Representatives from the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize announced their roster of finalists in a press conference on April 7th. The goal of the prize’s 111 participants is to consistently reach 100 miles per gallon on multiple testing grounds. In addition to the $10 million prize for the winning group, the acclaim of creating and demonstrating a fuel-efficient vehicle will turn the winners into celebrities among their peers. The prize organizers have separated the finalists into alternative and mainstream categories to recognize the various stages in automotive development.
Established automakers like Toyota, Ford and GM will get their opportunities to show off prototypes in the Demonstration category that remains open to entries until June. The X Prize field is filled with leading producers of fuel-efficient and alternative energy vehicles looking to test out new vehicles. Tesla will put its Model S to the test against other electric vehicles ahead of its 2012 release. Tata is touting an all-electric version of its diminutive Nano to build on the success of its signature vehicle. Zap Motors will add to its line of neighborhood electric vehicles with highway-capable Alias, which will be tested at the as-yet unnamed testing venues.
The X Prize will have its fair share of novices and little-known designers trying to crack the 100 MPG mark. NorthWest Energy Research Association based in Washington, D.C. will test out a clean diesel vehicle during the X Prize circuit. Western Washington University’s Viking 45 will use compressed natural gas, electric and gasoline to squeeze every last mile out of its small frame. West Philly High School’s Hybrid X Team entered a mainstream and an alternative vehicle to the X Prize. The EVXb is a flex-fuel vehicle using a Ford Focus chassis while the EVXd is an experimental two-seater that can run on diesel and electric.
As we approach Earth Day and its various celebrations, we should think about the great opportunities afforded by events like the X Prize. Few venues allow industry players like Tesla to compete with high school and college students to develop new products. The race to 100MPG is only the first step toward a greener planet but we should all take that step vigorously. Even if groups like Western Washington and Tata fail to achieve 100MPG, the journey to energy-efficient automobiles will be easier to traverse due to their efforts.
