AutoblogGreen

VIDEO: How to successfully drive the Monotracer E

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Automotive X-Prize, Videos

MonoTracer E - Click above to watch video after the jump

For newbies, it can be difficult to drive the MonoTracer E. In fact, last fall, Susan Carpenter, a writer for the LA Times, tried to pilot one but ended up tipping over. You can tell the folks over at Translogic were fully aware of this when they got to try out the MonoTracer E for themselves. They start their write-up as an attempt "to become the first media outlet to successfully pilot the MonoTracer E." Do they succeed? Certainly.

Translogic's Bradley Hasemeyer went to the Richmond International Raceway in Virginia and got a lesson in the machine from Jim Lorimer of 21st Century Motoring, the official North American agency for the MonoTracer. Once Hasemeyer got the hang of the thing - and he, too, had some difficulties - he realized that acceleration is "crazy fast" (offiicaly 0-62 time is 4.5 seconds). When you're not going quite that fast (under 15 miles per hour), the safety-minded outrigger wheels automatically deploy.

If you want to get behind the wheel of one of these things for yourself, the good news is that the 300 mpge Automotive X-Prize-winning X-Tracer (as the MonoTracer E was called during the competition) will be coming to market, hopefully later this year. The bad news is it will cost around $90,000 (hey, that's down a bit from previous predictions). Whether that's too much money for you or not, you can check out the video after the jump for free. Oh, and note the training wheels.

[Source: Translogic]

Continue reading VIDEO: How to successfully drive the Monotracer E

VIDEO: How to successfully drive the Monotracer E originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2011: Wikispeed keeps moving on SGT01 low-cost, super-efficient car

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:11:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Detroit Auto Show, Automotive X-Prize

Wikispeed - Click above for high-res image gallery

The last time we saw the vehicle that the Wikispeed team is working on, it was a big orange rectangle (see here). At the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, the group of volunteers is still not ready to show off a finished product, but the SGT01 vehicle is progressing quite nicely, especially considering that the team "tied for 10th" in the Automotive X-Prize. After the disappointing X-Prize finish, team founder Joe Justice said, "We thought we shouldn't just stop. We should see if there is a market for this product." And that's what they did. That loss didn't dampen the group's spirits; in fact, the number of volunteers working on the projet has grown since the X-Prize ended.

The latest version of the SGT01 is clad in a carbon fiber-skinned honeycomb-core aeroshell that makes the car supremely light. Given that another of Wikispeed's tentpole ideas is to make the car modular, there is no official weight of the production car - it'll be totally different depending on whether it's a sedan, SUV or a sportscar, all options that Wikispeed believes it can build on the rectangular chassis - but the car as it weighs just 1,404 pounds. Justice said, "I think we can get the weight down by the time we get these cars out." One thing that will add weight: real head- and taillights. The current ones are just stickers. Find out more about the car and the team after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2011: Wikispeed

Continue reading Detroit 2011: Wikispeed keeps moving on SGT01 low-cost, super-efficient car

Detroit 2011: Wikispeed keeps moving on SGT01 low-cost, super-efficient car originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X-Prize in-fighting goes public as Li-Ion Motors tries to back out of prize-sharing agreement

Jonas Dalidd — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Automotive X-Prize, USA

Automotive X Prize winner Li-ion Motors may have tarnished its reputation soon after the Wave II claimed the top spot in the Alternative Side-by-Side Class. As we reported previously, four out of the five teams competing in the category signed an agreement, drafted on spiral bound notebook paper, just minutes before the final race to split the $2.5 million purse based on an agreed-upon formula. Now Li-ion is asserting that the agreement is void because all five teams remaining at that point did not participat and they are under no obligation to share the winnings with the other three teams that signed the agreement. According to a news release the company posted on its website (along with a scan of the actual agreement):

Li-ion agreed to the prize sharing arrangement based on all teams participating. That proposal called for the first place prize winner to receive $1.7 mil, 2nd place would receive $400K, 3rd, $200K, 4th and 5th would receive $ 100K each. 8 minutes before the race, the company was informed that RaceAbout from Finland did not sign the agreement. Having only a couple of minutes before the race started, Li-ion Motors attempted to obtain board approval if it wanted to have an agreement with only 4 teams participating, but was unable to do so prior to the start of the race. Therefore, due to the decision of RaceAbout from Finland, the proposed agreement never became final.

