AirShip Technologies Group – Oregon, USA

AirShip Technologies Group began operation in January 1993 in Northridge, California. Ben Lee Berry and Benjamin Lawrence Berry are the owner principals who have designed the AirShip's System Development and Technical Specifications. Together, these entrepreneurs have over 50 years in development of high-technology products. The AirShip ground transport vehicle is designed from the ground up to be powered by electric fuel cell integrated track-spheres. The track-sphere drive assembly rotates the spheres by forward, aft and lateral electric motors that can change the direction of travel on demand. The motors fit into circular hubs that hold the spheres in place, vastly simplifying the drive system and eliminating the need for fuels that produce Green House Gases (GHGs). This transit drive system and integrated frame enable the driver to maneuver all four wheels for better handling and steering control while moving the AirShip in a 360-degree motion for reverse from a stationary position. The AirShip also has the ability to exploit electric fuel cells that have a long life expectancy as an efficient, quiet and powerful energy source alternative.

Aptera Motors – California, USA

Aptera is working to create a line of three-wheeled, 'two-seater plus one' all electric and electric plug-in hybrid vehicles. Technically classified as a motorcycle, Aptera is designing their vehicles to exceed the safety requirements of a regular passenger vehicle, with enough cargo space to hold 15 bags of groceries. The All Electric Aptera has an estimated range of up to 200 miles before the battery is depleted. The plug-in hybrid version can travel for as long as the gas tank remains full, getting anywhere between 130 and 1000MPG, depending on how much electrical energy remains. Aptera was founded by Steve Fambro and Chris Anthony, CEO and COO, respectively. Fambro has extensive background in the biotech industry in product development, from R&D to launch. Anthony was the founder of Epic Boats, LLC, a boat design and building company that gave him an in-depth knowledge of hydrodynamic and aerodynamic theories.

Alpha–Core/Poulsen Hybrid – Connecticut, USA

Poulsen Hybrid is a retrofit plug-in hybrid vehicle drive system, PHEV, for use on conventional automobiles. The system incorporates powerful disk shape axial field brushless DC motors, which are bolted onto the rear wheels of a new or used compact or mid-size car and hooked up to a power management module and battery pack located in the trunk. The system will be made available in kit form to be installed by an individual, a service station or a dealership in 3-4 hours. The system can be applied to front- or rear-wheel drive, gasoline or diesel fueled cars and can be operated alone or in blended mode together with the original engine. (Patents pending.) The team is led by Alpha-Core founder and president, Ulrik Poulsen.

ARKAS Automotive – Istanbul, Turkey

Arkas Automotive is a multi-brand car dealership in Turkey, with contracts with Ford, Opel, Volvo, Peugeot, Citroen, and Renault Trucks. The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE team will be compiled by management from Turkey’s local car manufacturers, and other specialists in the motorsport industry. They are designing their vehicle using motorsport technologies in the hope of maximizing fuel efficiency while minimizing CO2 emissions.

Avion Car Company – Washington, USA

The Avion was designed to be manufactured in small volumes using recycled components from automobile recycling yards. Utilizing standard engines and drive trains installed in the Avion's lightweight and aerodynamic body, the vehicle can achieve significant improvements in fuel efficiency and performance making the Avion both fun to drive and fuel efficient. The prototype was completed in 1984 and set the Guinness world record for fuel economy in 1986 at 103.7-mpg average driving from the Mexico border to British Columbia Canada border. More recently, in vehicle testing, team leads Craig Henderson and Bill Green claim to have achieved 80 mpg at 70 mph and an astonishing 114 mpg at 55 mph driving from Eugene, OR to Portland, OR.

Belloso Motor Company – Maryland, USA

During the past ten years, Belloso Motor Company has engaged in research and development of a fuel-efficient dual-engine motor vehicle as an alternative to the hybrid vehicle, with special emphasis on simplicity, inexpensiveness, safety and superior performance. They have received several patents on this technology and have more patents pending. They use a downsized primary engine for cruising economically, supplemented by another internal combustion engine for acceleration and hill-climbing. This engine, which can be built at a very light weight, allows for a vehicle that weighs no more than ten of fifteen pounds per engine horsepower, with a body made of a lightweight reinforced plastic. They hope that their approach will avoid the weight, high cost and limited energy storage capacity of the batteries used in hybrid vehicles, and will afford greater choice of the size and power of both the primary and the auxiliary engines.

