MDI Compressed Air Engine Vehicles Aiming for the X Prize

The French automaker Moteur Developpment International (MDI) has unveiled plans to enter two versions of its Combustible Air Engine (CAE) in the Progressive Automotive X Prize contest. This contest pits teams developing alternative-fuel vehicles with at least 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGE) against each other in a single-stage race. MDI is spread its influence into the Alternative and Mainstream classes of the X Prize to show their design versatility.

The Alternative entry in the X Prize was introduced last week at the New York International Auto Show. The MDI utility vehicle features two doors, three seats and a $6,000 price tag that should appeal to many consumers. This vehicle will show the limitations and advantages of a single-fuel air compression engine once it hits the road for the X Prize.

Motorists in the United States and Canada who are interested in a larger electric vehicle should be heartened by MDI’s Mainstream entry in the X Prize. MDI has collaborated with Zero Pollution Motors in North America to distribute a six-seat family sedan in the United States by 2010. The French automaker claims that the family-friendly vehicle will be able to reach 90 miles per hour and achieve the minimum fuel efficiency requirements for the X Prize.

This version of the MDI CAE vehicle is still in development but the $18,000 estimated sticker prize would be manageable if the specifications live up to the automaker’s promises. The use of a dual-fuel engine in the commercial version of this sedan will help concerned motorists balance electric cars and gas guzzlers. MDI developers have developed a dual-fuel system that uses compressed air below 35 miles per hour and switches to gasoline above 35 miles per hour.

The preponderance of talk about hybrid engines and electric batteries in the alternative vehicle community leaves many questions about air compression. MDI needs to prove that the air tank is sufficient to fuel a family sedan during an average commute at moderate speeds. The problem of compressed air tanks losing pressure in industrial equipment could be compounded in a vehicle traveling at highway speeds surrounded by gas-powered cars. The scrutiny of the X Prize as well as the initial interest of high-end buyers will help bring the answers to these questions into focus.