Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Progressive Automotive X-Prize Contenders]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-progressive-automotive-x-prize-contenders/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-progressive-automotive-x-prize-contenders/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-progressive-automotive-x-prize-contenders/#commentsFiled under: ,


EVI Wave2 Progressive Automotive X-Prize contender - Click above for high-res image gallery

For us polar ice cap haters, we generally think of the competitors in this kind of thing as a bunch of ultra-light, tofu-fueled playthings for liberals who care more about the planet than they do about the people who have to drive one of these rolling chicanes. Sometimes, we'll admit to being wrong.

While Sinclairs and Peels, Tatas and Smarts have forever shaped the way some people think of our recurring push towards greener motoring, the aim of this challenge is to bring ultra-efficiency to vehicles you could really use in the real world. Cars that provide room for you and your stuff and your mate. Cars that don't have to worry about keeping out of everyone else's way while merging into traffic or climbing hills. Cars that look more like a family sedan than a landspeed bicycle. Judging by the competitors we saw at SEMA, we'd say they have a little ways to go yet, but most of the vehicles that were on display sure looked fun. If they're frugal too, so much the better.

Unfortunately, for every Team Hydrophi Ford 500 Phi Ride and Global-E G1 in the group, there was still a Tango or Zap Alias, cars that might be great to drive and efficient, but only seem to reinforce the stereotypes. The ones we really liked were the examples that blended the two needs in a tasteful way. Cars like the EVI Wave 2 (above) and the Aptera 2e are a hoot. Competitors like the Amp'd Sky and Smart EVX seem like solid choices, but the cars they're based on might not be practical for everyone either. Same goes for the Carbon Zero roadster and the T-Rex-derived Optamotive Surge. The one that really captured our attention the most though, was the Future Vehicle Technologies eVARO (its the gold car between the Tango and Smart). We covered this squid-like tandom when it was first announced a couple of years ago. Until they come to market, check out our gallery and the press release announcing the 43 finalists for the prize.



Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Progressive Automotive X-Prize Contenders

SEMA 2009: Progressive Automotive X-Prize Contenders originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Progressive Automotive X PRIZEProgressive Automotive X-PrizeProgressiveAutomotiveX-prizeProgressiveAutomotiveXPrizeSEMAsema 2009Sema2009Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Auto X Prize wins $5.5 million from DOE for its own prize-giving contest]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/auto-x-prize-wins-5-5-million-from-doe-for-its-own-prize-giving/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/auto-x-prize-wins-5-5-million-from-doe-for-its-own-prize-giving/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/auto-x-prize-wins-5-5-million-from-doe-for-its-own-prize-giving/#commentsFiled under: ,


While the Automotive X Prize's raison d'être is to give out money to the best high-mileage vehicles and business plans in the $10 million contest, as the saying goes, it takes money to give out money. To that end, the AXP announced today that it has received $5.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy. The funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is intended to "to support the X PRIZE Foundation's work to inspire a new generation of energy efficient vehicles" through technical assistance and outreach efforts. President Obama has a plan called "Strategy for American Innovation" that asks federal agencies "to increase their use of prizes as a tool for promoting technological advances." This announcement seems like a perfect fit for that plan. To be clear, the AXP's $10 million prize purse is still being offered by Progressive Casualty Insurance.

In other AXP news, 12 team vehicles will be on display at SEMA this week. We'll try to track some of them down while we're in town.

[Source: EERE]

Auto X Prize wins $5.5 million from DOE for its own prize-giving contest originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The white stars on the map above could be used as the guidelines for a really fun road trip, if you're interested in learning as much as you can about the future of clean vehicles. From established companies (Tesla, Tata) to start-ups (Aptera) to high-school teams (West Philly EVX), these are the 43 qualified teams that have passed the Design Judging phase and will take part in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize. Up next will be some tremendous photo opportunities when the cars enter the "formal vehicle challenges" in the spring.

The 43 teams come from 18 states and 10 countries and represent six different fuel types. The 43 teams will enter 53 vehicles in the Mainstream (28) and Alternative Classes (25). Originally, there were 111 teams in the running with 135 vehicles. The recent drop out rate has been notable, with vehicles like the LincVolt and HP2G deciding to focus on other pursuits.

Where and when the performance testing will start will be "announced shortly;" a final winners of the $10 million prize will be named next September, but it looks like not everyone is in the contest for the money.