Brilliant Electric Vehicles LLC – Iowa, USA

Brilliant Electric Vehicles LLC, led by Bill Todorof, plans to produce a five-door hatchback with extended roof solar panel as well a small solar panel on the hood. It will be all-wheel drive with a 10 HP electric motor driving each wheel. Battery storage will include enhanced lithium-ion lightweight high-charge density batteries weighing approximately 300 lbs overall. The batteries will be charged by 1) an onboard algae-derived biodiesel and/or propane generator set, or 2) by the vehicle's solar panels, or 3) by a 2kW+ roadside solar panel array. The overall target weight, fully upholstered, air conditioned, stereo equipped, vehicle is approximately 2,200 lbs (wet), with a target price of less than $25,000. Brilliant’s goal is to achieve over 200 mpg by using very little fuel.

Commuter Cars Corp. – Washington, USA

Commuter Cars has created a vehicle called the Tango, an all electric plug-in vehicle that is only 39" wide, which is thinner than some motorcycles. A tandem two-seater, the Tango can fit into the same gaps between cars that motorcycles can, and in the same cramped parking spots. In addition, the Tango can accelerate from 0-60 in 4 seconds. In all, the Tango has an estimated range of 160 miles, depending on the type of battery installed. It takes up to three hours for the Tango to fully charge, plugged into a 220V outlet, though a 10 minute charge of 80% is an option, for an extra 50 miles. The Tango, their entrant into the Automotive X PRIZE, is designed with safety in mind. The vehicle is built around a roll cage that could pass race car qualifications, and includes four point harnesses. According to the company, its low center of gravity, and a weight comparable to a midsize sedan combine to make the Tango safe.

Cornell University – New York, USA

One of the few college teams, Cornell’s entrant into the Automotive X PRIZE will be a Geo Metro turned into a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Their goal is to create a mainstream, four-seat vehicle that is highly efficient, rather than adopting a radical new look. Cornell has a team of over 70 students and two faculty advisors. They are using a systems engineering approach to develop an entry to the X PRIZE competition. The Cornell Automotive X PRIZE team is partly sponsored by the Cornell Systems Engineering Program. The Cornell team is led by faculty advisors Professors Albert George and John Callister. George is the J.F. Carr Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Systems Engineering at Cornell University and the faculty advisor of Cornell University's nine-time World Champion Formula SAE. Callister is a senior lecturer in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Operations Research and Industrial Engineering departments, and the Director of the Harvey Kinzelberg Entrepreneurship in Engineering Program.

D’ÅNTHEUS MOTORS – Florida, USA

D’Åntheus Motors is working on the development of an alternative energy vehicle that uses no gasoline and produces zero tailpipe emissions. The team is headed by Dan Cetrone, a publisher, entrepreneur and technology consultant in the fields of medicine and alternative energy, and is made up of engineers, scientists and physicists.
The all-electric motor uses a combination of electromagnetic principles, newly designed circuits and proprietary electronic components. The design is based on test results that have produced unusually high electrical output levels that can be sustained for long durations, without the need for recharging.


According to the team, their focus is not on body design. The D’Antheus motors have been designed to be used in vehicles ranging from expensive high-end to economy cars selling for under $30,000. The team has a goal of manufacturing and selling their motors before the end of 2011.

DEHyds – Washington, USA

Owned by Ed Danzer, DEHydS is a startup company, which focuses on developing digital electro-hydraulic systems that efficiently power vehicles and equipment. Their plan is to design a vehicle that has the same thermal efficiency at all speeds and power demands, and the ability to absorb, store and reuse over 50% of all available braking energy at any speed. They are designing a next generation system to convert chemical fuels to work with their linear engine, pump/motor unit and novel hydraulic circuit. According to the team these systems should provide a better, more consistent thermal efficiency over a vehicle’s operating range. DEHyds intends to enter a conversion vehicle consisting of a body, frame and interior of a current production vehicle, DEHydS will use the body, frame and interior of a current production vehicle that meets the crash safety and occupant size requirements of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE rules.

Delta Motorsport – Northants, UK

Delta Motorsport is a design and engineering consultancy, and a manufacturer of low volume race cars. They have been targeting their quest for efficiency towards minimizing energy consumption, rather than increasing performance. Their competition vehicle is an ultra-compact and low cost four-seater. They are attacking every area of the vehicle using their motorsport design philosophy to ensure that no part is bigger / heavier / more powerful than it needs to be. They believe that great steps can be made in the performance, range and cost of ultra-low emissions vehicles. They are aiming at a selling price significantly lower than the X PRIZE limit. They are building a battery electric version of the car, but also have a series hybrid version at an earlier stage of design.

