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Directory:X Prize:Automotive

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On March 20th, 2008 at the New York International Auto Show, the X PRIZE Foundation and Progressive Insurance jointly announced the company’s Title Sponsorship of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE competition and its funding of the $10 million prize purse.

The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE invites teams from around the world "to design, build, and sell super-efficient cars that people want to buy."

The winning car must carry four or more passengers, have climate control, an audio system and 10 cubic feet of cargo space. They also must have four or more wheels, hit 60 miles per hour in less than 12 seconds and have a minimum top speed of 100 miles per hour and a range of 200 miles.

The winner will receive $10 million USD.

The cross-country race begins in New York City, September 2009.

Table of contents

1 About

1.1 Videos

2 Contestants

2.1 Featured at PESWiki
2.2 Other Contestants
2.3 Official Websites
2.4 Overview
2.5 Coverage
2.6 Comments
2.7 Contact
2.8 See also

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About

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Videos

YouTube X Prize Channel (http://www.youtube.com/xprize)

8.45 minutes Part 1 of 3. Progressive Automotive X PRIZE Press Event

X PRIZE Foundation's Chairman & CEO, Peter Diamandis and Glenn Renwick, CEO of Progressive Insurance jointly announce the Title Sponsorship of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE at the New York International Auto Show on March 20, 2008. The title sponsorship includes the funding of the $10 million prize purse by Progressive Insurance. (March 21, 2008 YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCeQPykPaLU))

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Contestants

Team Lists (http://auto.xprize.org/auto/automotive-x-prize/teams) - 60 teams have signed the Letter of Intent, as of March 2008. Based on the current photos and descriptions, some do not currently meet the minimum qualifications for this contest.

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Featured at PESWiki

Alt. Fuels >
Intergalactic Hydrogen Expects to Win Auto X-Prize (http://pesn.com/2008/08/09/9501490_Intergalactic_Hydrogen_X-Prize/) - Using off-the-shelf components and technology they have mastered, Tai and Fred Robinson say they can surpass 100 mpg-equivalent using a high-efficiency stock vehicle modified to run on hydrogen. (PESN; Aug. 9, 2008)

Gun Engine - Canadian inventor, Kazimierz Holubowicz, has come up with an environmentally friendly and transmission-free engine based on the same mechanics as how a bullet is shot from a gun. Initial test results showed 92% efficiency.

Hydristor to convert vehicles into green hybrids - This infinitely variable vane hydraulic pump/motor is basically a simplified automatic transmission with no gears, with regenerative storage capability. Aiming to retrofit existing vehicles, it is projected to double or even triple mileage, while drastically cutting emissions (to 1/4) and boosting performance.

MDI Air Car - The MDI Air Car uses compressed air to push its engine’s pistons, can hit 68 mph, has a range of 125 miles, and can be refuelled in a few minutes with custom air compressors at a cost of around $2. Tata Motors of India is planning to produce these zero-emissions cars in 2008.

Phoenix Motorcars electric cars - Phoenix Motorcars, headquartered in Ojai, California, is an early leader in the mass production of full function, freeway speed electric automobiles. Entertaining fleet orders for Sport Utility Trucks (SUT).

Quasiturbine Engine - This four-chamber Wankel-like engine is capable of burning fuel using photo-detonation, an optimal combustion type. The design can also be used as an air motor, steam engine, gas compressor, hot air engine, or pump.

Tesla Motors Inc. Nears Launch of First Vehicle - Tesla Roadster is 100% electric, not hybrid. A high power, high efficiency inverter combined with a powerful AC induction motor and large lithium ion battery pack make it faster than most sports cars (0-60mph in under 4 seconds; it also has a 250+ mile range and is more than twice as efficient as a Toyota Prius (135 mpg equivalent energy usage, station-to-wheel). Major VC backed ($60 million) company debuted the car July 19, 2006 in Santa Monica. Production began in March 2008.

