Superlight micro-engine that weighs just 22lbs and is the size of a BACKPACK is powerful enough to drive a Ford Fiesta for 750 miles without refuelling

  • It was invented by Shaul Yaakoby, 53, of firm Aquarius Engine based in Tel Aviv
  • Capable of churning out enough power to run a small hatchback for 750 miles 
  • Data shared with MailOnline shows it is 10% more efficient than an average car
  • Will be commercially available by the end of 2020 and in cars by 2022 

A hyper-efficient and super-light one-piston engine smaller than a backpack could render modern hybrids obsolete. 

Shaul Yaakoby, 53, is the engineer from Tel Aviv, Israel, that developed the engine and claims it is capable of churning out enough horsepower to run a small hatchback for 750 miles (1,200 km) without refuelling. 

The engine, manufactured by firm Aquarius Engine, is made of a only one moving component. 

MailOnline has obtained data from the firm which reveals the car engine to be 10 per cent more efficient than the average vehicle. 

It is now undergoing field tests and the company expects its generator it to be commercially available by the end of 2020 and in cars by 2022. 

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An engine smaller than a backpack and with only one piston could replace the internal combustion engine and render recent hybrids obsolete. The engine (pictured), manufactured by firm Aquarius Engine is made of a only dozen moving components

An engine smaller than a backpack and with only one piston could replace the internal combustion engine and render recent hybrids obsolete. The engine (pictured), manufactured by firm Aquarius Engine is made of a only dozen moving components 

Mr Yaakoby said its simplicity enables the lightweight design to be so efficient.

'What makes the Aquarius Engine so revolutionary is its simple design, we took the traditional combustion engine that hasn't really been changed in 150-years and we stripped it down to the bare necessities,' he said. 

'This means a 10kg [22lbs] engine made up of 20 parts that is more efficient than a 200kg [220lbs] engine made of 200 parts.

'For over a century cars have been carrying around a ton of dead weight that has costed us power and efficiency. 

'The Aquarius Engine is cleaner, lighter and greener than anything that has proceeded it.'  

Aquarius claims it is the 'lowest cost, highest power to weight ratio engine known to exist'.

The company is purportedly in talks with 'a number of major car manufactures' to use the engine in hybrid cars, but refused to comment on who this may be.  

Shaul Yaakoby (left) and Gal Fridman (right), Chairman of Aquarius Engines, says the engine could also be used as a back-up generator. He claims it could power an average flat for almost a month without the need to charge or refuel

Shaul Yaakoby (left) and Gal Fridman (right), Chairman of Aquarius Engines, says the engine could also be used as a back-up generator. He claims it could power an average flat for almost a month without the need to charge or refuel 

Shaul Yaakoby (pictured), 53, is the engineer from Tel Aviv, Israel, that developed the engine, capable of churning out enough horsepower to run a small hatchback for 750 miles (1.200 km) without refuelling

Shaul Yaakoby (pictured), 53, is the engineer from Tel Aviv, Israel, that developed the engine, capable of churning out enough horsepower to run a small hatchback for 750 miles (1.200 km) without refuelling

Gal Fridman, Chairman of Aquarius Engines, says the engine could also be used as a back-up generator. 

He claims it could power an average flat for almost a month without the need to charge or refuel.

'Households are quickly moving from a television, washing machine and oven to one or maybe even two electric cars, underfloor heating and personal computer servers,' he said. 

'That means the power grid needs to supply way more electricity than ever before and simply won't be able to keep-up.

'That's why we will be offering a personal way of generating your own green electricity at home.' 

Do you know your car dashboard icons? Take this test

Look at these 10 icons and find out the answers at the end. 

1. What does this icon featuring a thermometer refer to?

1. What does this icon featuring a thermometer refer to?

2. If the ‘ABS’ symbol is illuminated what should you do?

2. If the ‘ABS’ symbol is illuminated what should you do?

3. This shoe sign is instructing you to do what?

3. This shoe sign is instructing you to do what?

4. What is the battery symbol here is trying to communicate?

4. What is the battery symbol here is trying to communicate?

5. When the gas pump is calling your attention you’re running out of time to do what?

5. When the gas pump is calling your attention you’re running out of time to do what?

6. If this icon featuring a ball over a person’s body is lit up, what’s the concern?

6. If this icon featuring a ball over a person’s body is lit up, what’s the concern?

7. This symbol is reminding you what is in use?

7. This symbol is reminding you what is in use?

8. This key icon beneath the car could be telling you that what is wrong?

8. This key icon beneath the car could be telling you that what is wrong?

9. This exclamation point in a triangle with an ant-clockwise arrow signifies what problem?

9. This exclamation point in a triangle with an ant-clockwise arrow signifies what problem?

10. Resembling a water fountain on your windshield, what does this mean to you?

10. Resembling a water fountain on your windshield, what does this mean to you?

 ANSWERS:

1. A: Engine temperature warning light: Your engine has overheated.

2. A: Check the anti-lock brake system. An issue needs to be diagnosed and fixed.

3. A: Engage the brake to start the engine or take the vehicle or out of neutral.

4. A: The charging system in the motor is low on power and it’s currently operating on just the battery.

5. A: Get to a gas station soon to fuel up.

6. A: There could be an issue with one of more the airbags in the car and airbag system should be checked.

7. A: Your fog lights are switched on.

8. A: There could be a problem with the anti-theft system. The car may need a key with a transponder to start the ignition.

9. A: The anti-skid system is in trouble and may shut down.

10. A: It’s a nudge to top up on washer fluid. 

 

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