Desert Fuel – Arizona, USA

Born in the Arizona desert, Desert Fuel is led by brothers Bryan and Jason McCoy. The team philosophy is based on the premise that everyday people can do extraordinary things. The core team consists of eight people, who each have full time jobs outside of the automotive field. Combined, the team members have specialties including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, business management, design, and fabrication. The team’s X-PRIZE entry is intended to be a one-off production ready vehicle. Team Desert Fuel is combining and refining many technologies to fit into their vehicle. The business concept calls for assembly in Africa, availability to markets worldwide, and a retail price of less than $35,000 USD. The vehicle will use modular systems to allow for upgrades to lighter, more power dense technology enriched elements as they become commercially available. The team hopes that the use of modular systems will reduce the carbon footprint and the need to replace a vehicle every few years. The vehicle will also feature an internal combustion engine allowing the consumer to use readily available pump diesel or biodiesel or even waste vegetable oils. Desert Fuel’s vehicle is intended to last for over 50 years while remaining "green".

Dragonfly Technology LTD - Northhampton, UK

Dragonfly is a small group of ex-Formula One personnel based in the UK, led by John P. Davis. The vehicle will, in most aspects, be based around a conventional four-seater car. The vehicle will be equipped with most of the facilities normally available for a car of its class. However, the use and control of the powertrain configuration will be fully controlled to optimize the available energy in the fuel, which can be conventional gasoline, but could be one of many developing fuels such as bio-diesel or hydrogen. The project has been underway for the past two years and is nearing the completion of a working prototype using new patented technology.

Eastern Technologies Romania – Bucharest, Romania

Eastern Technologies Romania is a small team. The specialists involved in this project will try to develop a performance hybrid vehicle by modifying an existing platform, without compromising safety, dynamic performance or comfort. They will try to combine a classical combustion engine with an electrical one. In addition to this they plan to use a solar coated exterior, which will provide some of the electrical energy required for propulsion.

Electric Trucks – Connecticut, USA

Electric Truck's "H System" technology increases the mileage, range and acceleration of hybrid electric and electric vehicles (HEVs and EVs), and allows HEVs and EVs of greater size and payload capacity, such as light and medium duty trucks, or increased performance for cars. Trucks are a large market segment based on commercial need and represent a large source of emissions. The H System technology is also applicable to electric trains / subway systems (where large operational cost savings can be achieved). A proof of concept car is located in Fairfield County, CT and is available for demonstrations.

Eltra Technology, Inc. - Illinois, USA

Eltra is lead by Carolyn Johnson and Ronald Johnson who have specialized in embedded control systems and have been involved in Zero-Emission and True Series Hybrid vehicle systems for over 12 years. Eltra holds several patents on their multi-partitioned motor technology and in the early 2000’s built an initial ZEV test vehicle that demonstrates > 50% increase in mileage compared to existing motor technology with the final patent being issued in 2003. This includes a direct drive AC induction motor technology with a multi-partitioned winding configuration that utilizes inverter duty motor technology to improve the motor’s efficiency during normal patterns of driving. The new Eltra True Series Hybrid is planned to be a conversion of a production vehicle with dual traction motors utilizing our patented motor technology. Initial expectations by the team are approximately 140 MPG and a distance of nearly 700 miles with a 5 gallon tank dependent upon final X PRIZE pollution requirements.

Envera LLC - California, USA

In 1999 Envera LLC conducted a feasibility study for the US Department of Energy for attaining an 80 mile per gallon car using a variable compression ratio engine. The results were positive and Envera LLC was subsequently awarded two contracts to build a demonstrator engine. The engine surpassed efficiency expectations in November 2002. Envera is now focused on commercial development of a high efficiency engine sized for greatly improving the fuel economy of light-duty trucks and SUV’s. The Envera X PRIZE car will be based on the earlier 80 mile per gallon car, and include enhancements for attaining 100 mpg.

Esterer Engineering - British Columbia, Canada

Esterer Engineering, led by John Esterer, is working on developing an ethanol hybrid vehicle. They hope to be able to optimize engine efficiency, as well as overall energy utilization, including in the production and delivery methods for the vehicle. The team is currently in the process of exploring different concepts, and will add team members and skill sets as necessary.

FuelVapor Technologies BC – British Columbia, Canada

FuelVapor has created the alé, a futuristic three wheeler with two wheels in front and one in back. Designed with both performance and fuel economy in mind, the alé can accelerate from 0-60 in 5 seconds. It runs on a gasoline engine, reconfigured to be able to run on gasoline fumes, greatly increasing the fuel economy. Estimates from FuelVapor say that a 10 gallon tank can last 15 hours of driving. In all, the alé is estimated at 92mpg highway. The alé will be FuelVapor's entrant into the Alternative Category. They will be designing a similar car that meets all of the requirements for the Mainstream Category.
FuelVapor's was founded by George Parker, an inventor with an extensive background in research and development in the aviation industry. Parker owns two other companies: Ceramiweld Inc., a welding and ceramic coating company, and Synergistic Design and Technologies Inc., a research and development company.

