The “holy grail” of automobile mileage, the Progressive Automotive XPrize may soon be awarded. A four passenger vehicle that gets 100 miles per gallon is set to receive the $ 5 million prize . Trials in Michigan are underway, and seems like that two cars have a very good chance of winning the prize.
Detailing the Automotive Xprize
The XPrize foundation supports several prizes, including the Automotive XPrize. The Automotive XPrize was announced in 2008. EPA mileage estimates are the basis of the competition. There are multiple categories, but the primary X Prize is awarded to a car capable of carrying four individuals 100 miles on a single gallon of fuel. The cars entered in the Automotive X Prize need only be proof of concept automobiles, not production-ready.
The Automotive X Prize Competition
In Michigan, April 26 was the start of the X Prize competition. The 3 classes of automobiles have been put through their paces. City driving is emulated in some of the tests. The competition is also set up to emulate highway driving. Though the stated miles per gallon goal is 110, a team only has to reach 100 miles per gallon to get the prize. The vehicles have to perform within safety and performance guidelines also.
Teams need ingenuity to win the XPrize races
The real-world conditions the Automotive XPrize competitors have to work in lend themselves to last-minute ingenuity. One of the needs of the automobiles is the passenger cabin remains below 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Michigan is facing 95 degree temperatures, so some teams are creating homemade air conditioners. Techniques intended to help make fuel going even further with driving techniques are also making an appearance.
The real possibility of winning the XPrize
Two cars are fighting it out for the $ 5 million of the XPrize. A set of tests intended for safety are likely to be done on both vehicles. If both pass, then the $5 million Automotive XPrize will be awarded.
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