World's first calorie-burning car

Introducing the FitCar PPV, brainchild of Nasser Al Shawaf, who, together with Dutch engineering partner, BPO, has developed the world's first calorie-burning car.

The FitCar PPV 'prototype #2' is based on a standard Audi A4 Avant 2.0L petrol TFSI auto, with the throttle replaced by a bicycle pedal mechanism and mated to a flywheel, which generates and electronic pulse to engage the accelerator. The car is powered as normal, delivering manufacturer specification performance and economy, governed by an active pedalling motion instead of the conventional depressing of the accelerator.

To make space for the bicycle and flywheel mechanism, the brake-pedal has been replaced with a simple off-the-shelf 'push hand control' conversion as used in motability vehicles.

Commenting on the project, Nasser Al Shawaf said, 'I work in many cities around the world where a 60-minute-plus car commute, each-way, each day is not uncommon. This is an unhealthy way to waste more than two hours every day. So, I came up with the idea of the FitCar – which does exactly the same as any conventional car – getting us safely and comfortably from A to B, however in the FitCar you can exercise while you drive.'

There are three simple settings to the FitCar PPV system, 'drive slow' – when in slow moving traffic, 'drive fast' for highway speeds and 'no drive' for when stuck in stationary traffic but with the ability to continue exercising by using the pedals.

Founder and managing director of BPO, Oscar Brocades Zaalberg, added, 'We are very pleased with our proof of concept, which has been trialled by many people in the Netherlands. There are several options to further develop and evolve the project.'