[Source: Automotive X Prize]

Continue reading Auto X Prize announces 43 qualified teams still fighting for $10 million

Auto X Prize announces 43 qualified teams still fighting for $10 million originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto x prizeautomotive x prizeautomotive x-prizeAutomotiveX-prizeAutomotiveXPrizeAutoXPrizeaxpDepartment of EnergyDepartmentOfEnergyx prizex prize teamsXPrizeXPrizeTeamsTue, 20 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[ThinkWrap, Auto X Prize partner for "near-real time" race vehicle monitoring]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/thinkwrap-auto-x-prize-partner-for-near-real-time-race-vehicl/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/thinkwrap-auto-x-prize-partner-for-near-real-time-race-vehicl/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/thinkwrap-auto-x-prize-partner-for-near-real-time-race-vehicl/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Got a favorite team in the Automotive X Prize? Once the road race portion of the AXP starts up (which is when, again?), we'll be able to follow the contest and specific vehicles online thanks to AXP's just-announced partnership with ThinkWrap. Vehicles will be monitored in "near-real time" thanks to a GPS-driven Google map "with interactive vehicle icons and virtual instrument displays," which we hope is more exciting than it sounds.

Scheduled to kick off in January, the new online portion of the AXP will also feature a social media network and team trackers along with the dashboard gadgets. The most interesting portion should be the ability to use the in-vehicle telemetry to "observe how vehicle technologies and driving styles affect important current and cumulative figures-of-merit such as fuel-economy, environmental impact, vehicle status, and more." If the AXP and ThinkWrap can make this contest engaging and data-rich, their effort to educate people about high-mileage vehicles will take a big leap forward.

Later today, the AXP will announce the teams that are "moving ahead" in the competition. Stay tuned.

[Source: Automotive X Prize]

Continue reading ThinkWrap, Auto X Prize partner for "near-real time" race vehicle monitoring

ThinkWrap, Auto X Prize partner for "near-real time" race vehicle monitoring originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize has has a number of teams drop out recently (e.g., the Avion and the LincVolt), but the competition is not slowing down. Next week, in New York City, the AXP will formally announce the names of the teams that are "moving ahead in the competition." To tease us, the AXP has listed five of those teams in today's pre-announcement announcement: AMP Motorworks, which converts Saturn Skys to all-electric drive; Commuter Cars, which makes the Tango; Optamotive; the West Philly EVX Team and ZAP. These five teams will all have cars on hand when the list of all competing teams is released a week from today.

At that time, the AXP will also give more details about DASH+, the national high school contest that is part of the larger Prize. DASH+ asks students to "design the next generation dashboard that supports behavior change to help drivers maximize fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact." Let's hope they do their homework and don't just copy the SmartGuage.

Gallery: AltCar 2009: Tango EV


[Source: AXP]

Continue reading Auto X Prize to announce all teams "moving ahead in the competition" next week

Auto X Prize to announce all teams "moving ahead in the competition" next week originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive x prizeautomotive x-prizeAutomotiveX-prizeAutomotiveXPrizeaxpx prizex prize foundationXPrizeXPrizeFoundationMon, 12 Oct 2009 18:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the MAX: Homemade biodiesel-powered Lotus Seven replica]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/meet-the-max-homemade-biodiesel-powered-lotus-seven-replica/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/meet-the-max-homemade-biodiesel-powered-lotus-seven-replica/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/meet-the-max-homemade-biodiesel-powered-lotus-seven-replica/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Generally speaking, purchasing an eco-friendly automobile is an expensive proposition. One way to reduce that cost is by going homemade. Such is the case with Jack McCormack from Kinetic Vehicles, who decided that he would love to have fun, practical, affordable and high-mileage two seater under $10 grand.

The resulting car is called the MAX: Mother's Automotive eXperiment. Although the initial goal was to reach the 100 mpg mark set for the Auto X Prize, the resulting car turned out to be a little far from this objective and was totaled in an accident. Thankfully, nobody was seriously injured.

McCormack has rebuilt the car and hopes to accomplish the X Prize target with a custom-built streamlined body on a Locost chassis, a 32-horsepower three-cylinder diesel engine from Kubota, old Toyota Corolla parts and plenty of custom bits and pieces. The car is driven either with diesel, biodiesel or SVO (Straight Vegetable Oil). You can read the complete story at his site. We wish McCormack the best!

