Edison2. Not exactly the name you might expect from one of the only non-electric, non-hybrid entries in the X Prize.
The truth is that when we first contemplated this competition we fully expected to build a hybrid of some type, to take advantage of the energy that can be gained from regenerative braking – hence the name Edison2. However, once we started our analysis we realized that any gain realized through braking was negated by the energy needed to propel the additional weight of a hybrid’s motor and batteries.
With our Very Light Car we see very low weight and very low aerodynamic drag as the path to efficiency, and rather than add hundreds of pounds of batteries and a hybrid drive to our car we are using a highly efficient, 250cc E85 engine.
Of course our innovations in platform efficiency would be a great asset to any hybrid or electric design. But we believe that not only is our approach the most efficient for the X Prize competition, but it is the most practical and cost-efficient way to move our auto culture towards sustainability.
So while our name may be a bit of a surprise, we see it as a fitting tribute to the legacy of teamwork and innovation that comes from the original Edison lab in Menlo Park.