Random Thoughts of Chris Tilley

The Automotive X Prize group has released the draft rules for competing. This is definitely going to interesting and I will be following it closely.

First the main competition is going to consist of a long distance race possibly across America. It will be a staged event where they must maintain a gas milage or equivalent of 100 MPGe and emissions of 200 g/mile GHG. It will be a timed event with them limited to the speed limit. That will help create a marketable car none of us want to be limited to 20mph. There maybe time bonus for refuel time, use of multiple fuels, high fuel economy and high public opinion.

The final race will be held in late 2009. I would expect to see the winners available to buy in the late 2010 line up.

There are some other conditions they are looking at. First a business plan that clearly lays out a path to bring the vehicle to market in 10,000 units per year quantities. Features that we would expect in vehicle like air conditioning, stereo, comfort, styling, cargo. The pricing is a little harder to define but basically it should be comparable to a current car in that class.

The stages of the race are going to replicate normal driving conditions: City, Errands, Commuting, Hills, Heavy Traffic, Very long with refueling, stages with days of rest in between with no refueling or maintenance.

There will be lots of publicity allowing companies to raise funds, attract investors. There may be other prizes. My favorite is a people choice award where votes cost real money and the winner gets the money.

Personally I think the Star Rotor people should partner up with someone to enter. They have a really good chance if they get a good partner.

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Star Rotor
Automotive X Prize