India Air Powered Car to Feature Zero Emissions

The largest automaker in India is set to revolutionize the way we travel…maybe.

If Tata Motors delivers on its promise, the world's first commercial air-powered automobile will be a reality, in the words of company spokespeople, "sooner rather than later." Tata has planned several models, one of which is the CityCAT. The company claims that the CityCAT will be capable of reaching a top speed of 68 miles per hour with a range of 125 miles – making it ideal for short urban commutes.

The car can be "refueled" at gas stations using specially designed air compressors at a cost of about US$2 per fill. Tata Motors also says the CityCAT's price tag will be under US$13,000 – making it an extremely practical option for the everyday person.

Sound too good to be true? It might be. The CityCAT – and all the other models Tata Motors has planned – is held together by glue, leading to serious safety concerns. While this may prevent the car from ever catching on in the United States and other leading economies around the world with dense urban populations, Tata Motors says is has aggressive plans to introduce its line of air-powered cars to markets in Israel, South Africa and Germany.

If it catches on there and safety can be improved, the sky's the limit for this technology.