A revolutionary new vehicle powered only by compressed air is on its way to New Zealand accompanied by promises it will help save energy and the environment.
The company behind the futuristic-looking "airpod" says its invention can reach 70 km per hour and will cost less than two dollars per 100 kilometres to run.
It looks like a giant roller skate but the technology behind the world's first air-powered car will literally blow you away.
The Airpod is powered by two tiny compressed air engines - one for each of the larger wheels.
Using a joystick, the driver steers the vehicle by controlling the flow of air in each engine.
It has a driving range of over 200 kilometres per fill of compressed air, but unlike most electric-powered vehicles, refuelling is quick.
IndraNet business development manager Kristina Barker said based on their estimates they would be able to fill a 175 litre bottle in 1.5 minutes.
Barker says the car's technology could also be used in large vehicles - such as buses and trains - and even for home power generation.
“It will revolutionise transport energy and communications in New Zealand and globally,” she said.
But for some, "puff power" is just "hot air".
Motorin journalist Clive Matthew-Wilson said the car was not efficient because it was powered by air, but rather because it was small and light.
He was also concerned about claims the car produced zero emissions.
“The car may move along with air but in order to pump up the compressors that fill the car with air you're going to need electricity and about a third of that in New Zealand is going to be generated from burning fossil fuels,” he said.
Ms Barker said New Zealand was lucky that a high proportion of electricity generation was from sustainable renewable resources.
“For the Airpod we'll be looking at using green renewable resources to recharge it,” she said.
The first Airpod will go on show in New Zealand in December but those wanting to climb aboard will have to wait until 2010.
3 News