[Source: Kinetic Vehicles]

Meet the MAX: Homemade biodiesel-powered Lotus Seven replica originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>affordable green carAffordableGreenCarauto x prizeautomotive x prizeAutomotiveXPrizeAutoXPrizecheap green autoCheapGreenAutohomemadehomemade green carhomemade green carsHomemadeGreenCarHomemadeGreenCarsJack McCormackJackMccormackkinetic vehiclesKineticVehiclestwo-seaterFri, 25 Sep 2009 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[ExxonMobil gives $25,000 to Philly high school X Prize team for Hybrid K-1 Attack]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/exxonmobil-gives-25-000-to-philly-high-school-x-prize-team-for/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/exxonmobil-gives-25-000-to-philly-high-school-x-prize-team-for/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/exxonmobil-gives-25-000-to-philly-high-school-x-prize-team-for/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

click to enlarge

For ExxonMobil, $25,000 is not a lot of money. For a group of high-school students working on a 100+ mpg car for the Automotive X Prize, it's a great boost to get their Hybrid K-1 Attack - or whatever vehicle the team enters into the AXP (the press release mentions but does not describe two vehicles - to the next stage. The money was presented to the students of the West Philly Hybrid X Team, based at the West Philadelphia High School Academy for Automotive and Mechanical Engineering, earlier this week by U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah and ExxonMobil Foundation President Gerald McElvy.

The Hybrid K-1 Attack is a biodiesel-burning hybrid that, last we heard, could get to 60 mpg. The body is taken from a standard K-1 Attack, a Slovakian kit car.

Gallery: New York 2008: West Philly's Hybrid Attack


[Source: ExxonMobil]

Continue reading ExxonMobil gives $25,000 to Philly high school X Prize team for Hybrid K-1 Attack

ExxonMobil gives $25,000 to Philly high school X Prize team for Hybrid K-1 Attack originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto x prizeauto x-prizeautomotive x prizeautomotive x-prizeAutomotiveX-prizeAutomotiveXPrizeAutoX-prizeAutoXPrizeaxpfalsehybrid attackhybrid k-1 attackHybridAttackHybridK-1Attackk-1philadelphiaphiladelphia academiesPhiladelphiaAcademiesphillywest philadelphia high school academy for automotive and mechaniWestPhiladelphiaHighSchoolAcademyForAutomotiveAndMechaniWed, 16 Sep 2009 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Avion withdraws from Auto X Prize, cites increasing costs of participating in 100 mpg challenge]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/avion-withdraws-from-auto-x-prize-cites-increasing-costs-of-par/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/avion-withdraws-from-auto-x-prize-cites-increasing-costs-of-par/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/avion-withdraws-from-auto-x-prize-cites-increasing-costs-of-par/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Another one bites the dust (see also: LincVolt and HP2G).

The Automotive X Prize will not feature an updated diesel-burning version of the Avion prototype from 1984 . Craig Henderson, the president of Avion Car Company, has sent a withdrawal letter to the AXP claiming that the costs of participating are too exorbitant for a small company like his. Henderson told AutoblogGreen that it wasn't easy to drop out of the AXP, considering that he's been working on high-efficiency vehicles for 25 years, even getting a Guiness record in 1986 for having the first 100+ mpg automobile:
It was a difficult decision to not sign the Master Team Agreement, a 64-page legal document for the X Prize, but the requirements for the contest and the cost of competing have gotten too rich for a work a day guy like me. I estimated it would cost around 25K to compete in the X Prize and the way the rules are (favoring battery cars) their was little point to continue.
Henderson says the costs he doesn't have the money for include the need to buy $4 million worth of liability insurance and paying for all the accommodations and meals in the upcoming on-road portion of the contest.

The AXP organizers will tell you that their MPGe method to compare various energy types doesn't favor one or the other, but apparently Henderson sees it differently. He will still be working on the new Avion that he hopes will beat his 113 mpg record set on a 263-mile trip in Washington State in 2008. Now that the Auto X Prize is out of the picture, Henderson promises, "The new Avion will be setting new records for REAL MPG spring of 2010" and the car will "be built on a custom limited production basis soon there after we break our old record." You can read Henderson's letter to the AXP after the jump.

