Rajkot students develop prototype car which runs on air

Students of an engineering college in Rajkot, Gujarat, have developed a prototype car that runs on air instead of petrol or diesel.

The four students started their endeavour about a year ago as a final-year project.

Instead of the usual fuel tank, the prototype is fitted with an air tank. The students have used parts of old cars to make the vehicle at minimal cost.

One of the four developers, Kishan Pansurya, said though the car can travel little distances, it can still be used in small campuses.

"Through our research, we have proven that if we fill air (in the tank) 12 times, the car can cover one - two kilometers (0.62 - 1.24 miles), and if we fill 15 times, it can travel up to three kilometers (about 1.86 miles). Such cars can be used in small campuses and colleges. It is pollution-free, eco-friendly and runs on air," he said.

Kalpesh Kotdia, another developer, said the prototype can be made better with certain improvements.

"We have used a 110cc bike engine. Only one person can travel in the car. Talking about speed, it can travel at up to 20 kilometres per hour. If we make some more modifications, we can increase its capacity and make it capable of travelling long distances," he said.

The students were constantly assisted by the teaching staff as well as the principal, who are excited about the talented innovators and their unique creation.