Summer is approaching fast and with it the culmination of the Progressive Automotive X Prize. A year ago 111 teams from around the world entered this competition to build a clean, safe and quick 100 MPGe car; after last month’s Shakedown stage only 24 teams remain.
Of the 8 teams that remain in the mainstream class (4-wheel, 4-passenger cars with a range of at least 200 miles) only one, the Illinois-based Illuminati team, has an electric car. On the other hand, the alternative classes (2 passenger, 100 mile range) are dominated by electrics; of the 17 teams remaining, 11 have electric entries and only 2 use internal combustion engines. Range is proving a challenge for electric cars in the X Prize, just as it is in the larger world of production automobiles.
Next is the Knockout stage, beginning June 20, again at the Michigan International Speedway. Follow-up technical inspections of all entries will precede track testing for performance and efficiency, and cars must achieve 67 MPGe and demonstrate a range of 134 miles (67 for alternative classes) to qualify for the Finals stage in July.
Edison2, like all teams, has a lot of work to do to get ready for the next stage. But we think we are well-positioned as the contest enters its final months. We are the only team entered in both the mainstream and alternative classes – all 4 of our cars passed the Shakedown stage – and preliminary results showed us nearing 85 MPGe. We know we can do better with improvements in engine mapping, gearing and launches.
Exceeding 100 MPGe is a stiff challenge but a challenge we believe we can meet.