Japan remains one of the leading countries at the forefront of renewable energy. Now, they’re working on a prototype compressed-air vehicle that runs without fuel, batteries, or emissions. How is this possible? Through air. The Japanese company’s new invention doesn’t rely on burning fuel, emits no carbon, reaches speeds of over 80 mph, makes no noise, and appears to be powered solely by compressed air. The company behind this “new” technology, known as Ku:Rin, is part of Toyota Industries Corporation.
The Ku:Rin reached speeds of 129 km/h using only air stored in a pressurized tank
The Ku:Rin was one of the first vehicles to run solely on compressed air, stored in a tank to power the engine using expanding and thrusting pistons. Originally unveiled in 2011, the Ku:Rin reached speeds of 129 km/h using only air stored in a pressurized tank. The vehicle emitted no carbon, made no noise, and required no fuel or battery. Not only did it use compressed air, but it also featured a zero-emissions design that broke speed records.
Air-powered components offer a compelling alternative for short-range mobility
Compressed air is being explored as a clean, low-cost complement to electric and combustion engines. In Japan, what began as a project by the company’s engineers, called Yume no Kuruma Kobo (Dream Car Workshop), has become the showcase for something revolutionary. With lithium supply chains under pressure and hydrogen fuel cells still at high prices, air-powered components offer a compelling alternative for short-range mobility and industrial use.
It’s range was only 3.2 kilometres, when compressed air ran out, immediate refueling was required
Let’s consider that, in the end, one of the main objectives of all these inventions is that they can be applied to citizens’ daily lives, so the issue of prices is something to be taken into account.
One of the biggest drawbacks was its range, which was only 3.2 kilometers (approximately 2 miles). Although the Ku:Rin never went into series production—limited by its meager 3-km range—it sparked renewed interest in compressed air systems. When compressed air ran out, immediate refueling was required. The energy density of compressed air prevented it from competing in consumer markets. Today, hybrid applications are emerging, such as in Sweden, where braking energy is stored in the form of compressed air and reused for acceleration, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
These technologies could play a vital role in reshaping the way we power and navigate cities
As climate pressures increase and energy systems evolve, these technologies could play a vital role in reshaping the way we power and navigate cities. While there was talk in 2011 that the Ku:Rin would dominate the future of cleaner mobility, the hype faded when the vehicle faced practical limitations, particularly its range.
Since the first presentation of the Ku:Rin, hybrid transmissions have made possible the resurgence of compressed air as an alternative
And today, for a form of energy to be considered functional, it must go through a series of essential stages. And it’s true that the issue of autonomy is fundamental to the continuity of technological development. Cars must be autonomous to be useful; even if the energy they use is renewable and carbon-neutral, it’s certainly not useful. In any case, since the first presentation of the Ku:Rin, hybrid transmissions have made possible the resurgence of compressed air as an alternative, so this energy may gain momentum again.
The primary purpose of automobiles was to transport people and goods from one point to another, reducing travel times. Therefore, especially in these times, being able to travel long distances without having to refuel or recharge the car is essential.
