The engine stores the air in tanks and employs it to work the pistons. Using a small mains-powered compressor one can recharge the air tanks. The air-conditioning system in the car functions on the basis of the cold air, which is expelled by the engine. Take that for technological advancement!
 The first car that uses this technology to go into production is likely to be the MiniCAT. On the motorway, the lightweight air-powered car would be able to attain a maximum speed of 110kmph, and once fully-charged shall cover a distance of 200km on the trot. For re-fuelling, the car would charge at air pumps on petrol station forecourts for a minimum amount. Guy Negre, MDI founder, states that, "compressed air technology engines are non-polluting, as well as economical". He went on to add that, "unlike electric or hydrogen-powered cars, the air-powered cars are inexpensive and do not have a limited driving range".
Incidentally, our very own Tata Motors has recently entered into an agreement to make MDI's cars! Likely to cost 5,500 pounds in the UK, it is still unclear when the first car will actually hit the showrooms. As for India, don't expect to see one here in the near future.
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