[Source: Avion Car Company]


Continue reading Avion withdraws from Auto X Prize, cites increasing costs of participating in 100 mpg challenge

Avion withdraws from Auto X Prize, cites increasing costs of participating in 100 mpg challenge originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The road to actually compete in the Progressive Automotive X Prize is a tough one. We've been following the competition since well before the official Day One, and we can't quite understand the difference between all of the different levels that a team can be considered. What we do know is that the AXP's judges are hard at work these days looking over the submissions of the Registered Teams, deciding which vehicles will be allowed to continue as part of the Qualified Teams. After the initial pass, teams with vehicles deemed good enough to continue will need to pass "an even more rigorous design gate later this Fall before being deemed ready to showcase their vehicle on the ground next Spring," writes Steve Wesoloski, AXP's Senior Advisor, Deputy Technical Operations.

An official announcement on the list of Qualified Teams will be made later this fall. At least, that's the latest schedule. Originally, the road race portions were supposed to start in New York City in September 2009, but this has been pushed back to sometime in 2010.

[Source: Auto X-Prize]

Automotive X-Prize judges separating out chaff teams originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto x prizeauto x-prizeautomotive x prizeautomotive x-prizeAutomotiveX-prizeAutomotiveXPrizeAutoX-prizeAutoXPrizeaxpfalsex prizex-prizeXPrizeSun, 30 Aug 2009 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Auto X Prize throws water on GM's 230 mpg claim, offers mpge calculator]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/auto-x-prize-throws-water-on-gms-230-mpg-claim-offers-mpge-cal/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/auto-x-prize-throws-water-on-gms-230-mpg-claim-offers-mpge-cal/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/auto-x-prize-throws-water-on-gms-230-mpg-claim-offers-mpge-cal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



With all of the attention being paid to the 230 mpg number that the Chevy Volt will apparently be granted by the EPA, the Automotive X Prize thought it was time to weigh in on the subject of calculating fuel efficiency for vehicles that use energy sources other than gasoline. They don't like it. Instead, the AXP prefers MPGe, a "rigorous and more neutral measure" of fuel efficiency. The AXP's John Shore walked us through how the long-running competition thinks about MPGe. They've been at it for a while.

First, let's define MPGe. MPGe stands for miles per gallon equivalent, and measures fuel economy based on the energy content of a gallon of petroleum-based gasoline. For those who like formulas, the AXP defines MPGe as (miles driven) / [(total energy of all fuels consumed)/(energy of one gallon of gasoline)]). Understanding and using MPGe is important, now more than ever, Shore said, because MPG is no longer particularly useful from the consumer's point of view. "It is obsolete," he said. Shore gave three reasons for moving away from MPG:
  1. The growing popularity of gasoline alternatives. When everyone was using gas (or diesel), MPG offered a decent way to compare the efficiency of different vehicles, especially if one drove prudently and understood how the ratings were calculated. But putting, for example, E85 into the tank changes the whole equation.
  2. We are now seeing vehicles that can use two power sources, most obviously plug-in hybrids that use electricity and a liquid fuel. MPG really loses its meaning when there is more than one fuel and only looking at the liquid fuel allows PHEV advocates to claim they get 100 or 150 mpg, which is kind of true but also deceptive, Shore said.
  3. Lastly, as soon as we introduce plug-in vehicles, the efficiency of the vehicle - no matter how you measure it - becomes a very strong function of how far you drive. This issue is not addressed by MPGe, but should be considered by people who want to understand fuel efficiency better. MPG is MPG no matter how long you drive it for. But a plug in hybrid changes depending how long it's been since the last charge.
Read more after the jump.

[Source: Auto X Prize]

Continue reading Auto X Prize throws water on GM's 230 mpg claim, offers mpge calculator

Auto X Prize throws water on GM's 230 mpg claim, offers mpge calculator originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>230 mpg230 mpg volt230Mpg230MpgVoltauto x prizeautomotive x prizeAutomotiveXPrizeAutoXPrizejohn shoreJohnShoremiles per gallonmiles per gallon equivalentMilesPerGallonMilesPerGallonEquivalentmpgmpg equivalentmpgeMpgEquivalentFri, 21 Aug 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Auto X Prize announces the experts who will make sure the rules are followed]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/auto-x-prize-announces-the-experts-who-will-make-sure-the-rules/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/auto-x-prize-announces-the-experts-who-will-make-sure-the-rules/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/auto-x-prize-announces-the-experts-who-will-make-sure-the-rules/#commentsFiled under: ,


