except that the energy storage pressure is very high (248 bar), the propulsion means is linear and returned to the wheels by an ingenious engine. It is our know-how that allows this transmission in an optimal way.



What is its autonomy ?

The autonomy of the vehicle depends on the type of vehicle, the size of the tank the engine was chosen and the way it is used. The larger the tank is and the lighter the vehicle the further it will travel with the engine remaining the same.
In the case of the next AirPod, a tank offers about 120 km of autonomy in compressed air motor only, depending on the load and the driving mode.
If we use the mode 2 engine system, we add a small burner, ideally consuming a bio-fuel, which heats the air: this causes the air to expand and multiplies by 3 the autonomy, i.e. 360 ​​km. The cost price is around 2 € per 100 km.
The AirPod uses standard tanks, but the housing containing the tanks will enable a further increase in tank volume thus increasing the vehicle autonomy by a further 20%.



What is the longevity of the tank ?

The tanks are made of braided carbon fiber and have a theoretical life of 20,000 cycles of charge and discharge, more than 50 years. One could almost say that it is indestructible. Unlike lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries or others, carbon is easier to recycle. And of course, a completely different cost over time.
It is a major ecological and economic asset.



Can the tank explode ?

No, an air tank cannot explode because the air is not explosive.
The tanks are designed to withstand an internal operating pressure of more than 250 bar. If the tank were to release its compressed air suddenly, it would be like a tear without any major danger. The tanks are tested every five years to check their resistance to pressure. The resistance is tested at more than 350 bars. If the tank does not pass the resistance test it is changed.



How can one recharge the tank ?

There are two ways to recharge your compressed air tank.
The most obvious for now: you plug your vehicle into any electrical outlet. The engine reverses and recharges your tank with air. It takes several hours, depending on the residual energy still contained in your tank. You can thus recharge your vehicle from your garage, your cellar, a plug for an electric vehicle in the street, any network in 220 volts.
The other method that will come later is charging from a very high-pressure air station. In 2 to 3 minutes, the job is done and you leave with full recompression for about 120 km.



Is this vehicle approved for driving in Europe ?

Yes and for a simple reason: the criteria for the approval of compressed air vehicles for Europe were written by two authors: the European Commission and MDI.



Can the AirPod 2.0 be driven without a license ?

It can be driven with or without a license. AirPod 2.0 is nor a car but a quadricycle which allows the driver without a driving license, he must respect the 45 km/h limit and that the vehicle will be restricted to. The minimum age permitted to drive this vehicle range between 15 and 17 years old depending on the country.



What is the storage capacity ?

The trunk of the standard AirPod contains about 400 liters.



How fast can the vehicle go ?

The Airpod reaches 80 Km/h. Other vehicles in the range, larger and more powerful can reach up to 130 km/h to 150 km/h. It's just a question of engine and vehicle sizing according to the needs of users.