Global-E - Louisiana, USA

Global-E is a group of about 40 individuals who have brought new launch vehicles, various commercial and military aircraft, automobiles, and personal businesses to successful fruition from the "ground up." Their vehicle will be a four wheel, five+ passenger cross-over styled hybrid that will utilize currently marketed hardware as well as three vendor supplied components that are currently in development and approximately five proprietary/trade secret items. Global-E’s targeted efficiency will be 120 MPGe on the highway and 100 MPGe in the city, assuming a range of 400 miles. The vehicle is intended to look similar to vehicles on the road today.

Goodwin-Young “Linc Volt” – Kansas, USA

Team Linc Volt plans to re-power a 2.5 ton, 1959 Lincoln Continental Mk IV convertible for their Progressive Automotive X PRIZE entry. At 19.5 feet long, the Lincoln Continental was the longest car of its era. Their goal is to create a vehicle that not only produces zero emissions and does not require roadside re-fueling, but also acts as a generator for a home while charging. The "Linc Volt" team is led by Neil Young and Johnathan Goodwin. Young is documenting the conversion process and related activities in a film titled "Linc Volt". Goodwin, the owner of H-Line Conversions, is a well-known mechanic who has appeared on the cover of Fast Company, been featured on MTV's Pimp My Ride, and has already created numerous green, biodiesel conversions.

gPod – California, USA

The gPod car is a solitary effort by Mike Kennedy to show how readily a 100mpg car could be brought to market by taking an already successfully mass-produced vehicle, i.e. a VW Lupo 3L TDi, and simply improving the design for lower aerodynamic drag and also reducing the production vehicle's mass in anyway that doesn't unduly compromise the vehicle's safety. The primary focus is to draw attention to the fact that drastic reductions in fuel consumption are possible NOW, without the need to wait for the development of exotic, unproven and expensive technologies. The VW Lupo 3L was introduced in 1999. If slightly modified decade-old technology can achieve the AXP's performance criteria, and if we really care about our climate change problem, it begs the question, "Why aren't we already driving cars like this?"

GroupXcaliber - California, USA

Group XCaliber is retrofitting current production vehicles with new combustion technology, with the hope of enhancing their fuel efficiency and reducing their emissions. Led by Lundy Llaguno, the team is planning to enter both the Mainstream and the Alternative categories of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE.

Gunn Team – California, USA

Gunn Team, led by Doug Gunn, is working on a light, strong vehicle able to operate on gasoline, butanol, or LNG. The vehicle is being designed to fit four large adults and a child. Gunn, who has built an enclosed, one person scooter that gets 300 MPG already, has assembled a team of mechanics, engineers, furniture makers and researchers. The team hopes to build a vehicle that is easy to manufacture and assemble.

Herf Duo – Berlin, Germany

Herf Duo from Berlin, Germany is led by software developer Wolf Dieter Herf. The team is planning to enter two vehicles into the Automotive X PRIZE, on in the Mainstream Class, one in the Alternative. Their mainstream entry will be a currently available vehicle, probably a full-sized sedan, retooled to be a full hybrid. It will use either gasoline or diesel for fuel with a higher engine efficiency. For their Alternative Class entry, the team is working on a two wheeled, tandem seat vehicle. This can operate independently, in a similar class as a motorcycle, with stabilizing wheels for low speeds and parking.

HP2g – Ohio, USA

The flagship HP2g™ runs on E85, which is a green, alcohol-based fuel that significantly reduces green house gas emissions. Working to build a vehicle that would meet the requirements of the X-PRIZE, Team HP2g started by using the V8 platform. In testing, they have been able to have both fuel efficiency and the power to pass traffic when needed. At this time, their focus is designing their vehicle to be more consumer-friendly without sacrificing basic creature comforts of comparable existing vehicles. Pictures of HP2g’s vehicle will be seen after their June 14, 2008 press release/demonstration at Milan Dragway in Milan, MI.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies, Inc. – Illinois, USA

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies, Inc. (HEVT) is an early-stage technology venture specializing in design and development of hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle controllers, drive trains, and conversions. HEVT’s mission is to lead the way toward sustainable transportation by providing innovative adaptive control units and integrated electro-mechanical drive trains for hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. HEVT’s solutions address rising fuel costs, global warming, harmful emissions, and sound pollution. Located at the University Tech Park on Illinois Institute of Technology’s campus in Chicago, HEVT has exclusive rights to the intellectual property, patents, and patents-pending covering this revolutionary technology developed by Professor Ali Emadi and his research laboratory at IIT.

