Introduced in 2001, the Segway Personal Transporter is a battery-powered vehicle for a single rider, powered by a battery that is recharged in a standard AC outlet. Segway uses "dynamic stabilization" to control the vehicle via movements made by the driver. A pair of special sensors detect body movements, causing the Segway to turn with a sideways tilt, stop by tilting backwards and accelerate by leaning forward. Fully electric, the Segway Personal Transporter emits no carbon dioxide whatsoever.
In March 2011, German-based aviation firm PC-Aero successfully tested a single-seat electric airplane called the Elektra One. The plane is powered by solar panels that company president Calin Gologan estimated could provide up to 300 hours of flying time each year. Once the Elektra One is available for purchase, the plane will be sold as part of a package that also includes a solar panel-equipped hangar at an estimated cost of $150,000. According to Gologan, this technology could pave the way for larger aircraft powered by solar-based electricity.
With a view to reducing traffic congestion, the Shenzhen Hashi Future Parking Equipment Co., Ltd. of China devised a bus that can straddle traffic as opposed to being part of it. Powered by electricity and solar energy, the elevated bus travels on rails on either side of the road, with enough space below the passenger deck for cars to pass beneath it. If successfully implemented, the bus will be continually charged throughout its route by super capacitors located at each "bus stop."
Back in 1991, Luxembourg-based Motor Development International unveiled a zero-emission vehicle that runs on air. The MDI air car is powered by an air compressor that pushes pressurized air into a tank; the air is then slowly released to drive pistons that power the car. Although MDI has entered into agreements with companies in several countries to produce vehicles, as of early 2011, no MDI cars have been manufactured for consumer use in any part of the world.