What's interesting is that the scan (read it here) shows that the agreement specifically reads that the undersigned teams will share the prize purse with "any undersigned teams" and only breaks out the prize distribution to four places.

In any case, this latest move by Li-ion, which has a troubled past, has surely done some damage to its integrity and could end up costing the company more than sharing $800,000 with its competitors. Says Randy Reisinger of the German team TW4XP, one of the teams that signed the agreement:

The British Columbia Securities Commission has already suspended trading of their stock. As news of their methods spreads, can the Frankfurt Xetra Exchange in Germany be far behind?

[Source: New York Times]

X-Prize in-fighting goes public as Li-Ion Motors tries to back out of prize-sharing agreement originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Times writer tries to test drive Peraves E-Tracer. Drops it. [w/video]

Domenick Yoney — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:54:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Automotive X-Prize

Peraves E-Tracer - Click above to watch video after the jump

When you're to be the first journalist ever to get the chance to drive the rare X-Prize-winning prototype Peraves E-Tracer, what's the one thing you don't want to do? That's right, dump it. Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened to the LA Times' Susan Carpenter last week at Toyota Speedway. You see, driving on two wheels in a reclined position without being able to put your feet down isn't intuitively easy since you can't shift your weight and have to depend on counter-steering inputs to keep yourself upright. It takes a little practice to get the hang of it.

So, when Miss Carpenter got the bright yellow machine moving and lifted up the retractable outriggers wheels, it promptly fell over. Fortunately, the Peraves crew had affixed a special set of training wheels to the cabin motorcycle to keep it from leaning over past 20 degrees. Unfortunately, after saving the $500,000 machine from acquiring scratches from the first incident, it was determined that they wouldn't hold up to any future use. So, the test drive turned into a test ride.

Fine by us, since we weren't the ones suffering the embarrassment. Also, it allowed for an informative conversation to take place with Peraves CEO Roger Riedener, who expertly manned the controls. The incident, with the conversation, was all nicely recorded on video and awaits your scrutiny after the break.

[Source: Peraves via Hell For Leather]

Continue reading LA Times writer tries to test drive Peraves E-Tracer. Drops it. [w/video]

LA Times writer tries to test drive Peraves E-Tracer. Drops it. [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After winning Automotive X-Prize, Edison2 hints at next-gen projects

Eric Loveday — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:50:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, MPG, Automotive X-Prize, Lightweight

Edison2's Very Light Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Crowned the champion of Mainstream Class in the 2010 Automotive X-Prize, the Edison2 team, with its Very Light Car (VLC) proved that its take neither battery power nor fuel cell technology to construct one of the world's most efficient vehicles. Edison2's VLC sits on a 100-inch wheelbase, weighs in at a scant 830 pounds and is propelled by a rear-mounted, single-cylinder motorcycle engine that burns a blend of ethanol and gasoline to crank out 40 horsepower. It's a true lightweight that boasts one of the lowest aerodynamic drag numbers ever recorded for a four-seat vehicle.

With an X-Prize crown added to its list of achievements and some additional money in the bank, Edison2 hopes to embark on projects that showcase the virtues of vehicles built with the same basic principles as the VLC. David Brown, an Edison2 team member, posted an entry outlining some of the team's future plan, on the X-Prize Blog. It reads, in part:

We think cars built on Very Light Car principles are a necessary part of the future if the world is to meaningfully address energy and environmental issues, but there is a lot of work to be done. We are already embarked on designing the next generation of VLC's, cars that are friendlier and more refined yet still maintain breakthrough efficiency. Safety, now based on racing experience and theory, needs validation through crash testing. We can show how other power sources will benefit from our platform efficiency; a Very Light Car with an electric drive will effectively cure range anxiety. The X-Prize was the beginning; we are ready and eager for what comes next.

