Eco Factor: Lightweight car achieves 102mpg.
Manufactured by a Virginia-based company, Edison2 Very Light Car Number 98 has took the top honors in the Automotive X Prize competition with a fuel-efficient engine that gets about 102mpg. The developers took home half of the $10 million prize, while the other two teams got $2.5 million each.
The Edison2 is a lightweight car powered by a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. With the use of lightweight materials and superior aerodynamics, the vehicle did have everything needed to win the prize. Weighing just 377kg, the eco-friendly four-seater car is entered via the window, like a racecar.
The vehicle, which has a top speed of 100mph, is also equipped with a heater and a basic air conditioning system. Made from low-cost and recyclable materials, the vehicle could go on sale for just $20,000.