Valentin Technologies - The 130 MPG Car is a medium size 5-seat passenger car, driven by a Hydrostatic Powertrain. The free-piston internal combustion engine pumps hydraulic fluid into the accumulator that drives the wheelmotors in each wheel. The wheelmotors are reversed during braking and become pumps to recuperate the entire braking energy.

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Other Contestants

AirShip Technologies Group (http://www.airshiptg.org/) – Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA The AirShip ground transport vehicle is designed from the ground up to be powered by electric based track-spheres. Critically developed transit track spheres or “track balls”, shell brakes, suspension systems and guidance software are specified for adaptation to the chassis.

Alpha Core (http://www.alphacoredirect.com/) / Poulson Hybrid (http://www.poulsenhybrid.com/) Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA Poulsen Hybrid system utilizes Permanent Magnet, Axial Field (PMAF) motors. This style motor came into being with the development of extremely high-energy, rare earth permanent magnets and has found use in aerospace and advanced vehicles including the "Sunraycer" record winning solar powered racecar. They feature high power and torque within a compact, lightweight disk shape architecture and are ideally suited for direct drive road vehicle applications.

Aptera Motors -Carlsbad, California, USA The Aptera was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, and later as an extended range electric vehicle.

Arkas Automotive (http://www.arkas.com.tr/english/pages/arkas_news/mart_2004/haber2.html)- Istanbul, Turkey

Avion Car Company (http://www.100mpgplus.com/) – Bellingham, Washington, USA The Avion is a lightweight aerodynamic car with superior performance and extremely good fuel economy. From its racing-derived aluminum chassis to its S-Glass and carbon fiber body it's the definitive high-tech automobile. With a drag coefficient of .26, it is the most streamlined car for sale in the world. Weighing in at 1550 lbs., it is the lightest car made in America. Mid-engine with 4-wheel independent suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes.

[Belloso Motor Company] - Salisbury, Maryland, USA

[Brilliant Automotive] - Fairfield, Iowa, USA plans to produce a five-door hatchback with extended roof solar panel as well a small solar panel on the hood.

Commuter Cars Corp. Tango (http://www.commutercars.com/) - Spokane, Washington, USA The Tango Electric accelerates through the standing 1/4 mile in 12 seconds at over 120 mph and travel from 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds. Advanced batteries extend the range to 150 miles with speeds up to 111 MPH.

Cornell University AXP (http://www.cornellaxp.com/) - Ithaca, New York, USA The team's project will be a Geo Metro that will be modified with a plug-in hybrid electric motor.

DEHyds (http://www.dehyds.com/) - Tenino, Washington, USA The linear engine, pump/motor, digital hydraulic valve control and currently available accumulators will provide acceleration, cruise and regenerative braking for this entry.

Delta Motorsport ULEV (http://www.delta-motorsport.com/) - Northamptonshire, UK The first Ultra Low Electric Vehicles to be built will be plug-in battery electric, offering a range of up to 250 miles. The focus on reducing weight and the great torque characteristics of electric motors will also give a 0-60 time of just over 6 seconds.

Desert Fuel GreenGo (http://www.desertfuel.org/) - Phoenix, Arizona, USA Desert Fuel's vehicle will be entered into the mainstream competition with a hybrid of electric and biodiesel fuel sources. The electric charge will be distributed using lithium batteries and super capacitors. The main drive train will consist of direct drive electric motors. A modified diesel engine will provide additional torque, charging for long distances, and smooth highway driving.

[Disruptech] – Newhall, California, USA The ZEVair is a two-seat sports car.

Dragonfly Technology LTD (http://www.polar-cc.co.uk/dragonfly/index.html/) – Northhampton, UK The vehicle will, in most aspects, be based around a conventional four-seater car.

Electric Truck, Inc – Greenwich, Connecticut, USA "H System" technology increases the mileage, range and acceleration of hybrid electric and electric vehicles (HEVs and EVs), and allows HEVs and EVs of greater size and payload capacity, such as light and medium duty trucks, or increased performance for cars.

[Energy Highway] – Pleasanton, California, USA A lightweight four-passenger compact sedan powered by a small lithium-ion battery pack and onboard generator powered by a small, ultra-efficient, regenerative gas turbine engine.

