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Consumer prototype first drive!

 CBS Detroit 

Edison2 Unveils New Super-MPG Car At The Henry Ford

DEARBORN — Finally, a 21st Century car that really looks like it came from the 21st Century.

The venue was appropriate. The Henry Ford is a shrine to American innovation, and the Edison2 is packed with innovation from stem to stern.

Future Plans

As events force the automobile industry towards more efficient automobiles, whether from higher fuel prices, stricter emissions requirements, or new CAFE fuel mileage standards, Edison2 provides a universal answer: a highly efficient vehicle platform, that dramatically improves efficiency regardless of power source.

Edison2 has multiple initiatives underway, as the Very Light Car moves from a competition prototype towards a safe, comfortable, highly efficient car.

First and foremost, we have expanded our design team and are working on the next version VLC, a car that is roomier, friendlier and capable of meeting standards. Auto designer Jason Hill (formerly with Mercedes, Porsche and Aptera) has come aboard, as has industrial designer Peter Barnett (Northrop Grumman).

Also underway is an electric Very Light Car. Ron Cervan, formerly with Li-ion, joined Edison2 in 2011 and is spearheading this project. Although we chose an internal combustion engine for the X Prize, the platform efficiency of the VLC means a relatively small, light battery pack can result in a car with realistic range.

In this case, a 10.5 kWh battery, 114 mile range, and 350 MPGe.

Importantly, in 2011 we began a safety program with the Very Light Car. Both computerized crash simulations at Roush and our initial crash test confirm that with the right architecture a low mass vehicle can be a safe vehicle. A lot of work to do but we are on the right track.

Despite all the activity, Edison2 is and remains a car-first company. We are focused on demonstrating the power and integrity of our ideas and innovations. The best solutions are often the simplest, and in this case that means a focus on the absolute virtues of light weight and low aerodynamic drag, and relying on proven, mainstream materials (ie, aluminum and steel) to ensure affordability and true sustainability.