Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

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# 92002E1923

**WRITTEN QUESTION E-1923/02 by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission. Urban vehicles powered by compressed air.** 
  
*Official Journal 301 E , 05/12/2002 P. 0246 - 0247*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1923/02

by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission

(3 July 2002)

Subject: Urban vehicles powered by compressed air

What representations has the Commission received about urban vehicles powered by compressed air, in relation to their potential for zero pollution in towns?

Will the Commission agree to an official evaluation of the project to construct an air car/taxi at Carros, France, in conjunction with the science and technology experts of the European Parliament?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(9 August 2002)

A European research project entitled Automotive Drive Using Pneumatic Batteries with oil/hydraulic interface and fast refilling performances addressed this topic in 1997 under the contract number BRST-CT97-5084. This project failed to reach the stated objectives, namely a zero emission pneumatic driven vehicle.

The Commission is aware of the compressed air powered vehicles being developed in the South of France by Mr Guy Negre and the company MDI. A presentation of Mr Negre's work and vision for compressed air vehicles was made to the Commission services as early as 1999. It has also been informed that the first homologation test initially planned for the first half of 2000 has not taken place yet.

The Commission can only contribute to the costs of a demonstration project provided a consortium submits a proposal in line with the rules of participation stipulated in the Community Framework Programme for Research and Development. All eligible proposals submitted in response to a call are evaluated by the Commission according to clearly established rules guaranteeing impartiality and transparency. The Commission is assisted in this task by independent experts, competent in the relevant field and selected from a database drawn up as a result of a call for candidature. The first call for proposals under the 6th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development is expected to be published in November 2002.

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