Of course, Edison2's focus on reducing vehicle weight to improve efficiency is something that we've touched upon many times before. Though Edison2 takes "lightweighting" to the extreme, we expect virtually every automaker to really push to reduce mass from production vehicles in the years ahead.

Gallery: Automotive X-Prize: Edison2 Very Light Car

[Source: X Prize Blog]

After winning Automotive X-Prize, Edison2 hints at next-gen projects originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 16-year-old whiz builds 100-mpg hybrid with classmates

Eric Loveday — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:53:00 EST

Filed under: Green Culture, Hybrid, Green Daily, Automotive X-Prize

West Philly EVX GT - Click above to watch video after the jump

Let's spin back the clock and return to our high school days. It's sophomore year all over again. You attend some classes, eagerly await the lunch bell, spend a few more hours pouring over algebra, physics, and some American lit. Finally, the bell rings. You dash out the doors to freedom or, if you we're a jock, then you probably sprinted over to the athletic field to get your game on. That's a typical high school day for a lot of teens, but 16-year-old Azeem Hill ain't like the other kids. The school he attends is quite different as well.

Hill attends the West Philadelphia High School Academy of Automotive & Mechanical Engineering. 13 years ago, Simon Hauger, an instructor at the school, created an after-school hands-on automotive program that focused on building hybrid vehicles. A few years back, Hauger decided that his students, with the help of several instructors, would create a vehicle to compete in the Automotive X Prize.

In stepped 16-year-old Azeem Hill who, with the rest of the West Philly Hybrid X Team, built two vehicles to enter in the X Prize competition. One vehicle, the EVX Focus, performed admirably and advanced to the Knockout Stage. The other vehicle, the EVX GT, competed in the alternative (side-by-side) class but was knocked out of the competition as well. Still, these high school kids take pride in their accomplishments. The West Philly team beat giants like MIT and crushed some multi-million dollar entrants, and they did it all on a shoestring budget.

Just how capable is the hybrid EVX GT? Let's see. It runs to 60 miles per hour in five seconds, boasts a top speed of 150 miles per hour and is claimed to return 100 mpge in city driving. Not bad for some high school kids on a tight budget. Interested in finding out more? Make the jump to watch Hill and Hauger discuss the vehicle and the importance of the West Philly Hybrid X Team.

[Source: Treehugger]

Continue reading Video: 16-year-old whiz builds 100-mpg hybrid with classmates

Video: 16-year-old whiz builds 100-mpg hybrid with classmates originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Troubled past haunts X-Prize winner Li-Ion Motors

Eric Loveday — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Daily, Automotive X-Prize

Shortly after winning the 2010 Automotive X-Prize in the Alternative Side-by-Side Class, the Li-Ion Motors team made it known that the $2.5 million prize purse would be split three ways with the category runners ups. The money-splitting move showed that camaraderie existed behind the scenes of the competition, but something else was going on, out of the public's eye, that makes us question whether Li-Ion Motors is deserving of any accolades at all.

According to the New York Times, on the same day that Li-Ion Motors hoisted that oversized $2.5 million dollar check, a lawyer representing Li-Ion Motors was hashing out a $75,000 settlement (PDF) with Barret Lyon. As the story goes, Lyon purchased a converted, battery-powered PT Cruiser from Li-Ion Motors (formerly known as Whistler Investments Inc., Hybrid Technologies Inc. and EV Innovations). The converted car, Lyon claims, was "dead on arrival" and is now "rotting" away in his driveway. After repeated attempts to rectify the situation, Lyon, realizing that Li-Ion Motors had no intentions of correcting the problem, filed a lawsuit against the company. Then, on the day that the X-Prize winners were announced, Lyon dropped the suit and negotiated the $75,000 settlement.