[Esterer Engineering Ltd.] - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada An ethanol hybrid vehicle.

Fuel Vapor Technologies alé (allay) Multifuel Electric Hybrid (http://www.fuelvaporcar.com/) - Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada For the past 2 years, FVT has been concentrating on developing a proprietary fuel delivery system and a light-weight, 3-wheeled high performance sports car from the ground up. The alé (allay) is one of very few independently designed vehicles specifically created to demonstrate and test advancements in new automotive technologies.

Global–E (http://www.teamglobal-e.com/) – Mandeville, Louisiana, USA The vehicle will be a four wheel, five+ passenger cross-over styled hybrid that will utilize currently marketed hardware as well as three vendor supplied components that are currently in development and approximately five proprietary/trade secret items.

Goodwin-Young “Linc Volt” (http://www.lincvolt.com/) - Wichita, Kansas, USA Linc Volt is a 2.5 ton Lincoln Continental Mk IV convertible manufactured by Ford motors in 1959. At 19.5 feet long, it was the longest car of its era. A new series-hybrid system for powering the car is in the final stages of tuning and development.

Greenhouse 2000 SolarCycle (http://www.xlr8sun.com/) - Orlando, Florida, USA A 3-wheeled, lightweight solar, enclosed, air conditioned motorcycle that is already street legal.

GroupXcaliber (http://www.groupxcaliber.com/) Califrnia, USA Applying advanced combustion technology to current production vehicles.
[Gunn Team] - San Jose, California, USA A light, strong vehicle able to operate on gasoline, butanol, or LNG.

Herf Duo (http://www.herf.net/) - Berlin, Germany A two-wheeled, tandem seat vehicle.

HP2g (http://www.hp2g.com/) – Ohio, USA - The flagship HP2g™ runs on E85, which is a green, alcohol-based fuel that significantly reduces green house gas emissions. Working to build a vehicle that would meet the requirements of the X-PRIZE, Team HP2g started by using the V8 platform.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies (http://www.hevt.com/)– Illinois, USA - Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies, Inc. (HEVT) is an early-stage technology venture specializing in design and development of hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle controllers, drive trains, and conversions.

Hybrid Technologies (http://www.hybridtechnologies.com/) - Mooresville, North Carolina, USA Lithium electric vehicle using its proprietary Battery Management System that allows for safe charge and discharge.

HyKinesys PowerBeam (http://www.hykinesys.com/) - Rolling Hills Estate, California, USA , A four-seat coupe conversion vehicle of next generation automotive hybrid systems, PowerBeams, that increase vehicular fuel efficiency by 100%, improve vehicle performance and reduce the cost of hybridizing vehicles.

[ICEwave] –Terre Haute, Indiana, USA Rose Hulman Institute of Technology is designing an electric-hydrogen hybrid with intake and exhaust modifications including a thermoelectric and turbo-electric generation with advanced hydrogen boost.

Illuminati Motor Works (IMW) (http://illuminatimotorworks.com/) - Virden, Illinois, USA “Seven” is a four seat, gasoline compound series hybrid. The vehicle has dual modular design enabling both its drive train and body components to be swapped out. This concept allows bolt on adaptation of Diesel, BioDiesel, Ethanol, and natural gas drive train and body styles including the four door sedan and truck versions. Illinois, USA

Kinetic Vehicles "Corrode Warrior" with Kubota Diesel engine (http://www.kineticvehicles.com/) - Creswell, Oregon, USA selected a donor car for the driveline and suspension components; it's an early '80s Toyota Corolla wagon that has had a hard life in general, and sea spray in specific, called the "Corrode Warrior".

Kuttner Doran Inventions (http://www.fordgttv.com/) -Charlottesville, Virginia, USA he team expects that the essential driveline will likely be a diesel/electric unit that will employ a combination of capacitors and/or other storage devices.

laeN'O (http://laenododo.com/) – Marshall, North Carolina, USA Building a hybrid electric system around to gain fuel efficiency in the dodo beak inspired "racEcar" to be known as the "eco DODO".