While progress on the Automotive X Prize has been off track a little bit over the past year, things are still moving forward. Today, the AXP announced the names on a panel of experts that have been hired to lead the technical operations for the competition. What does that mean? It means that these are six people who will inspect and judge the designs of the entrants. Their names and backgrounds are:
  • Steve Wesoloski - Senior Advisor, Deputy Technical Operations (Expertise in engineering and motorsports; most recently with GM Racing)
  • Don Taylor - Senior Advisor, Competition Rules (Expertise in 'Green Racing'; formerly of the National Hot Rod Association)
  • P.T. Jones - Senior Advisor, Competition Operations (Senior Vehicle Systems Engineer, currently with Sentech, Inc.)
  • Jody Nelson - Senior Advisor, Energy Storage Technologies (Expertise in alternative and renewable energy technologies; formerly with Daimler AG and currently with BluEngineering)
  • Spencer Quong - Senior Advisor, Fueling & Advanced Vehicle Technologies (currently Chief Technology Officer with Quong & Associates, Inc.)
  • Dr. Jim Winkelman - Senior Advisor, Electronics & Advanced Propulsion Technologies (Electrical Engineer with 30+ years in developing advanced products at General Electric, Ford, Visteon and Plug Power)

There's a PDF of biographies available. Now that the judging team has been expanded - and they are apparently "hard at work reviewing the 90+ Registered Teams' business plans and vehicle data submissions" - we want to see this Design Judging phase, the first competitive part of the AXP, over and done with. That way, we can get to the actual vehicle challenges, which are supposed to take place in the spring.

[Source: Auto X Prize]

Continue reading Auto X Prize announces the experts who will make sure the rules are followed

Auto X Prize announces the experts who will make sure the rules are followed originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto x prizeautomotive x prizeAutomotiveXPrizeAutoXPrizeaxpdon taylorDonTaylorfalsejim winkelmanJimWinkelmanjody nelsonJodyNelsonp.t. jonesP.t.Jonesspencer quongSpencerQuongsteve wesoloskiSteveWesoloskiFri, 07 Aug 2009 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Lincvolt withdraws from X-Prize, will focus on "main goal"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/lincvolt-withdraws-from-x-prize-will-focus-on-main-goal/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/lincvolt-withdraws-from-x-prize-will-focus-on-main-goal/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/lincvolt-withdraws-from-x-prize-will-focus-on-main-goal/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Neil Young's evolving Lincvolt project - a 1959 Lincoln Continental that weighs 2.5 tons and is 19.5 feet long that is being converted into a "bio-hydro-electric series hybrid vehicle" - today officially announced it will no longer participate in the Automotive X Prize. The split seems to be friendly. The Lincvolt news page says:
We have withdrawn Lincvolt from the X-Prize because of the conflict between providing the energy and resources required to develop a viable business plan for the Lincvolt technology, a requirement for X-Prize contestants, versus providing the resources and time required to focus on our main goal.
The development of Lincvolt technology is ongoing. We have always been in a race against Time, not a race against other contestants to win a cash prize.
The Goodwin Young team thanks the X-Prize for the valuable support they provided during the last year. Good luck to all of the contestants!
Unlike another recent drop-out, HP2G, The Goodwin-Young Lincvolt Team was one of the X Prize's registered entrants. The X Prize's Carrie Fox told AutoblogGreen that, when the teams were required to turn in their business plans recently, Goodwin-Young realized their plates were too full with projects (including Young's music) to fully participate. "They remain a big supporter of the X Prize," she said, adding that she expect them to stay involved in some way. Thanks to Jay for the tip!

