This magnetically powered car concept, termed the MAG is the work of a Slovac designer by the name of Matúš Procháczka. It would drive using an electric engine that is assisted by the magnetic force between magnets in the car and magnets in the road. This magnetic boost would have the effect of reducing the car’s effective weight by up to 50% (I am assuming the weight of the occupant or occupants would alter the figure).

The catch is of course the magnets that would need to be in the roads. Magnets ain’t cheap and having roads of magnets would cost inestimable sums of money. Think of how much maglev track costs to lay and then think how much of that you are going to need to cover existing roads; it probably won’t work out in this lifetime, but it is good to see people thinking outside the box. [The Design Blog via Tuvie, Oh Gizmo!]