It still sounded like a good idea, so I contacted a longtime friend's husband who is a physicist. He says the technology exists. But I'm certain they will have to revamp those gas station pumps that take five minutes to fill a car tire!

From Steven:

"I first heard of the air powered car about a year ago. I think that it was first developed in France. I'm not sure just how the power cycle on the engine works, but I know there are working vehicles using this technology and the power source is very high pressure air.

"The actual range between refuels will depend on the air tank size, air pressure, vehicle weight, accelerations, driving terrain and driving speeds, etc.

"From what I remember, the vehicle is very light weight and will probably have trouble getting approved here in the US, at least with regards to freeway driving and I doubt that it will have many luxuries (limited power and torque).

"If an owner invests in a commercial air compressor, you could drive one of the cars around town for virtually free. For non freeway driving and two passenger use, I think this technology will blow the socks off of the 'mini/small' electric car market and maybe even put a dent in the mid sized electric vehicles.

"So, to answer your question, yes this technology exists. Whether it becomes commercially viable remains to be seen, but I suspect that there is a market and we will be seeing air powered cars in the near future."