Loremo AG Low Resistance Mobile (http://www.loremo.com/) - Munich, Germany A gas engine two seater vehicle with two fold-down children's seats in back, will come equipped with air bags, seat belts, and even a radio.

Lydell Industries LLC Lydell Third Stroke Engine (http://lydellindustries.com/) – Frewsburg, New York, USA The LYDELL THIRD CYCLE internal combustion engine (patent pending) is based on the current internal combustion engine but adds mechanical changes and components to improve the efficiency by 100%.

Maine Automotive X Moonbeam Microcar (http://mysite.verizon.net/vze6omtd/jorysquibb/) - Camden, Maine, USA A turbo-diesel engine, and a wrecked ATV for the front end. The car will be about 1000 lbs, a 3 wheeler, and have a 50 X 50 X 100 inch footprint.

Mann Research & Development (http://mannresearch.home.mchsi.com/) - Benton, Kentucky, USA The Alternative Class vehicle will be a redesigned 1993 Geo Metro, able to hold two people.

MDI, Inc. & Zero Pollution Motors LLC (http://www.zeropollutionmotors.us/) - Nice, France and New Paltz, New York, USA The new generation Air Car features a secondary bio-fuel energy source and compresses air while driving to achieve a remarkable 96 mph, 106 mpg and up to 850 miles range.

Michigan Vision (http://www.michiganvision.blogspot.com/) – Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA The plan is to convert a Toyota Prius into a plug-in hybrid.

Miles Electric Vehicles (http://www.milesev.com/) - Santa Monica, CA, USA he MILES XS500 prototype sedan currently under development will top 80mph and travel over 120 miles on a single charge.

Motive Industries, Inc. BEHEV (http://www.motiveind.com/) – Calgary, Alberta, Canada BEHEV - a four seater, 2x2 coupe hatchback electric drive vehicle known as the Battery Exchange Hybrid Electric Vehicle that combines the appeal of a sports car with everyday versatility.

MotoTron Disrupt (http://www.mototron.com/) - Oshkosh,Wisconsin, USA A full series hybrid.

[Northwest Energy Research Association] - Arlington, WA, USA Modifying a 1994 BMW 740iL sedan with a rotary engine.

Phoenix Motorcars - Ontario, California, USA They power their vehicles with a lithium titanate battery pack. Recharging is done with a 220V outlet, taking 6 hours for a full charge, or using a special charger, 10 minutes for a 95% quick charge. The estimated range is 130 miles, though they are working on developing a battery pack capable of 250 miles.

Physics Lab of Lake Havasu Diesel-Electric (http://www.physicslablh.com/) – Lake Havasu, Arizona, USA Plans are to use a Solar-powered Diesel-Electric Engine. The team’s vehicle of choice is a full-sized '85 GMC Jimmy 6.2diesel 4x4. The entire vehicle will utilize and gather energy to complement the diesel and NG hydrocarbon consumable fuels, that with an energy system will be derived from: solar thermal, solar pv, steam, and hydraulic sources.

Porteon Electric Vehicles, Inc. (http://www.porteon.net/) - Portland, Oregon, USA Using 100% recyclable materials for their vehicle.
Prometheus Systems Solar Commuter (http://www.novakinetics.com/) – Flagstaff, Arizona, USA The Solar Commuter, will have solar recharging capabilities, in addition to a plug in battery. The main source of power will be the battery, with the solar array.

Psycho-Active Epoch (http://www.psycho-active.org/) - Moore, South Carolina, USA Epoch is destined to become a highly customizable and serviceable pneumatic, multi-fuel hybrid that will achieve previously unachievable levels of fuel efficiency, safety and longevity using a Ducted Blade Rotary Engine.

RaceAbout Association RA05 (http://www.raceabout.fi/content/5.html) – Helsinki, Finland All-Electric sportscar with a 200KW motor.

Red Light Racing (RLR) (http://redlightracing.org/) – Callaway, Maryland, USA RLR is working hard to integrate commercially available off-the-shelf components into a cutting edge hybrid system that utilizes highly optimized diesel technology.Their vehicle is a modified Honda Insight with a diesel/electric power plant.