Here's where the story takes a turn for the worse because Li-Ion Motors is unable to pay Lyon. Why's that, you ask? Apparently, the company is still waiting to receive its prize purse and, without that money in hand, it doesn't have sufficient funds to pay off the settlement. If you think it's against the spirit of the competition to use X-Prize winnings to pay off a customer who claims that the company couldn't deliver him a driveable electric vehicle, we'd agree. For its part, Li-Ion Motors claims that Lyon will not be paid with X-Prize money, but instead with "company money." But an e-mail from Li-Ion Motors obtained by Greenwire indicates that Lyon will not receive payment until the X-Prize winnings materialize.

Li-Ion's shaky past brings up a question about whether or not the company really qualifies to win the X-Prize. If you recall, one of the key criteria for the X-Prize was that all entrants must submit a credible plan for mass production. But Li-Ion Motors is a company that has allegedly taken part in a stock-manipulation scheme, was flagged for "abusive practices" and initiating "pump and dump" schemes in the penny-stock market, has been investigated by the SEC on two occasions and owes more than $250,000 to the IRS in unpaid taxes. X-Prize spokeswoman Carrie Fox told the New York Times that Li-Ion Motors, "showed a very clear understanding of the industry" and added that, "they had a very solid financial position, and thorough manufacturing and production capabilities." Could Li-Ion Motors have manipulated X-Prize officials as well?

[Source: New York Times]

Report: Troubled past haunts X-Prize winner Li-Ion Motors originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: X-Prize foundation shows off RaceAbout electric vehicle

Jonas Dalidd — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Automotive X-Prize, USA, Videos

Electric RaceAbout - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We reported on the Finnish RaceAbout X-Prize contender during its unveiling in April. Since then, the RaceAbout went on to earn second place in the Progressive Automotive X-Prize side-by-side tandem class - not bad for some college students. Arguably, the sporty coupe was one of the better looking entrants in the competition, and for those of you who would like to see more, the X-Prize Foundation has released a video with interviews as well as shots from the competition itself.

The RaceAbout was developed entirely from scratch at Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. It uses four in-wheel motors (so has all-wheel-drive capability) and power comes from 1,213 lbs (32 kWh) of lithium-titanate batteries, known for their fast-charging capabilities, that allow the electric vehicle to recharge in as little as 10 minutes. No mention is made as to whether that is a full charge or partial, but if it is anything like Toshiba's SCiB batteries, they probably mean a 90 percent charge in 10 minutes, which is very impressive. Rounding out the package is a monocoque carbon fiber body to keep the overall weight to a minimum. This is all well and good, but the real treat come in the video after the break.

[Source: TreeHugger]

Continue reading Video: X-Prize foundation shows off RaceAbout electric vehicle

Video: X-Prize foundation shows off RaceAbout electric vehicle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive X Prize winner, Li-Ion Motors, splits $2.5M prize with losers

Eric Loveday — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Daily, Automotive X-Prize

Li-Ion Motors Wave II - Click above for high-res image gallery

Three vehicles emerged as class winners at the Automotive X-Prize. One, the Li-Ion Motors Wave II, captured victory after a grueling 100-mile Combined Performance and Efficiency Test was completed. Five vehicles in the Alternative Side-by-Side Class competed in this tiebreaker event and, by less than two-tenths of a second, the Wave II emerged as the champ. Li-Ion Motors was presented with a $2.5 million award for winning its class, and the other four teams, those that competed in the tiebreaker but lost, received nothing. Or so we thought.

Now comes word that on the day of the tiebreaker event, four out of the five teams signed an agreement stating that the winning group would share the prize purse with the losers following an agreed-to formula. Automotive X-Prize spokeswoman, Carrie Fox, revealed to GreenWire that the teams had entered an agreement, stating:

They all helped each other out. They all realized in helping each other out that it made sense to split the purse. It really speaks to the camaraderie of the competition.

So, the losers walk away as winners. The German team of TW4XP walks out with $400,000, while Aptera and ZAP each pocket $200,000. The other team in the tiebreaker event, RaceAbout Association, did not sign the agreement and, therefore, walks away empty-handed. Hat tip to Neil!

