X Prize winners, finalists: A 100 mpg mandate (photos)

X-Prize winner E-Tracer powered by AC Propulsion electric-drive system

California-based AC Propulsion, the company known for providing drive system technology for the Tesla Roadster, Mini E, and eBox electric vehicles, also created the drive system for one of the Progressive Automotive X-Prize top prize winners, the E-Tracer 7002.

The X-Prize contenders were challenged to create a vehicle that could reach 100 mpg/e (miles per gallon or energy equivalent).

The long-wheel base motorcycle with cabin, developed by Peraves for Swiss team X-Tracer, was awarded $2.5 million as one of three top cash-prize winners.

The E-Tracer won the alternative tandem class. It shares the $10 million prize with the mainstream class winner, the Very Light Car #98 from Edison2 (a $5 million recipient) and the alternative side-by-side winner Li-ion Motors Corp for its Wave II (also a $2.5 recipient).

With a curbside weight of 1,436 pounds, the E-Tracer delivered more than 100 miles in range. It is powered by a 150 kW electric-drive system from AC Propulsion and a 19.4 kWh lithium polymer battery system from NeuEnergy of San Diego. The E-Tracer led the competition with more than 200 mpg/e in combined on-track and laboratory fuel efficiency. The street-legal vehicle can go from 0-to-60 mph in 6.6 seconds.

"The Peraves E-Tracer is a perfect match for our electric-drive system," said Tom Gage, AC Propulsion CEO. "Both the vehicle and our drive system excel in performance and efficiency and that is what it takes to compete successfully for the X-Prize."

AMP to develop electric SUV prototype for OEM

Amp signed a deal to develop an electric prototype of a "mainstream SUV" for an unnamed OEM.

(Credit: AMP Technologies)

AMP Electric Vehicles has announced that it's developing a mainstream SUV prototype for an automaker, but it didn't say which one. The obvious guess is GM since the Cincinnati-based start-up has developed conversion processes for a handful of GM vehicles, including the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, the 2007-2009 Saturn Solstice, and Pontiac Sky. However, a GM spokesperson indicated that the company does not have any agreement with AMP.

AMP purchases cars from dealerships for customers (or customers can bring their own) and converts the vehicle to operate with an electric drivetrain. Using a custom lithium ion battery pack and two rear-mounted Remy HVH250 motors, AMP has created an electric version of the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox that has a 0-60mph of eight seconds, with a top speed of 90 mph and a range of 150 miles.

The company has already received an unspecified demo vehicle from the manufacturer and has begun the conversion process to remove the internal combustion engine and convert the SUV to a fully electric vehicle. According to AMP, it expects the conversion to be completed and delivered back to the OEM within 60 days, and it's hoping that the first prototype won't be the last.

"The AMP electric drive train is based on an entirely new and unique technology--we're powering SUV's and crossovers that go faster and further than any current or upcoming peer offerings, even those based on modified light-weight sedans," said CEO Steve Burns in a news statement.

Frito-Lay snacks on electric delivery trucks

PepsiCo subsidiary Frito-Lay announced on Wednesday that it plans to add more than 176 all-electric trucks to its delivery fleet over the next year and a half.

Five all-electric trucks have been deployed for the company's New York routes this month, with plans to implement a total of 21 all-electric trucks by the end of the year that will include the company's Columbus, Ohio- and Fort Worth, Texas-area routes.

Another 155 all-electric trucks will be added to Frito-Lay's U.S. fleet by the end of 2011. The company already has six EVs operating in its Canada fleet.

The trucks are made by Smith Electric Vehicles, get up to 100 miles on a single charge, and, like any electric vehicle, are virtually silent.

"Frito-Lay launched its first EV trucks in the New York metropolitan area in part because it was given a grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority."

A transition to EVs from such a high-profile company can be seen as a win for New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has been campaigning through his PlaNYC program to encourage companies and residents to go EV in an effort to reduce city air pollution, as well as fuel consumption.

It's also an odd partnership, since Frito-Lay has also been the object of indirect criticism from the mayor on a completely unrelated issue. Reducing salt in processed foods is another issue taken up by Bloomberg in an effort to arguably make the city's residents healthier. The company--so famous for its snack foods that it nabbed the domain Snacks.com--has been criticized along with other leading food manufacturers for the amount of sodium and food additives used in some of its products.

Frito-Lay estimates that once all 176 EVs are implemented, it will save the company 500,000 gallons of fuel a year.

"With the seventh-largest privately owned fleet in the U.S., Frito-Lay has set a goal of becoming the most fuel-efficient fleet in the country," the company said in a statement.