Revolución Motors (http://www.revolucionmotors.com/) - Lawrence, KS, USA Theall-electric vehicle will have six wheels, four in front and two in back, with in wheel motors and regenerative braking. A capacitor and battery will be available for power storage. The interior will have room for three people, a driver centered in the front-middle, and two more side by side in back.

Society for Sustainable Mobility Kernel™ (http://www.osgv.org/kernel-electric-car-green-suv-phev/) - Beverly Hills, California, USA Kernel™ Barebone Electric SUV Vehicle - the Core of Next-Generation Alternative Fuel Vehicles.

Spirit One (http://spiritone.ca/) – Brooks, Alberta, Canada Solar-powered Electric car with no range limit. They plan to accomplish this by using solar panels to keep the batteries perpetually charged.

T3 Motion (http://www.t3motion.com/) – Costa Mesa, California, USA The T3 is an electric three-wheel stand-up vehicle that is directly targeted to the public safety and private security markets.

Team TWIKE IV (http://www.twike.com/) – Rosenthal, Germany The TWIKE is a human-electric hybrid vehicle, designed to carry two passengers comfortably through any weather with speed and style, and without harmful emissions of any kind.

Tesla Motors - San Carlos, California, USA Tesla Roadster is 100% electric, not hybrid. A high power, high efficiency inverter combined with a powerful AC induction motor and large lithium ion battery pack make it faster than most sports cars (0-60mph in under 4 seconds.

Tilting Vehicles Australia (http://www.tiltingvehicle.net/) – Kilburn North, Australia

Team TriTrack (http://www.tritrack.net/) - Georgetown, Texas, USA A dual mode vehicle that drives on the street or on a triangular monorail. This all electric vehicle is approximately 20 feet long with front wheel steering and a rear drive wheel. (PDF (http://www.tritrack.net/gallery.pdf))

USA Electric Cars, LLC (http://www.usaelectriccars.com/) - Cortland, New York, USA A converted a ’98 Dodge Intrepid to an electric car with an onboard charging system.

Valentin Technologies INGOCAR - Elm Grove, Wisconsin, USA The INGOCAR, a medium size 5-seat passenger car. It is driven by a new hydrostatic powertrain with energy storage.

Velozzi (http://www.velozzi.org/) - Beverly Hills, California, USA All-Electric plug-in sportscar.

Venture Vehicles (http://www.venturevehicles.com/) - Beverly Hills, CA, USA A three-wheeled hybrid with two tandem seats called the VentureOne.

Visionary Vehicles (http://www.vvcars.com/) – New York, New York, USA All-Electric Luxury Vehicle.

West Philly Hybrid X Team (http://pesn.com/2006/02/28/9600238_High_School_Soy_Sports_Car/) – Philadelphia, USA What's under the hood is a VW turbo diesel in the back, and an AC propulsion electric motor in the front.

Western Washington University/Vikings (http://vri.etec.wwu.edu/) - Bellingham, WA, USA A two passenger vehicle platform which can support a wide variety of powertrain options, from biodiesel or biomethane to plug-in hybrid to full electric.

[X Tracer Team Switzerland] – Winterthur, Switzerland Fully enclosed cabin motorcycles, electrically driven. They will be built from a frameless composite safety monocoque structure, with the same performance envelope as the original ICE-production version (MonoTracer).

ZAP (http://www.zapworld.com/) - Santa Rosa, California, USA The Alias, a front wheel drive vehicle with two motors, combining for 240kW of power. The Alias, which is water cooled, is expected by the team to go 0-60 in 5.7 seconds, with a top speed of 156mph.