[Source: LincVolt]

Lincvolt withdraws from X-Prize, will focus on "main goal" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakinggoodwinlinc voltlinc volt technologieslincvoltLincVoltTechnologiesneil youngneil young linc voltNeilYoungNeilYoungLincVoltWed, 22 Jul 2009 14:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Synergy Innovations bringing electric MINI to Auto X Prize]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/synergy-innovations-bringing-electric-mini-to-auto-x-prize/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/synergy-innovations-bringing-electric-mini-to-auto-x-prize/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/synergy-innovations-bringing-electric-mini-to-auto-x-prize/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Like BMW's official MINI E, but don't appreciate how the battery pack takes up most of the space behind the front seats? Synergy Innovations, one of the officially registered teams in the Automotive X Prize, is using a MINI as a basis for their prototype electric vehicle powertrain called the Synergy E Drive. The converted all-electric MINI, they claim, retains the "general appearance, boot, rear seats and full safety spec" (PDF). It was launched in London earlier this year.
The Synergy Innovations Electric MINI is meant to "demonstrate that electric drive vehicles can be high performance and fun to drive," the company claims. To that end, the car has a top speed of 95 mph and a range of between 70 and 90 miles from its 78 lithium polymer cells putting out 288V and three-phase AC induction motor. Thanks to Dick P. for the tip!

Gallery: Synergy Innovations Electric MINI


[Source: Synergy Innovations]

Synergy Innovations bringing electric MINI to Auto X Prize originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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West Philly Hybrid X Team's vehicle - Click above to watch the video after the break

We got to meet the West Philly Hybrid X Team's Hybrid Attack at the New York Auto Show last year. Now, the students at the inner-city public high school West Philadelphia High School Academy for Automotive and Mechanical Engineering are being called a "top-10 contender in Progressive Automotive X Prize." Not sure who's doing the ranking, but the phrase comes from America.gov, which is launching "Recharging Transportation: Green Technology Education" series with a video about the school and the car.

The hybrid Attack burns biodiesel and gets about 60 mpg, according to 16-year-old Sowande in the video. That leaves 40 mpg to go to reach the AXP's 100 mpg target, but this is still an impressive effort from high school students. Learn more about the car here.

Gallery: New York 2008: West Philly's Hybrid Attack


[Source: America.gov]

Continue reading West Philly X Prize team's Hybrid Attack on the street [w/VIDEO]

West Philly X Prize team's Hybrid Attack on the street [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize requires teams to make a huge investment of time and money to try and produce a sensible, 100-mpg car. The creators of the Auto X Prize realize that there are easier ways to can help the planet, especially if lots of people make small changes. To that end, the AXP has partnered with a project called Carbonrally, which asks individuals to join the Lowrider Challenge and reduce their fuel consumption. The site suggests people reduce aggressive driving habits, slow down when possible, install fuel consumption meters, and reduce dead weight in the trunk as a few ways to burn less fuel on the road. Carbonrally then adds up the numbers submitted by participants to show the total benefits of everyone's collective effort. It won't work to build a 100-mpg car, but collective action can have a dramatic impact.

[Source: Auto X Prize]

Auto X Prize starts up Carbonrally team: Lots of small improvements = big results originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lightning Hybrids LH4 - Click above to watch the video after the break

Back in early April at the Denver International Auto Show, Lightning Hybrids' showed off its new biodiesel-powered hydraulic-hybrid LH4, the design of which was inspired by the classic 1963 Split-Window Corvette. Although the team had to scramble to get the prototype together in time for its unveiling, things have now settled down a bit and Lightning has managed to get the vehicle in running condition. Assuming everything goes to plan, the car - supposedly capable of hitting sixty mph in around six seconds and managing 100 miles per gallon - will be entered in the Auto X Prize competition.

Lightning Hybrids also plans to produce a three-wheeled vehicle using similar technology, appropriately called the LH3, as well as hydraulic-hybrid retrofit kits for everything from midsize sedans to fullsize pickups. Before any of that can happen, though, the group is seeking an investment of $5 million - surely not an easy task in this weakened economy. Click past the break for a short video of the Lightning LH4's maiden voyage.

[Source: Lightning Hybrids via Wired]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lightning Hybrids' LH4 hits the road

VIDEO: Lightning Hybrids' LH4 hits the road originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T3 Motion CT3 - Click above to enlarge

T3 Motion, creators of the Segway-esque non-balancing T3 Series Electric Stand-up Vehicle for police and security use, has just issued a press release detailing its plans to launch a new three-wheeled electric vehicle called the CT3. The new vehicle is the first machine from T3 that was specifically designed for personal commuter use and is based on the company's CT low-speed electric four-wheeled vehicle.

Using a three-wheeled design should allow T3 Motion to classify the CT3 as a motorcycle in most states, which means it won't necessarily need to be restricted to low-speed use as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle, though the machine will be capped at a 45 mph top speed regardless. All three of the CT3's wheels are powered by electric motors that get their electrons from T3's proprietary Power Management System and lithium polymer batteries.