Gallery: Detroit 2010: EV Innovations Wave II

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Automotive X Prize winner, Li-Ion Motors, splits $2.5M prize with losers originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peraves and AC Propulsion plan to bring E-Tracer to American market

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Automotive X-Prize, USA

Peraves E-Tracer - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Might the X-Prize-winning Peraves E-Tracer be coming to America? According to ~~our Magic 8-Ball~~ an official press release, all signs point to "yes." The Swiss manufacturer has signed a letter of intent with AC Propulsion to assemble as many as 100 of the super-efficient, super-fast cabin motorcycles at its facility in Dimas, CA starting next year.

During the X-Prize competition, the mad monocoque machine crushed the competition, returning a 205.3 MPGe rating after extensive testing. That kind of efficiency gives it a range of over 200 real world miles, while the 150 kW (201 horsepower) AC induction motor can push it to over 200 miles per hour (it's governed to a top speed of 150 mph). Or as Tom Gage, the CEO of AC Propulsion puts it, "The E-Tracer is the perfect expression of performance with efficiency."

No word yet if this new arrangement will bring its original pricing (over $100,000) out of the stratosphere but that would be a key component to moving the quantities they're discussing. While we await for more info (and an invitation to try this monster out for ourselves) we'll have to content ourselves with video of the E-Tracer in X-Prize action that awaits you after the jump in the company of the aforementioned press release.

Gallery: X Tracer at the Michigan International Speedway

[Source: Green Car Congress]

Continue reading Peraves and AC Propulsion plan to bring E-Tracer to American market

Peraves and AC Propulsion plan to bring E-Tracer to American market originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Congressman Markey claims X-Prize is "the most important thing that is happening in the world"

Eric Loveday — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, MPG, Green Daily, Automotive X-Prize, Lightweight

X-Tracer - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 Automotive X-Prize is officially in the books. The grueling competition ripped apart some vehicles and tested the resolve of many teams. In the end, three teams walked away with victory - leaving well over 100 behind in defeat. But like we noted before, this year's losers, though fielding vehicles that weren't capable enough to capture a portion of the prize purse, still competed valiantly and deserve recognition.

While many have suggested that the X-Prize competition was a bust, or at least anticlimactic, we'd argue that the competition wasn't really about which team walked away with the cash and who went home empty-handed. Instead, the event was intended to showcase technology that could one day ween us off of foreign oil. And nobody bangs the importance of that quite like Congressman Edward Markey (D-MA), chairman of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. Markey offered up this somewhat overstated remark at the X-Prize awards ceremony:

Every one dollar increase in the price of oil provides an additional $1.5 billion to Iran each year. Our oil addiction is supporting rogue nuclear regimes. It is helping funnel resources to terrorists. Our dependence on foreign oil distorts our foreign policy, it skews our economic policy, it damages our environment. Importing oil is 50 percent of the trade deficit of the United States of America. That's why this contest, this X Prize, is the most important thing that is happening in our country and in the world.

Emphasis added, because we didn't want you to miss it.

Gallery: X-Tracer

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Congressman Markey claims X-Prize is "the most important thing that is happening in the world" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive X Prize: Grueling competition led to mass exodus

Eric Loveday — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Hybrid, MPG, Green Daily, Automotive X-Prize

EVX Focus- Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that we've learned who the winners of the Automotive X-Prize are, it's time to take a look at some of the less fortunate teams and why their vehicles didn't survive the grueling, four-month-long competition. Teams like American HyPower, K-Way, West Philly, Commuter Cars and others, dropped out of the competition long before the final Validation Stage. The teams encountered a slew of problems, but in the end, many simply failed to reach the level of refinement required to take home the crown. Here's a look at some of the issues that ultimately eliminated teams from the competition:

American Hypower - ZAMS: Knocked out of competition due to issues with a fuel tank provided by X-Prize officials.
West Philly Hybrid X (EVX Team) - EVX GT: Failed to properly recharge after its cord was unplugged.
K-Way Motus: Fell victim due to a lean fuel mixture that destroyed the engine during testing.
Commuter Cars Tango T600: Could not meet the efficiency level required to stay in the competition.
FVT eVaro: Vehicle overheated during testing.

