Random Thoughts of Chris Tilley

The automotive X-prize has released a list of the first 30 entrants into the contest. In going through the list of contestants I picked out a couple that I felt were unique. I am not taking about who I think is going to win, but who has the most unique technology. These ones have the potential to revolutionize the industry or fail badly in the middle of the contest.

The first one is DEHYDS, Digital Electro-Hydraulic Systems. They are using a linear engine to directly power a hydraulic system. So effectively this is a hydraulic hybrid. The engine is something different and they are injecting water into the cylinder, which will flash to steam and make use of that heat energy.

The next one is Fuel Vapor Technologies. They have a lightweight car but the cool technology they have is a computerized fuel vapour system. It increased fuel efficiency by 10-20% and reduce CO2 by 30% when attached to any gas engine.

The final one for today is the another hydraulic hybrid, Valentin Technologies. This company seems to have everything already figured out and ready to go. a 2 stroke diesel engine directly pressurizing the hydraulic system. Some of the key benefits:

• 130MPG
• 5 seat car
• 0-60mph in 5 sec

I don't know if any of these will be winners but the technology that they are putting forth could be a part of the answer. I think the ultimate solution will a combination of a number of these technologies.