Hybrid Technologies – Mooresville, NC

Hybrid Technologies has been developing lithium electric vehicles ranging from bicycles, scooters, ATVs, and cars for mainstream distribution using its proprietary Battery Management System that allows for safe charge and discharge of lithium batteries as well as constant individual cell monitoring and balancing.

HyKinesys – Rolling Hills Estate, CA

The HyKinesys team will enter a four-seat coupe conversion vehicle. A variety of measures to reduce aerodynamic drag, weight and rolling resistance will be deployed. A small conventional engine, based on a design already in volume production, will run on E85, supported by a plug-in facility capable of providing an all-electric range of at least 20 miles. They state that their competitive advantage will come from a uniquely designed surge power unit, which supports very efficient regenerative braking and allows the engine to be smaller and more economical at all speeds than those in conventional hybrids.

Illuminati Motor Works – Illinois, USA

Illuminati Motor Works is a group of engineers, automotive technicians, graphic artists and car enthusiasts who have worked on alternative means of transport and alternative energy for many decades in their professional and personal lives. Illuminati team members have worked for a variety of companies including Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and GM, where they did circuit and system design, programmed and completed prototyping for the EV and HEV programs. The team’s vehicle "Seven" is a four seat, gasoline compound series hybrid. The vehicle has a dual modular design enabling both its drive train and body components to be swapped out. The concept allows bolt-on adaptation of diesel, biodiesel, ethanol, and natural gas drive train, and body styles include a four-door, six-seat sedan and truck versions. The race version will be a two-door coupe.

Jordan Engineering – Texas, USA

Jordan Engineering was founded by Joshua Jordan, a licensed professional engineer. The Jordan mainstream-class vehicle will be mass produced under the "Sedition" model name. Sedition will incorporate some of Jordan's latest automotive innovations. Safety is always the priority of Jordan designs, but recent innovations also focus on sustainable reliability. The Sedition is the ultimate in design, capable of upgrades to future technology; it is likely that the Sedition is the last car our future clients will ever need to buy. After decades of sketches and innovation, but no action, the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE has created the incentive needed to actually build our first vehicle. Jordan Engineering is a family company. The prototype, "Black Betty" is named after Josh's mother, who recently passed away.

Kinetic Vehicles – Oregon, USA

Kinetic Vehicles, led by Jack McCornack, manufactures components for home-built automobiles with space frame chassis and simple composite and aluminum bodies. Their concept involves low weight, low parasite drag, an 1100cc diesel engine with forced induction: practical engineering with particular attention to keeping costs down. They plan to enter a two-seater in the Alternative Class of the competition, and their goal is to make it practical, fun and affordable, with great fuel economy.

Kuttner Doran – Virginia, USA

Kevin Doran (Doranracing.com) is a world famous sports car racer. Kevin has won the "24 Hours of Daytona" five times either as a crew chief or team owner. He won the triple crown of sports racing in the same year. Kevin has designed and built many different racing cars, including from the ground up designs, which have won major championships. Oliver Kuttner is also a racer and engineering business innovator. Once the fastest growing authorized Porsche dealer in the country, he is now focused primarily on real estate development. The team expects that the essential driveline will likely be a diesel/electric unit that will employ a combination of capacitors and/or other storage devices. They anticipate making significant innovations in vehicle management in everything from the driveline to safety devices and will emphasize attractive design and user friendliness. Due to their racing history, Kuttner Doran has the unique ability to attract some very established names in the world of racing, and routinely work with some very enthusiastic and talented people.

laeN'O – North Carolina, USA

LaeN'O is the ecodynamique coach building team created by artist Jimmy O'Neal, who is producing a high design, high performance, 140 mpg, environmentally responsible, five-passenger, fun car as his new work of art. His vehicle will be called "DODO." LaeN'O is producing other hand-built, niche vehicle works as one-of-a-kind, two-seater commuters for the collector that enjoys driving something unique with an "Electric Sports Car" appeal.

Loremo AG – Munich, Germany

Loremo, which stands for Low Resistance Mobile, was founded in Germany in 2000 to create an efficient, environmentally friendly car. Their principle is to create the lightest vehicle possible, without losing any of the safety that consumers require. The Loremo, a two seater vehicle with two fold-down children's seats in back, will come equipped with air bags, seat belts, and even a radio. According to estimates by the Loremo team, the vehicle will be able to travel from Munich to Rome, a distance of almost 1000km, on 15 litres of gas. Loremo was founded by Uli Sommer, Stefan Ruetz and Gerhard Heilmaier, and is currently led by a board made up of German engineers and businessmen.

