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| title | chunk | source | category | tags | date_saved | instance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive X Prize | 3/4 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automotive_X_Prize | reference | science, encyclopedia | 2026-05-05T13:30:50.517169+00:00 | kb-cron |
=== Shakedown stages === The first three stages are intended to be a "shake-down" period and performance in these stages do not count to final scores. The first step of the competition is the review of technical reports, technical inspection of the vehicles and performance testing of safety elements to eliminate unsafe vehicles. The two-week shakedown took place at the Michigan International Speedway, from 26 April to 7 May 2010. Those that pass the initial technical and safety inspections and tests will participate in the remaining competition events. These include stage races, additional active safety performance tests and a dynamometer test.
=== Knockout stage === The next stage is a "knockout" qualifying event. To advance, vehicles must pass active safety performance tests, meet acceptable emission levels and demonstrate at least 67 MPGe on a test track. These were held at the Michigan International Speedway from 20 to 29 June 2010. After this stage, only 15 vehicles from 12 teams remained in the competition.
=== Finals stage === The winning teams were determined in the final stage. To successfully complete the race, the vehicles had to maintain a minimum average speed (maximum time allowed) while meeting the PIAXP requirements for fuel consumption (90 MPGe) and emissions. The requirement was that the vehicle with the best overall time that met the requirements would win the final race. The final round took place from 19 to 30 July 2010 at the Michigan International Speedway. As only Edison2 remained in the mainstream class and only X-Tracer in the tandem class, no more runs took place there. Only in the side-by-side class was there a final race and the last five competitors were pitted against each other. Aptera dropped out due to technical problems and ZAP ran out of battery. Only Raceabout, LiIon-Motors and TW4XP (TWIKE4) crossed the finish line in the final race. After deducting penalty points, LiIon Motors was awarded the win in the side-by-side class.
=== Validation stage === The few remaining teams were validated on dynamometers under laboratory conditions at the EPA Labs in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago, Illinois. This stage is scheduled for August 2010. The validation results count toward 50% of the final efficiency figures, which together must exceed 100 MPGe. Edison2 was an exception. The engines in both Very Light Cars failed before validation. Edison2 was allowed to circumvent the rules governing procedures and provided independent third-party validation reports instead of undergoing the same validation testing as other finalist teams.
== Educational program == The United States Department of Energy joined the PIAXP as a sponsor, funding an educational program targeted to young people. The first component of the Education Program is a web site created in partnership with Discovery Education, www.FuelOurFutureNow.com, featuring activities for K-12 students, as well as videos, virtual labs, and interactive resources intended for use in school and in the home.
== Competing teams == Although 111 teams registered for the PAIXP and paid the registration fee, by 20 October 2009, the number of teams had decreased to 43, sponsoring 53 vehicles between them. These remaining teams represented 10 countries (some entries listed two countries of origin) with 28 coming from the United States and 7 from the state of California. Of the 53 vehicles, 28 were in the Alternative Classes and 25 in the Mainstream Class. By 15 April, only 30 teams remained. After the shakedown completed in May, 22 teams remained. A sample of the teams is shown below.
=== Mainstream === American HyPower – The "Zams" is a modified 2009 Toyota Prius. The all volunteer team based in Centennial, CO is composed of aerospace, electrical, and chemical engineers as well as entrepreneurs. It focuses on improving fuel efficiency through the introduction of hydrogen and a proprietary fuel augmentation device. In addition, aerodynamic modifications were made to the stock vehicle which alone, significantly improve fuel efficiency. BITW Technologies- Demonstrated the use of Bio-Diesel as a renewable resource and curb our use of petroleum from other countries. Edison2 – Developers of the Very Light Car, this Lynchburg, Va team of experts from auto endurance racing emphasize low weight and low aerodynamic drag as the key to automotive efficiency, and are entered in both alternative classes and the mainstream class. Engineer – Entered the "Hybrid Steam Vehicle" Global E – Entered two vehicles: the "Pulse" is a four-seat hatchback electric vehicle and the "G1" is a hybrid electric vehicle entered into the "alternate:side-by-side" category. Illuminati Motor Works – The Seven is an electric vehicle with a custom designed aerodynamic body, designed by a group of volunteers from Illinois. Liberty Motors Group – "The Liberator" is a modified 2008 Hyundai Sonata. Team FourSight – The "FourSight" is a modified Honda Insight converted to a diesel hybrid. West Philly Hybrid X – The "EVX Focus" is a modified Ford Focus
=== Alternative (Side by Side) === amp – amp'd Sky, an electric conversion of a Saturn Sky