Inflatable, foldable electric car from France fits in a bag

A French innovation aims to tackle urban parking woes with the AirNAM, an inflatable and foldable electric vehicle that can be stowed in a bag. Developed by engineer Benoît Payard in Billom, France, the AirNAM won a gold medal at the 2024 Lépine invention competition.

The AirNAM resembles a toy car with an inflatable cabin and four wheels. Its key feature is its disassembly: users can deflate the body, remove hard components, and fold the entire vehicle into a bag or backpack. The developer describes it not as a traditional car, but closer to a velomobile, a recumbent bicycle with an aerodynamic shell and electric motor assist.

Weighing between 80-100kg, the AirNAM uses detachable bicycle or fat bike wheels, a pedal system, and an electric motor, similar to an e-bike. It accommodates two people and reaches a top speed of about 45 km/h, suitable for short urban journeys, resorts, or tourist spots. Assembly and inflation take approximately 15 minutes. Optional detachable solar panels can supplement battery charging.

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Mục tiêu của dự án không phải thay thế ô tô truyền thống, mà tạo ra một phương tiện di chuyển thân thiện môi trường, vận hành êm ái và phù hợp với các khu cắm trại, công viên giải trí, khu du lịch hoặc khuôn viên tư nhân rộng lớn.

Payard's goal is not to replace cars but to offer an eco-friendly, quiet transport option for campsites, amusement parks, tourist areas, or large private properties. Its compact storage eliminates the need for dedicated parking spaces. For motorhome users, it serves as a convenient auxiliary vehicle for short excursions.

Under current regulations, the AirNAM is classified as an electric-assist bicycle or velomobile, meaning users typically do not need a driver's license, registration, or mandatory insurance. However, the article notes that issues related to safety and regulations are still being addressed.

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Khả năng cất gọn sau khi sử dụng được xem là ưu điểm lớn nhất của AirNAM. Người dùng không cần thuê chỗ đậu xe riêng hay mất thời gian tìm vị trí đỗ.