Congratulations! ZAP Alias Move on to the Final Round of Automative X Prize!

July,28,2010 

The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a $10 million competition to inspire a new generation of super fuel efficient vehicles, announced today the Finalist teams who have survived all on-track testing at Michigan International Speedway (MIS), and who now move into a Validation stage before prize money will be awarded this September.

What began as a field of 136 vehicles from 111 teams has now been narrowed to an elite group of nine vehicles from just seven teams that have proven they can meet the strictest requirements of this competition, including the ability to achieve at least 90 MPGe on the way toward the ultimate 100 MPGe requirement and to survive grueling dynamic safety and range tests.  The teams represent a wide variety of backgrounds that include emerging start ups, entrepreneurs and universities from around the world. All have proven that they can more than handle a variety of very difficult real-world scenarios.

Finalists were required to pass a repeat of technical inspections and on-track Efficiency, Range and Dynamic Safety events conducted by the competition’s technical team and auto test engineers from partner Consumer Reports.

“These finalists highlight true innovation in fuel efficiency, and prove that their vehicles have the ability to withstand strict safety, performance and emissions requirements. These cars redefine what is possible and set a new standard of efficiency that promises to revolutionize the industry,” said Eric Cahill, Senior Director of the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE.

“Congratulations to the finalist teams – it’s clear that they are pushing the envelope in terms of automotive innovation,” said Brian Silva, Progressive’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Their breakthroughs will spur greater choices in fuel-efficient cars that everyone can afford.”

The following is a complete list of remaining teams, along with the class in which they compete and their fuel type:

Mainstream Class (Two vehicles, one team)

• Edison2, Very Light Car #97    (Charlottesville, VA), Internal Combustion Engine

• Edison2, Very Light Car #98 (Charlottesville, VA), Internal Combustion Engine
  Alternative Class – Tandem (Two vehicles, one team)

• X-Tracer, E-Tracer #72 (Switzerland), Battery Electric

• X-Tracer, E-Tracer #79 (Switzerland), Battery Electric

  Alternative Class – Side-by-Side (Five vehicles, five teams)

• Aptera, Aptera 2e (San Diego, CA), Battery Electric

• Li-ion Motors, Wave II (North Carolina), Battery Electric

• RaceAbout Association, RaceAbout (Finland), Battery Electric

• TW4XP, TW4XP (Germany), Battery Electric

• ZAP, Alias (Santa Rosa, CA), Battery Electric

X PRIZE Final Competitor: ZAP Alias

The three-wheeled, three-passenger Alias reflects a 25-percent cutback back over four-wheeled vehicles that is well timed in this economy. Clearly, there are practical benefits to design.

The front wheels are driven by a 216-volt electric motor and energized by a lithium-ion battery pack with a claimed 100-mile range. Zap estimates the miles per gallon equivalent rating will be 150-165 MPGe. Top speed is 75 mph.

The design means it would be registered as a motorcycle, and in some states a motorcycle license would be required to drive it.