An important concept at Edison2 is "less is more".
Less mass to push around in the Very Light Car means more efficiency. The Very Light Car is extremely light. To avoid the hundreds of pounds of batteries needed for an electric or hybrid vehicle, Edison2 chose a conventional power source for the Very Light Car: a one-cylinder, 250cc internal combustion engine running on E85.
Lower mass also means fewer material inputs, which results in more economy. Costs of production are decreased, especially with our emphasis on mainstream materials – a chassis of reusable aluminum and steel instead of energy-intensive and expensive carbon fiber. Avoiding batteries as an energy source also avoids a perhaps $10,000 battery pack (with a 7-year or so replacement). Currently most cars in the US cost about $6 per pound, ranging up to $18 per pound for luxury models. The Very Light Car will tip the scales at less than 1000 lbs.
Lower costs means more affordability. We expect a production model of the Very Light Car to retail under $20,000. The X Prize is pushing for major breakthroughs in auto efficiency that can dramatically impact car-related energy consumption. A dramatic effect can occur easier and faster with $20,000 cars than with $50,000 cars.
Less mass, less energy consumption and less use of exotic and hazardous materials also means more sustainability. The Very Light Car uses fewer raw materials, with an emphasis on recyclable aluminum and steel. Less energy is needed in production and less energy is used while driving. The result is a dramatically lower carbon footprint.
The Very Light Car: a study in less is more.