Compressed air hybrids gaining ground

A Compressed Air Car (CAV) by MDI

The engine for the Scuderi Air hybrid is going to debut at the Nagoya Eco Clean Car Fair 2008 in Japan later this week in preparation for its proof of concept due out this year. According to reports, the proof of concept will be ready for April's SAE World Congress.

Don't believe in something like an air hybrid? Check out this video about the MDI CAV, another compressed air vehicle. For a cost of $20,000, this CAV can go about 60 miles at speeds under 35 mph using nothing but compressed air. For higher speeds, or longer trips, a small amount of gasoline or biofuel can provide highway speeds up to 800 miles at 106 mpg.

Already plans are in place to begin production in 2011, according to Kiplingers.