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Official Websites

Progressive Automotive X PRIZE (http://www.progressiveautoxprize.org/)
- Foundation (http://www.xprize.org/vertical/foundation)
http://auto.xprize.org
- Draft Competition Guidelines (http://auto.xprize.org/auto/automotive-x-prize)
- Contact Us (http://auto.xprize.org/auto/about/contact_us)

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Overview

X-Prize pre-requisites for $10M purse for 100-mpg vehicle (http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/03/20/mpg.xprize.ap/index.html) - The winning car must carry four or more passengers, have climate control, an audio system and 10 cubic feet of cargo space. They also must have four or more wheels, hit 60 miles per hour in less than 12 seconds and have a minimum top speed of 100 miles per hour and a range of 200 miles. (CNN; March 20, 2008)

The Automotive X PRIZE will invite teams from around the world to focus on a single goal: design, build, and sell super-efficient cars that people want to buy.

Why an Automotive X PRIZE?

Because today's oil consumption is not sustainable - our current use of oil endangers our health, our economy, and the political and social stability of the world.
Because 40% of world oil output fuels the automotive industry - and, in the U.S., 65% of oil consumption is in the transportation sector.
Because automotive emissions contribute significantly to global climate change.
Because there are no mainstream consumer choices for clean, super-efficient vehicles that meet market needs for price, size, capability, image, safety and performance.
Because the automotive industry is stalled - legislation, regulation, labor issues, manufacturing costs, legacy costs, franchise laws, obsolete technology, consumer attitudes, and many other factors have combined to block breakthroughs.
Because increases in engine efficiency have been "spent" on increased vehicle power, acceleration, and weight, rather than on increased fuel economy.
Because we believe there is great opportunity for technological change.

Goals of the Prize
Our goal is to stimulate automotive technology, manufacturing and marketing breakthroughs that:

Radically reduce oil consumption and harmful emissions
Result in a new generation of super-efficient and desirable mainstream vehicles that people want to buy

The draft competition guidelines are shaped by our philosophy that the Automotive X PRIZE must:

Achieve our main goal (above)
Be simple to understand and easy to communicate
Benefit the world - this is a global challenge
Result in real cars available for purchase, not concept cars
Remain independent, fair, non-partisan, and technology-neutral
Provide clear technical boundaries (i.e., for fuel-efficiency, emissions, safety, manufacturability, performance, capacity, etc.)
Offer a "level playing field" that attracts both existing automobile manufacturers and newcomers
Attract a balanced array of private investment, donors, sponsors, and partners to help competitors succeed (e.g., manufacturing assistance, testing resources, etc.)
Make heroes out of the competitors and winner(s) through unprecedented exposure, media coverage and a significant cash award
Educate the public on key issues

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Coverage

Why Is Progressive Interested in Auto Fuel Efficiency? (http://seekingalpha.com/article/69812-why-is-progressive-interested-in-auto-fuel-efficiency?source=d_email) - Clearly, Progressive has concluded that increasing gasoline prices, and perhaps increasing scarcity of oil products generally, are a major threat to their auto insurance business.(Seeking Alpha; March 25, 2008)

NBC’s Today Show (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23723053#23723053) (Video)
CNBC (http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&fg=rss&vid=ccc9a89b-3be3-46c6-a46d-d0132ab76c86&from=34) (Video)
MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23715179/)
AutoWeek (http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080320/FREE/294109746/1024&template=printart)
PopSci.com (http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2008-03/automotive-x-prize-official-progressive-sponsor)
Popular Mechanics (http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4261425.html?page=1&series=19) - Top 10 Early Contenders for the Automotive X Prize
Associated Press (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AUTO_SHOW_X_PRIZE?SITE=NCKIN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT)
Detroit Free Press (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080321/BUSINESS01/803210306/1014)
Wall Street Journal (http://blogs.wsj.com/autoshow/2008/03/20/insurer-ponies-up-to-sponsor-x-prize/?mod=googlenews_wsj)
New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/16/technology/16ping.html?_r=1&ref=business&oref=slogin)

United States Senate Passes a Resolution Praising the Automotive X PRIZE (http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=832644) - Senate Resolution Introduced by Senators Lugar and Bingaman and Passed Early Today Applauds the Foundation's Leadership in Inspiring a New Generation of Viable, Super-Efficient Vehicles. (MarketWire; March 14, 2008)