Lydell Industries LLC – New York, USA

Lydell Industries' entry into the X PRIZE Competition will be an existing compact car (ie. Honda Civic) so as to meet all safety requirements. High efficiency changes are limited to the internal combustion engine, where Lydell has developed combustion chamber quenching minimization technology. This allows for 75% of the heat that normally is discharged to the radiator to be utilized as extra power to the wheels.

Maine Automotive X – Maine, USA

Maine Automotive X, led by Jory Squibb, creator of the "Moonbeam" is building a three wheeled, two passenger car for the Alternative Category of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. The vehicle is powered by a 950 cc turbo diesel with a five speed transmission, and is made from components that are all currently available on the market. The car is 60” X 52” X 128”, and has a body made of varnish, strip-planked wood. The Moonbeam, which Jory built in his garage, already gets between 85 and 100 miles per gallon. The seven person team is raising money to meet their $107,000 budget.

Mann Research & Development – Kentucky, USA

Mann Research and Development, led by Douglass Mann, is entering two vehicles into the Automotive X PRIZE. The Alternative Class vehicle will be a redesigned 1993 Geo Metro, able to hold two people. This vehicle has already been completed. Their entrant into the Mainstream Class will be able to hold four passengers. Their strategy for fuel efficiency is to improve the internal combustion engine, rather than creating entirely new technology. Among other improvements, they are increasing the efficiency of the crankshaft system, by what they hope will be around 200%.

MDI / Zero Pollution Motors – New York, USA

MDI founder and CEO Guy Negre invented the first zero emissions Compressed Air Car prototype in 1997. The new generation Air Car features a secondary bio-fuel energy source and compresses air while driving to achieve a remarkable 96 mph, 106 mpg and up to 850 miles range. The vehicle can hold six people, and includes space for luggage or other cargo. According to the team, the Compressed Air Car runs entirely on compressed air when it is traveling under 35 mph. At higher speeds, the compressed air is heated, and thus expands before it enters the engine, resulting in what the team says is a much longer range. A small amount of fuel, either gasoline or diesel, is needed to heat the air. The air in the tank can be compressed using a regular electric outlet.

Michigan Vision – Michigan, USA

Michigan Vision, led by Jim Beyer, plans to enter the mainstream category of the competition with a PHEV conversion. They will retrofit a Ford Escape and/or Toyota Prius Hybrid for plug-in hybrid operation using new technology (pat. pending) that will enable this to be performed at a very reasonable cost. This team is still in the forming stages, but plans to make use of the enormous automotive talent available in the State of Michigan.

Millmac – Florida, USA

Millmac Corporation was founded in 2000, primarily engaged in the repair of ships and marine engines. Over the years, Millmac has devised a method in which conventional marine and automotive engines can burn fuel more efficiently. Their entry will be a conventional off the shelf vehicle fitted with this new fuel system and internal engine components. Team Millmac, headed by Michael J. Miller and Thomas E. Hecker, graduates of the US Merchant Marine Academy, will use their knowledge of marine propulsion systems to achieve their efficiency goals. They expect the engine to work equally well on gasoline, ethanol or a combination of the two.

Miastrada Company – California, USA

Miastrada offers 200 MPG at 80 MPH. It is a tall narrow articulated vehicle having a high main body shaped like an airship over a six-wheel road-following system. The airship form achieves the lowest possible aerodynamic drag force. The patented articulating system steers, stabilizes, and hugs the road, while holding the airship body in an elevated position to enable free-flow aerodynamics. Hinging axes of the articulated vehicle allow coordinated wheel actions, while maximizing roll control torque and road conforming flexibility. Electric motors eliminate most drive train machinery. Motorists sit high in the elevated body in a spacious tandem seating arrangement. Access is by way of a ramp lowered from the body floor, like a trap door. Seats swing aside to clear the walkway and then lock back into place. Without need for side doors, uninterrupted side beams form a structure that maximizes side impact protection. Overlooking traffic from a high vantage point, the driver is well positioned to control the Miastrada.

Miles Electric Vehicles – California, USA

Miles Electric Vehicles was founded in 2004 by entrepreneur/philanthropist Miles Rubin with a mission to rapidly develop advanced all-electric vehicles that use no gas and produce zero tailpipe emissions. Current MILES fleet customers include Stanford and Yale universities, California State Polytechnic University, Queens College, UC Irvine, UC Davis and UCLA, as well as NASA, the US Navy, the National Park Service, and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. The MILES XS500 prototype sedan currently under development will top 80mph and travel over 120 miles on a single charge -- for about the cost of a gallon of gas.