There are many more stories, but these give us an idea of what could - and did - happen. So, what's it like to compete in one of the most grueling automotive competitions in the world, but lose? Well, X-Prize competitor Kevin Smith, team leader/engineer of Illuminati Motor Works, explains that losing is a disappointment, but the overall purpose of the competition was to promote cleaner cars, and that was something everyone involved managed to achieve.

Gallery: Automotive X-Prize: West Philly Hybrid X (EVX Team)

Photos by Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: New York Times]

Automotive X Prize: Grueling competition led to mass exodus originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive X-Prize: Recap and wrap up

Eric Loveday — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Automotive X-Prize, Lightweight

As our coverage of the 2010 Automotive X-Prize comes to a close, now is as good a time as any to recap some of the events that led to the crowning of this year's champions. From the beginning, many of the X-Prize entrants likely knew that the grueling competition would cut the massive field of participants down to almost nothing, but they tenaciously competed for the title with the goal of winning always front and center. Setbacks along the way led to the early disappearance of several teams, but those who remained in the hunt were committed to winning and developed unique solutions that kept them in the competition.

This four-month-long competition has taught us a lot, but mainly we've learned that with dedication and commitment, the dream of achieving a goal can often turn into a reality. For the teams and vehicles that were crowned as champions, we'd like to extend our congrats. And for those that competed but fell short of reaching the goal, we applaud their valiant effort and wish 'em the best of luck in future competitions. The importance of the X-Prize competition is, in our opinion, unmatched. It's much more than just another showdown amongst automakers. It holds the key to our future. A future that's free of a destructive commitment to foreign oil and focused on advancing environmental quality for all.

For those who competed in the 2010 Automotive X-Prize, we salute you, and even though only three teams walked away with a portion of the $10 million prize, we truly would like to thank all entrants and wish them luck in their future endeavors.

To watch an online documentary of the Progressive Automotive X Prize process, click here. Also, be sure to tune your TVs or set your DVRs to the National Geographic Channel tonight at 9:00 p.m. EST to catch the X-Prize program in prime time.

Finally, check out our individual recap posts on each of the three winners:

Automotive X-Prize: Recap and wrap up originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive X-Prize: Li-Ion Motors Wave II wins Alternative Side-by-Side Class

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Automotive X-Prize

Li-Ion Motors Wave II - Click above for high-res image gallery

By now, you're likely aware that the 2010 Progressive Insurance Automotive X-Prize has concluded with three winners in three categories. As we've already discussed, Edison2 won the Mainstream Class with its Very Light Car and the Peraves E-Tracer from X-Tracer took top honors in the Alternative Tandem Class.

Which leads us nicely to the Li-ion Motors Wave II, winner of the Alternative Side-by-Side Class. It was in this particular segment that the majority of the action could be found, with a total of five combatants vying to take the win. Each of the other classes were left with just one qualifying vehicle.

Competition was tight, to say the least. After all 100 miles of the final Combined Performance and Efficiency Test was completed, Li-Ion Motors' Wave II managed to earn the win by a margin of just 0.179 seconds - managing to score the equivalence of an impressive 125 miles per gallon.

Jay Sandler, Azure Dynamics' vice president of sales, "We're thrilled with Team Li-Ion's victory. The X Prize-winning Wave II is clear demonstration that electric mobility has not only arrived, but is poised to be a major player in the commercial and personal transportation sectors in the near term."

Azure has good reason to be pleased with this victory, as it supplied Li-Ion with its DriveForce powertrain for its Wave II. Read more in the press release after the break.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: EV Innovations Wave II

[Source: Azure Dynamics]

Continue reading Automotive X-Prize: Li-Ion Motors Wave II wins Alternative Side-by-Side Class

Automotive X-Prize: Li-Ion Motors Wave II wins Alternative Side-by-Side Class originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive X-Prize: Edison2 Very Light Car crowned as champion in Mainstream Class

Eric Loveday — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Automotive X-Prize

Edison2's Very Light Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

With only one finalist in the Mainstream Class still standing prior to the Validation Stage in the 2010 Progressive Insurance Automotive X-Prize, it came as no surprise that the Edison2 team from Lynchburg, VA., with its Very Light Car (VLC), took home the crown. What began as a competition between 136 vehicles from 111 teams and later narrowed down to just nine elite finalists, ended with three class winners and $10 million awarded.

