Auto X Prize Winner Splits Purse With Competitors

Published: October 18, 2010

An electric-car maker that edged out its competitors in a five-way tiebreaker to win the coveted Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize last month is sharing its $2.5 million award with its runners-up.

The margin of victory for Li-Ion Motors Corp. was less than two-tenths of a second in a 100-mile energy and performance run on a Michigan track in July. That was the tiebreaker used after all five entries achieved an average of at least 100 mpg or the equivalent (all were battery-electric vehicles).

But on the day of the tiebreaker, the leaders of four of the teams signed an agreement that whoever won would share the prize money.

"They all helped each other out," Automotive X Prize spokeswoman Carrie Fox said. "They all realized in helping each other out that it made sense to split the purse. It really speaks to the camaraderie of the competition."

Fox referred further questions to Li-Ion Motors leader Ron Cerven. Attempts to reach Cerven today were unsuccessful.

ZAP Alias Info Card from X Prize Awards Ceremony

ZAP Alias Electric Car Information

About The Vehicle
ZAP’s approach in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE was to create a sleekly styled, 100% plug‐in electric roadster designed in a three‐wheeled configuration, two wheels in front, one in the rear. The 2‐ (optional 3) passenger vehicle employs unique automotive design and manufacturing techniques in order to achieve ZAP’s business goals of practicality and affordability.

Key Innovations:

• High performance, three‐wheeled design
• Advanced lightweight motor/ controller
• Advanced lithium‐ion phospate batteries
• NASCAR style safety cage/composite construction
• Production plans are to sell the Alias for approximately $35,000.

X PRIZE Vote- A Winner: ZAP Alias

Sep,9,2010

The Alias did exceptionally well at the Progressive X PRIZE, surviving from the original 115 teams down to the finalists. The ZAP Alias scored 121.8 MPGe, putting it among the elite 9 cars in the competition. It was clearly the best overall handling car from its performance in the Consumer Reports' emergency lane change, skid pad, acceleration, freeway acceleration and braking tests.

• "Most Stylish"- Winner!

• "Most Practical"- Winner!

• "Most Wanted" - Winner!

• "Most Innovative" - Second Place! 

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.

ZAP Exhibits Its Alias Electric Sports Car in New York City and Competes for Automotive Prize

October,19,2009

NEW YORK, NY, October 19, 2009 – ZAP (OTC BB: ZAAP) of Santa Rosa, California, a developer of electric vehicles and electric power systems, is participating in two events this week in New York City to preview the Alias, its new electric sports car. The ZAP Alias is also in competition with other companies’ vehicles for $10 million in prizes as part of the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, set up to foster the development of clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 miles per gallon or energy equivalent.

The Alias is a 100% electric-powered, three-wheeled vehicle designed by ZAP with help from engineers in Detroit and Europe. Powered by an array of lithium batteries, the Alias can top 75 miles per hour on the highway and travel over 100 miles on one charge. It is compatible with any standard 110-volt outlet. Under its “hood” is a compact high-efficiency, air-cooled, AC-induction motor. It carries a list price of $35,000. ZAP expects to announce production plans once it has completed testing and validation.

"The Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize will be an excellent opportunity to put the Alias through its paces," said Steven Schneider, Chief Executive Officer of ZAP. "We specifically designed the Alias for customers who are in the market for a sports car and who care about energy efficiency. With the Alias and our other products, ZAP is positioned as a leading brand and distribution portal of advanced technology vehicles."

The Alias is one of five car models on display today at an event hosted by the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE. The event is being held at the Manhattan Classic Car Club at 250 Hudson Street in Manhattan. A free public viewing of the Alias is being held from 2:00pm to 7:00pm.

On Tuesday, October 20, the Alias will once again be on display, this time at an event hosted by ZAP, during which ZAP CEO Steven Schneider will answer queries about the Alias, its innovative and energy-efficient design, and what it offers to the consumer. This event will be held at Manhattan Motorcars at 270 Eleventh Avenue in Manhattan from 11:00am to 1:00pm.