At this time, the vehicle exists only in rendered form (pay close attention to the wheels and tires in the above image), but T3 plans to enter a special CT-S version of the machine in the Auto X Prize that will reportedly be capable of 80 miles per hour and an equivalent mpg rating of over 100 miles per gallon. Click past the break for the official press release. Thanks for the tip, Deepa!

[Source: T3 Motion via Green Launches]

Continue reading T3 Motion introduces three-wheeled CT3 personal commuter, plans to enter Auto X Prize

T3 Motion introduces three-wheeled CT3 personal commuter, plans to enter Auto X Prize originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Loremo electric car - Click above to watch the video after the break

It wasn't long ago that we first saw the first prototype from Germany startup automaker and Auto X-Prize hopeful Loremo move under its own power on video. That clip, though, left us a bit wanting, primarily because there was no sound to be heard. When watching Loremo's latest video, go ahead and turn the volume up. Although the sound doesn't quite seem to match the video in most places and the quality of the footage isn't going to be bringing home any awards, it's better than nothing.

Our current understanding is that the Loremo team has postponed the use of diesel engines in their initial super-lightweight automobiles due to the high cost of sourcing the engines and getting them certified for road use. Instead, the company will forge ahead with an electric version of the vehicle, followed closely by models with at least two optional gasoline-fed powerplants. Click past the break to see and hear the car in action. Thanks for the tip, Matthijs!

Gallery: Preproduction Loremo


[Source: YouTube]

VIDEO: Loremo takes to the streets, with sound originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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January was a simpler time for the relationship between Doug Pelmear/Horse Power Sales (makers of the HP2G engine that was in the Mustang we saw in Detroit a few months ago) and the Automotive X Prize. Back then, the two were happy neighbors in the NAIAS basement (the smelly, smelly basement). No longer.

Yesterday, Horse Power Sales issued a statement (read it after the jump) that said they had "officially withdrawn their team and their 1987 Mustang, powered by the revolutionary, 110MPG, V-8, HP2g engine, from the upcoming Progressive Automotive X PRIZE Competition, effective June 4, 2009" because the team "no longer feels it is in the company's best interests to compete in or be associated with the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE competition." Horse Power Sales also had a problem with a change of schedule, the change in prize purse amount, and what they saw as a conflict of interest in the way the rules were designed.

Here's the thing, though, Horse Power Sales never made the jump from a Letter of Intent (LOI) team to registered participant. Their name is not on the list of 111 official teams that the AXP released in April. We got some clarification from the Auto X Prize that says that Pelmear's criticism of the rule process is baseless and that every LOI team had a chance to give advice. The AXP said that, "no teams were involved in decisions about rules and procedures. It's very important to note that none of the teams are part of the judging panels for the upcoming Design Judging Phase of the competition nor were any teams part of a competitor evaluation process in the past" (read the rest of the AXP's comments after the break).

Also, in this week's announcement, Horse Power made no mention of their E85-powered Revenge Verde.

UPDATE: AXP's official response is here.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: E85 Mustang


[Source: Horse Power Sale, Auto X Prize]

Continue reading HP2G acrimoniously drops out of Auto X Prize

HP2G acrimoniously drops out of Auto X Prize originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Way back in the early 1960s, famed designer Raymond Leowy locked himself and his team in a rented house for five weeks with the intent of designing an exciting new sports coupe for Studebaker. The result was known as the Avanti, and it's often looked back upon as one of the most attractive automotive designs of the era. At least one competitor for the upcoming Progressive Automotive X-Prize must agree with that assessment, as the team from Enertia Motors is using one of the old fiberglass-bodies Studebakers as the basis of its high-mpg entry.

In place of the original 289 cubic-inch V8 engine sits a twin-cylinder engine from Kubota running on biodiesel, which spins an onboard generator that charges a dozen lead acid batteries (if it goes into production, the Enertia team plans to use Firefly batteries). Enertia expects its diesel-electric Studebaker Avanti to match the 120 mile per hour top speed of the original and be able to travel 100 miles per initial charge while averaging over 100 miles per gallon thereafter.

[Source: Enertia Motors, Wired]

Team Enertia to enter biodiesel-electric hybrid Studebaker Avanti in Auto X-Prize originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 26 May 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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