Motive Industries, Inc. – Alberta, Canada

Motive Industries is a design, engineering and prototyping firm located in Calgary, Alberta Canada, led by Nathan Armstrong. Armstrong has spent 10 years in the transportation industry. He is joined by Darren McKeage, a vehicle designer, in the overall design of their entry. McKeage is completing his Masters in Automotive Design at Coventry University in England. They are working on the creation of a four seater 2x2 coupe hatchback electric drive vehicle, designed to have some mild off-roading capabilities. The team is partnering with a number of schools and universities in Canada, and is using both US and Canadian teams for construction.

MotoTron Corporation – Wisconsin, USA

MotoTron is a wholly owned subsidiary of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC). With an extensive track record in mechatronic solutions for a large variety of vehicle platforms, MotoTron is working on building a modularized, full series hybrid for their entry into the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. The MotoTron team, called the Disruptors, is lead by their Advanced Engineering Management, with more than 150 years of experience between them in various transportation industries. Their hope is that with the creation of a full series hybrid, the vehicle will be flexible enough to be adapted to the various and continually changing modes of energy storage. Mototron is run by Jeff Ehlers, who has been president of the company for 7 years and has 23 years experience in mobile mechatronic systems.

NgEK - Ohio, USA

The NgEK Team has been involved in the heavy duty trucking industry effort delivery maximum fuel economy with minimum emissions for over 15 years. They designed the low emission combustion control for the first diesel certified to 2004 EPA requirements and the powertrain management of the diesel-electric hybrid system in utility trucks now used by FedEx, UPS, Coke and others. They hope that they will be able to see these experiences in a passenger car application. NgEK’s vehicle will integrate existing components with a real-time optimizing control strategy to deliver a high performance sedan using electric drive and a powertrain management system to provide the full complement of vehicle handling dynamic control (anti-lock braking, anti-slip acceleration and power distribution control).

Northwest Energy Research Association - Washington, USA

Northwest Energy Research Association, led by Brian Tallman, is modifying a 1994 BMW 740iL sedan for their Progressive Automotive X PRIZE Vehicle. The original 4.0L V8engine will be replaced with a 1.3L Revolution rotary engine, redesigned. The team is made of design and software engineers, machinists, and automotive technicians.

Phoenix Motorcars – California, USA

Phoenix Motorcars was founded in 2001 to provide zero-emission fleet vehicles. They power their vehicles with a lithium titanate battery pack. Recharging is done with a 220V outlet, taking 6 hours for a full charge, or using a special charger, 10 minutes for a 95% quick charge. The estimated range is 130 miles, though they are working on developing a battery pack capable of 250 miles. The current battery packs have a life expectancy of 250,000 miles. Dan Riegert and Dana Muscato founded Phoenix Motorcars in July of 2001.

Porteon Electric Vehicles, Inc.

Porteon shares a deep concern for the environment, and a commitment to creating mobility solutions that are clean, energy-efficient, practical, economical, and truly sustainable. Our plan is that each and every component of a Porteon vehicle can be up-cycled for re-use. Porteon was incorporated in 2005. Porteon employs a full complement of mechanical, electrical, and design engineers developing energy-efficient, sustainable transportation.

Prometheus Systems – Arizona, USA

Prometheus Systems was founded by Jim Corning in 2006, as a spin off from another of his companies, Navakinetics LLC. The goal of Prometheus is to research renewable energy and grid-tied photovoltaic installations. As a result, their entry into the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE, the Solar Commuter, will have solar recharging capabilities, in addition to a plug in battery. The main source of power will be the battery, with the solar array adding 15-25 miles per day, depending on the intensity of the sun, enough for many people’s commute to work. Prometheus Systems is planning to partner with the University of Northern Arizona for their entry into the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE, for whom they have sponsored several engineering student design projects.

Physics Lab of Lake Havasu – Arizona, USA

The Physics Lab of Lake Havasu is composed of individuals from various backgrounds and professions, talents, and trades. Jim Stansbury, the founder of the group, is a physician by trade, with a background in physics and an interest in automotive efficiency. The team’s vehicle of choice is a full size '85 GMC Jimmy 6.2diesel 4x4. The entire vehicle will utilize and gather energy to complement the diesel and NG hydrocarbon consumable fuels, that with an energy system will be derived from: solar thermal, solar pv, steam, and hydraulic sources.

Psycho–Active – Georgia, USA

Psycho-Active, led by John Robitaille is developing a multi-fuel/air-hybrid chassis, which will serve as the foundation for their line of automobiles. They expect the chassis to achieve unprecedented performance, safety, flexibility, serviceability and economic milestones. According to the team, this unprecedented technology relies on a revolutionary engine, which is a radical departure from traditional engines. The design of the EPOCH is simple, adaptable and self starting. Psycho-Active says it is designed it to be efficient and low cost, and it will be crafted to exhibit an extremely high power density

RaceAbout Association – Helsinki, Finland

RaceAbout Association is a university team from Helsinki Polytechnic Stadia in Helsinki Finland specializing in sports cars. Their entry into the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is a 2-seater battery electric sports car, entered into the alternative category. The team, consisting of students and staff from the Automotive Engineering Department, has a track record of creating attention-grabbing sports cars. They have displayed their RaceAbout2000, the RaceAbout2002 and the RaceAbout2005 at the Geneva Motor Show. The RaceAbout series is designed to be a lightweight, comfortable sports car, meant for motoring. The RaceAbout2005 had a 200 kilowatt motor powering it, the largest of the series.

