Tata Mini CAT: the compressed air car this year in India?

While Karl Slym, managing director of the Indian car manufacturer Tata Motors, committed suicide last week, we learn that his famous Mini CAT car could well arrive in India during 2014.

The Tata Mini CAT, which we told you about two years ago, is no longer a project, but a reality. Scheduled for the end of 2013, it should finally land on Indian streets this year and who knows, maybe arrive in Europe. This car is a compressed-air car, developed by ex-Formula 1 engineer Guy Nègre of Luxembourg-based MDI, which uses this air to push the pistons of its engine and move it forward. The mini CAT would cost around 365,757 rupees in India, or just over 5,000 euros!

The car offers almost twice the range of an electric car, i.e. 300 km, with a top speed of up to 105 km/h. Only downside, the rapid filling (about 3 min) of the car will be done in the adapted service stations with special air compressors, but it will also be possible to do it at home (about 3 or 4 hours). Average cost: 50 rupees for 100 km…

Expected as a small revolution in India, but also in the world, the Mini CAT remains a car for the city with a very low operating cost, but will it be approved in France for example? Case to follow.