Automotive X PRIZE Teams (http://auto.xprize.org/auto/press-release/automotive-x-prize-announces-first-30-teams-in-multimillion-dollar-competition-fo) - The Automotive X PRIZE (AXP) announced a list of 30 teams competing to build and bring to market 100 MPG or higher fuel economy vehicles that people want to buy. Those that qualify will race their vehicles in rigorous crosscountry stages that combine speed, distance, urban driving and overall performance. (Aug. 1, 2007)

The Race to 100 MPG (http://www.popsci.com/popsci/automotivetech/e5690576b64fc010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html) - Gas prices are up, fuel economy is down—but the brightest minds in auto technology are about to do something about it. (Popular Science; Sep. 2006)

How About A 250-MPG Car? (http://www.cbsnews.com/track/sumhtml2006051315/stories/2006/05/12/tech/main1615295.shtml) - The next X-Prize (http://www.xprize.org/) challenge will focus on producing fuel-efficient low-pollution autos. But the Automotive X-Prize isn't the only incentive being offered for energy development. (CBS / Christian Science Monitor; May 13, 2006)

Aptera's Prototype Unveiled (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/03/the_future_is_h.php) - Aptera Motors unveiled a working prototype of their diesel-electric hybrid car that will get 230 mpg at 55 mph. An all electric version will be available with a 150 mile range using NiZn batteries. Tough composite chassis and body weigh less than 400 pounds. Estimated price is $20,000. (TreeHugger; Mar. 15, 2007)
- Aptera Is Now Accepting Orders (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/09/28/aptera-is-now-accepting-orders-for-their-three-wheeled-car-with/) - Aptera is now accepting orders for their lightweight three wheeled hybrid car made of composite materials. It is estimated to acheive 300 mpg fuel efficiency and a 95 mph top speed at a price of less than $30,000. (AutoblogGreen; Sep. 28, 2007)

Commuter Cars Corporation (http://www.commutercars.com/) - Tango - Doubling freeways. Quadrupling parking. 0-60 mph in 4 seconds.

Fuel Vapor Technologies (http://www.fuelvaporcar.com/) - The alé 3-wheeler accelerates from 0-60 in 5 seconds, will pull over 1.7 g’s while cornering, and returns 92 miles per US gallon. It runs on regular gasoline and achieves super low emissions without a catalytic converter, because the engine runs on fuel vapors rather than liquid fuel.

Loremo's 157 mpg economy comes from balloon (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/02/loremo_ag_157_m.php) - Built on the principle of "Whoever sheds ballast, will pick up speed," the diesel Laremo (http://www.loremo.com/), due out in 2009, gets 157 mpg and a top speed of 100 mph. With only 450 kg it weighs less than half of any comparable passenger car. (TreeHugger; Feb. 27, 2006)

T3Motion (http://www.t3motion.com/) - Personal mobility electric vehicles are simple to drive, operate on less than 10 cents per day, have a tight turning radius, and enhance visibility for law enforcement and security.

Team Twike.com (http://www.twike.com/) and Twike.us (http://www.twike.us/) - 53 mph - 80 mile range - equivalent of 300 to 600 miles per gallon

West Philadelphia High School, "Hybrid Attack"

The West Philly Kids Build Soybean Fueled Sports Car (http://pesn.com/2006/02/28/9600238_High_School_Soy_Sports_Car/) - High school kids (including drop-outs) design car that can go from zero to 60 in four seconds and get more than 50 miles to the gallon on soy bean oil. (PESN; Feb. 28)

200 MPG Velozzi Micro-Turbine Electric Hybrid (http://www.sema.org/main/semaorghome.aspx?ID=57239) - The Velozzi (http://www.velozzi.org/) derives its power from a lithium ion battery pack recharged by an on-board micro turbine, which uses any heavy fuel such as gasoline, ethanol, methanol, diesel or bio diesel. The company’s working model indicates great performance: 100–200 mpg; 0–60 MPH in 3 seconds; 200 MPH top speed. (SEMA; Apr. 25, 2007 )