Capturing victory in the Mainstream Class, Edison2's Very Light Car (VLC) sits on a 100-inch wheelbase, weighs in at a scant 830 pounds and is propelled by a rear-mounted, single-cylinder motorcycle engine that burns a blend of ethanol and gasoline to crank out 40 horsepower. Edison2's victory did not come easy. Troubles throughout the competition threatened the team's chances of winning, but Edison2 pushed on and stood alone as the only team in the Mainstream Class to complete all of the grueling stages of the competition and thus walk away as the winner and $5 million richer.

So, on to the final remaining question: What's next? We'll let  Oliver Kuttner, founder of Edison2 say it himself:

The  X  Prize  is  only  the  beginning. We  need  to  demonstrate  that  low-mass  cars  can  be  safe  and  meet  FMVSS  safety  standards.  We  need  to  show  how  our  Light  Car  principles  can  dramatically  improve  efficiency  for  electric,  hybrid,  diesel  and  natural  gas  systems.  And  we  need  to  create  cars  to  fit  the  wide  needs  of  consumers:  SUV's,  family  sedans,  sports  and  utility  models  -  all  light,  aerodynamic,  safe  and  incredibly  efficient.

Gallery: Automotive X-Prize: Edison2 Very Light Car

Automotive X-Prize: Edison2 Very Light Car crowned as champion in Mainstream Class originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive X-Prize: E-Tracer captures victory in Alternative Class-Tandem

Eric Loveday — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Green Daily, Automotive X-Prize

X-Tracer - Click above for high-res image gallery

The moment that we've been waiting for is finally upon us. Today is the day that competitors who took part in the grueling four-month long Automotive X-Prize competition find out if they survived the cut. At stake, part or all of the $10 million prize purse and the right to exclaim that they've won one of the most demanding automotive competitions to date. So, let's get down to it.

In the Alternative Class-Tandem, two entrants, both fielded by team X-Tracer, survived the early rounds and stood out as potential victors. The Peraves E-Tracer has emerged as the class winner, taking home the highly-coveted honor as the 2010 Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize, Alternative Class - Tandem champion. Oh, and $2.5 million. Our congratulations go out to the team for developing an amazing vehicle that outlasted and outperformed more than 30 other entries.

Powered by AC's Propulsions state-of-the-art electric drive system, the E-Tracer quickly jumped to the front of its class and never looked back. As Tom Cage, chief executive officer of AC Propulsions, said:

The Peraves E-Tracer is a perfect match for our electric drive system. Both the vehicle and our drive system excel in performance and efficiency and that is what it takes to compete successfully for the X Prize.

Completing every stage of the Automotive X-Prize is obviously a daunting task, but the E-Tracer and its team refused to quit and competed with tenacity to the very end, which makes them well deserving of the $2.5 million prize purse and a congratulatory pat on the back. Hit the jump to find out more about the Peraves E-Tracer, overall winner of Progressive's Automotive X-Prize in the Alternative Class-Tandem.

Gallery: X-Tracer

[Source: AC Propulsion, New York Times]

Continue reading Automotive X-Prize: E-Tracer captures victory in Alternative Class-Tandem

Automotive X-Prize: E-Tracer captures victory in Alternative Class-Tandem originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive X Prize: And the winners are ...

Eric Loveday — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 10:13:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Green Daily, Automotive X-Prize

Automotive X-Prize vehicles line up in the Knockout Stage - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to meet the winners of the 2010 Progressive Insurance Automotive X-Prize. But before we get to declaring the victors, let's take one last look at the finalists:

Mainstream Class

Edison2, Very Light Car (team name, car name)

Alternative Class - Tandem

X-Tracer, E-Tracer

Alternative Class - Side-by-Side

Aptera, Aptera 2e
Li-ion Motors, Wave II
RaceAbout Association, RaceAbout
TW4XP, TW4XP
ZAP, Alias

Remember, the award ceremony starts in a few minutes and you can watch the stream here. If you want to see who won before the pomp and circumstance gets underway, just click past the jump.

