Progressive Automotive XPrize to be awarded?

The Automotive XPrize, sponsored by Progressive, has long been the ultimate goal of vehicle designers. A four passenger automobile that gets 100 miles per gallon is set to receive the $ 5 million prize . Car trials in Michigan are presently going, and you will find two different cars that may well will the prize.

The workings of the Automotive XPrize

The XPrize foundation supports several prizes, including the Automotive XPrize. Sponsored by Progressive auto insurance, the Automotive X prize was announced in 2008. The competition uses guidelines depending on EPA estimating procedures. 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 XPrize competition must have only proof of concept, not be ready for full-on production.

Competing for the Automotive X Prize

In Michigan, April 26 was the start of the X Prize competition. All 3 classes of cars are being put through paces on many tracks. Some tests are designed to be very similar to city driving. Other around-the-track competitions are designed to test highway driving. The target is 110 miles per gallon, though to receive the XPrize a team only has to get 100 mpg. There needs to be certain safety and performance thresholds met as well.

Teams need ingenuity to win the XPrize races

The real-world conditions that the Automotive XPrize competitors have to work in lend themselves to last-minute ingenuity. One requirement built into the Automotive XPrize is that passenger cabins stay below 90 degrees. Some teams are using homemade air conditioners to make certain they meet that requirement. Hypermiling driving techniques are also on display throughout the competition.

Winning the XPrize is a real possibility

There are two cars that are nevertheless within the running for the Automotive XPrize. Both of the cars are going to be put through a very wide variety of safety and security tests. If either one of the vehicles pass the tests, they’ll be given the award.