The X-Prize started nothing less than a revolution in the development of new thinking on going into outer space, and now it’s back. With the X-Prize Foundation’s third contest, it aims to push vehicle efficiency as far as it’s ever gone. Imagine a world where cars can go 100 miles on each gallon of gasoline (or its equivalent). This prize wants to make this sweet place a reality, and they are offering $10 million to the company that can do it best. That amount may seem like a lot, but it’s a small price to pay for the benefit of filling up once a month to go the same amount of miles that you go today on multiple stops at the “convienience” station.
There are some great things going on behind the scenes with the 90 plus companies that want to win this prize, and we are going to look at a few so that you can form an opinion.
Aptera-Three wheelers that are classified as motorcycles. Both hybrid and electric (100-130 MPG).
FuelVapor Technologies-Another trike, but this one runs on fumes…literally (92 MPG).
MDI/Zero Pollution-This car runs on, get this, air. Compressed air pushes this car and a secondary fuel makes sure that you get over 100 MPG.
Tesla-You know these guys, they’re the ones that are into building electric vehicles. Pretty popular with the press.
Venture Vehicles-Zip around on three wheels from Venture and expect 100 MPG from either an electric or hybrid system.
Zap-This company already sells a bunch of cars. They’re worth a look if you have the time.
As great as all of this is, we can’t let it make us complacent. Even if new fuel efficiencies take us to places we’ve never been before, and even if we’re saving gallons and money, we still have to keep innovating for the future because the problem hasn’t been solved.