Continue reading Automotive X Prize: And the winners are ...

Automotive X Prize: And the winners are ... originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive X-Prize: And the winners will be ... (streamed live)

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, MPG, Automotive X-Prize

In just a short while, the Automotive X-Prize will come to an end with an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Wish you could be there? So do we, but we'll all have to make due with the next best thing: live streaming of the event. Starting at 10:30 a.m. EDT this morning, the X-Prize team will offer a live video feed here.

As a refresher, these are the teams left in the competition:

Mainstream Class

Edison2, Very Light Car (team name, car name)

Alternative Class - Tandem

X-Tracer, E-Tracer

Alternative Class - Side-by-Side

Aptera, Aptera 2e
Li-ion Motors, Wave II
RaceAbout Association, RaceAbout
TW4XP, TW4XP
ZAP, Alias

All these teams and more will be on hand in D.C. today, but which ones will win? We only have a few hours to find out who - if anyone - will drive away with part of the $10 million prize purse.

[Source: X-Prize]

Automotive X-Prize: And the winners will be ... (streamed live) originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive X-Prize: no money until cars pass dynamometer validation tests

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Automotive X-Prize

The on-track testing portions of the Automotive X-Prize are over with, and the vast majority of teams have been eliminated from contention. However, the $10 million in prize money won't be handed out until September 16. Before those checks are signed, the remaining competitors will have to complete a drive cycle on a dynamometer at the Argonne National Labratory. The dyno results will be averaged with the on-track results and the final numbers will have to top the 100 MPGe values originally set as the goal for the X-Prize. If the vehicles don't average 100 MPGe they can't claim the prize money. On top of that, all vehicles need well-to-wheels CO2 emissions of under 200 grams per mile.

The vehicles will be tested for fuel efficiency, range, emissions and hill climbing capability. The latter test will require the vehicles to maintain 55 miles per hour for 15 minutes on a simulated four percent grade.

In the mainstream class ($5 million purse), only the two vehicles from Edison2 made it through the knockouts, but both experienced engine damage during the coast down testing. Because of timing issues, the vehicles couldn't be repaired in time for the Argonne testing but officials are considering allowing them to use previous test results done by Roush Engineering. In the alternative (tandem) class ($2.5 million), only X-Tracer (pictured) remains. There are five teams left in the alternative (side-by-side) class ($2.5 million). We'll see who - if anyone - rides away with the prizes in two weeks.

[Source: Automotive X-Prize]

Continue reading Automotive X-Prize: no money until cars pass dynamometer validation tests

Automotive X-Prize: no money until cars pass dynamometer validation tests originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive X-Prize: Edison2 gets its engines ruined, manages to stay in competition

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Automotive X-Prize

Edison2's Very Light Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Edison2 is still holding on to its position as the only team left in the mainstream class in the Automotive X-Prize. To get there, team members needed to use slopes to get better fuel economy, cool down the cabin of the Very Light Car using buckets of ice and generally stay nimble to avoid losing the $5 million purse at this late stage. The latest set-back - well, potential set-back - was a big one, but the team is still alive.

Apparently, the motorcycle engines used to power the VLCs were damaged by unnamed third party test drivers at during "coast down" testing recently, reports Green Car Advisor, and that meant that they need to be repaired this week instead of joining the other contestants (from the alternative classes) on the Argonne National Laboratory's dynamometer. X-Prize officials have now given Edison2 permission to have the vehicles independently tested and to have those results count in the final standings. Should the vehilces' emissions and efficiency tests prove the VLC's meet the X-Prize's goals, Edison2 should be declared the winner of the mainstream class next month. So close, and yet still so far.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Very Light Car

Photos by Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Automotive X-Prize: Edison2 gets its engines ruined, manages to stay in competition originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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