Could the ElectriCar Eventually be an X-Prize Winner?
By Susan Wilson
The X-Prize Foundation and Progressive have announced the $10million Progressive Automotive X-Prize. This prize promotes the development of safe, fuel efficient, market viable automobiles. Currently, the international competition for the prize is focused on creating the first 100 mile per gallon "energy equivalency" automobile that is safe, affordable, and appeals to the market. Milner Motors ElectriCar is expected to reach the 100 mpg requirement when the final version is ready for market. The car is a 4 door, 4 seat hybrid that is expected to get two hours of electric only driving before the gas engine kicks in. This averages out to 120 miles on battery only and then 1000 miles using the gas engine for a final average of 100 miles per gallon.
As can be seen from the picture, the ElectriCar utilizes an unusual design. The company decided to design the car from the ground up rather than modifying current car designs. The wheels are located outside the car for a quieter ride and the wide wheel base aids stability. The weight is kept to a minimum with the use of innovative composite materials.
Milner Motors is still trying out different engine, battery and transmission configurations. Once they have finalized all of the stuff hidden under the floor and hood, they will take the car out for testing. The preliminary tests have pointed to a couple of design issues that will require a larger engine than initially planned or some modifications in the the design. The current version of the car can be seen at the 2008 New York auto show.
Once Milner Motors has developed all aspects of the car to their high design and fuel efficiency standards, they will initially sell the car build-it-yourself kit car. The company will then work on meeting safety standards so that the cars can be manufactured for the masses at an affordable price point.
At the moment, two of the most anticipated energy efficient cars, the Tesla and the Venturi Fetish, cost $100,000 and $600,000 respectively. The cars are sexy, eco friendly and much too expensive for most people to afford. If the finalized ElectriCar can meet the goal of 100 miles per gallon at a price point that is affordable for the majority of the population, then Milner Motors stands a good chance of winning the Progressive Auto X-Prize.
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