Zero Pollution Motors is a licensee of MDI in the US, which is a company based in Luxembourg that is famous for having developed the AirPod. The AirPod is a car that runs on compressed air. The Air aims to reduce the pollution caused by motor vehicles by using compressed air to propel the car instead of gas.
They are not the developer of the Air Car but have a license that makes them a dealer-manufacturer. They aim to build small factories throughout the US to sell and manufacture cars.
The AirPod Standard, the AirPod Cargo, and the AirPod Baby are three products that zero pollution will manufacture.
The company was founded in 2000 by Ethan Tucker and Pat Boone. They gained the rights to manufacture the AirPod before its appearance in Shark Tank.
They originally wanted to develop low-pollution vehicles to help reduce the danger to the environment.
They presented themselves in Shark Tank on May 1st, 2015, in the sixth season’s twenty-seventh episode. Owners Boone and Tucker appeared to be seeking five million dollars for their company’s fifty percent equity stake.
Not having a prototype of the Air Car, the owners had to present a photograph and explain how the car worked.
Mark Cuban saw the pitch as dubious. He stated that if the opportunity were as great as the owners said, they wouldn’t have to come to Shark Tank and pulls out of the deal.
Kevin O’Leary believes that the company had a flawed business concept and that a national policy should be in place. He pulls himself out of the deal. Daymond John follows suit, saying it is too early, knowing all the legal issues they would have to go through.
Robert Herjavec, although interested in the Air Car, feels is concerned about how the company did not have the rights of the entire US. He still offers five million dollars for fifty percent of the company, given that they negotiate a distribution doe the entire US. Boone and Tucker accept the proposal. The offer became the biggest deal ever made in Shark Tank.
Unfortunately, the deal fell through just nine months after the show. It turned out that the company was only a distributor, derailing any plans the Shark might have had for expansion.
The business does have a website and online presence, but its social media has not been updated since September 2019. Moreover, no car has been produced since the company was founded twenty-two years ago. The company doesn’t seem to be operational.
Our Review of Zero Pollution Motors
Zero Pollution Motors came up with a great business prospect to solve a leading problem of pollution, vehicle exhaust. The compact design allowed it to move with compressed air.
The United States is the second biggest contributor to pollution in the world. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, almost ninety-five percent of city carbon monoxide emissions result from motor vehicle exhaust.
Keeping these statistics in mind, the idea of introducing the Air Car to the United States will significantly impact pollution, leading to a better, healthy, and safer environment.
An additional benefit of the Air Car was avoiding petroleum use. Fossil fuels form petroleum, and it is getting too costly to use. Air Car has proved to be a much safer and cost-effective mode of transportation.
However, one area in which the company has fallen short is in its business plan. Although the idea was great, the approach was anything but. They made promises that were hard to keep and lost investors, decreasing their credibility amongst investors.
Furthermore, the Air Car, although a great idea, in theory, does not seem like a very viable source. The slow speed, compact design, and re-filling properties of the Air Car make them less desirable for consumers.
For your understanding, we have compiled a list of the pros and cons of the company.
Pros of Zero Pollution Motors
- It does not produce any pollutants.
- It does not need petroleum fuel.
- Since it uses air, it is designed to be lightweight. This allows the car to travel greater distances with less energy.
- Compressed air tanks are cost-effective.
Cons of Zero Pollution Motors
- Air Car can only go thirty-five mph, which is awfully slow.
- To increase speed, an electric hybrid system would still cause pollution, albeit less than usual.
- Would require ‘compressed air stations’ that refill the air tanks, which could take several hours.
Who is Zero Pollution Motors for?
The company allows preordering of the three distinct types of AirPod: The AirPod Standard, The AirPod Cargo, and The AirPod Baby.
The AirPod Cargo is a different car variant that would be great for moving items for crafts or light furniture.
The environment-friendly design has made a lot of people interested in the product. An excellent idea for these cars would be for use in the NYC Taxi and USPS Services, proving useful for autos.
Another area these products can prove beneficial for is restaurant deliveries. Restaurants usually deliver over a small area, and nowadays, many people prefer ordering take out than cooking or going to a restaurant.
Are There Any Alternatives?
While cars running on compressed air is a unique idea, it may not be customers’ only environmentally-friendly choice. The Tesla Model 3, a zero-emission vehicle, is a leading competition in this market.
The Tesla Model 3 is a favorite among customers, winning Europe’s best-selling EV in 2021. The Tesla Model 3 has a better driving quality, an elegant design, and state-of-the-art technology (equipped with auto-driving).
Our Final Thoughts
They have a great ideal, backed by their products. The Air Car is an innovative approach to dealing with pollution caused by motor vehicles. It can significantly impact the environment for the better, making it safer for everyone.
However, the company seems to have rushed into it a bit, biting off more than it can chew; not a single product has been introduced in the market since the company was founded.
