A car powered by compressed air is causing controversy in New Zealand; where it is due to go on the market before the end of the year. Called the Airpod, promoters say the futuristic vehicle can reach a top speed of 70kmh and can cover a 100-kilometers for around €1.50. It is powered by two small compressed air motors on each of the rear wheels and is steered by joystick.

The makers also say that unlike battery powered cars, the Airpod can fully recharge its air requirements in around two minutes. New Zealand company IndraNet Technologies is importing the vehicles from French manufacturer MDI and plans to make them available on lease.

However the green credentials of the vehicle have been questioned by die hard New Zealand petrol heads, who have been quick to point out that the car does not just run on air, but needs an energy source to compress the air, thus bringing in to question its whole environmental ethos.