In-wheel electric motors

Volvo Recharge ConceptMy thoughts on how a car should be designed involve using an electric motor for each wheel.  This allows for maximum traction, while reducing lost energy significantly.  PML has devised an in-wheel electric motor they call the Hi-Pa Drive that is perfect for this use, and even uses the motors for four wheel regenerative braking.  One of their first applications of the technology was to convert a Mini Cooper to this drive system.  Volvo is using this drivetrain in a concept.  Mitsubishi and Siemens are working on similar concepts. 

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Air Cars

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 The new green transportation technology to show real viability is vehicles running on compressed air. There are multiple companies releasing products based on the underlying technologies of air engines. Standard piston and rotary based engines have been developed, with air serving as lubricant and power source.Zero Pollution Motors is a French company affiliated with Motor Development International that will begin selling their air car in the US in 2009-2010.Tata Motors is a large Indian car company that plans to introduce a model in 2008.Here is a “Beyond Tomorrow” special.How Stuff WorksWikipedia

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