Red Light Racing (RLR) – Maryland, USA

Red Light Racing is composed of 5 individuals who are active members of the United States Navy or Marines, and are all graduates of the Naval Test Pilot School. Currently assigned to Strike Aircraft Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three, they conduct flight tests of EA-6B Prowlers, F/A-18 Legacy and Super Hornets, and the EA-18G Growler. Their vehicle is a modified Honda Insight with a diesel/electric power plant.

Revolución Motors – Kansas, USA

Revolucion Motors, led by Daniel Kolsky, is building an electric vehicle, with the possible addition of a hybrid fuel system. The vehicle will have six wheels, four in front and two in back, with in wheel motors and regenerative braking. A capacitor and battery will be available for power storage. The interior will have room for three people, a driver centered in the front-middle, and two more side by side in back. Most of the members of Revolucion Motors come from Low Tech Headquarters’ Special Project Team.

Roane Inventions – Texas, USA

Team TriTrack, led by Jerry Roane, owner of Roane Inventions, is creating a dual mode vehicle that drives on the street or on a triangular monorail. This all electric vehicle is approximately 20 feet long with front wheel steering and a rear drive wheel. The team, which is from Austin, Texas, has several patents in microelectronics and chemistry.

S.C.E.V. – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Team SCEV is based in Malaysia and a division of Silver Circuits, a Printed Circuit Board and electronics manufacturing company. Since early 2008, we have been working on project Calypso, a 3 door 4 seater hatchback Serial Hybrid vehicle powered by 2 hub motors. The estimated car weigh is under 700 kg with batteries. Designed to run 90% off battery energy and 10% off an on board tri-fuel generator for long distance drive, we hope this hybrid of energy source will bring electric drive efficiency to daily commute without sacrificing the occasional long distance travel. Using their experience in manufacturing and automation, the car will be built from ground up using an innovative tubular space frame manufacturing method that will allow for automated mass production of this vehicle at very tight tolerance.

Society for Sustainable Mobility – California, USA

The Society for Sustainable Mobility is the only non-profit organization participating in the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. Using an Open Design platform, anyone is able to contribute to the design of the vehicles. In order to fit the lifestyle of the American consumer and create a commercially viable vehicle, the Society for Sustainable Mobility has decided to construct a 7 passenger crossover SUV called the Kernel. The all electric version will have an estimated range of 30 miles; it will be designed for compatibility with a number of other hybrid options for extended range. The Society for Sustainable Mobility was founded by David Lee, who serves as the Project Manager and Systems Engineer. Lee has extensive background as a project manager in the aerospace industry.

Spirit One – Alberta, Canada

Spirit One is led by Dean Perry, a journeyman mechanic with a strong electrical background. The team’s goal is to create an electric vehicle with no range limit. They plan to accomplish this by using solar panels to keep the batteries perpetually charged. They have created one solar-powered vehicle already, which has been driven in several parades in the hometown of Brooks, Canada.

The Standard Joule Company – California, USA

The Standard Joule Company is planning to offer a battery subscription service through a franchise network of automatic battery swapping stations similar to conventional conveyer driven car wash tunnels. Their hope is to enable a quick exchange of discharged batteries when swapping the battery pack is more convenient than plugging in to recharge. Standard Joule will compete for the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE with a production vehicle that has been retrofitted with a three-phase induction motor driven by our patent pending Dynamic Energy Drive. Mounted underneath the passenger compartment to facilitate automatic swapping, the Dynamic Energy Drive uses battery and electronic technology to store over 70KWh of energy, monitor and manage the battery cells, supervise charging, and produce the three-phase drive for the electric motor. They say that the Dynamic Energy Drive can be used to retrofit any vehicle (new or used) with at least six inches of available ground clearance (e.g. conventional SUV's).

T3 Motion – California, USA

T3 Motion, Inc. is a California-based company specializing in zero-emission, electric three-wheeled personal mobility vehicles for the professional end user. They were founded in 2003 to create personal mobility vehicles. The current T3 series features a zero-degree turning radius, integrated LED lights, and an unlimited range via field-swappable, recharging batteries. Led by Neil Brooker, president of the company, T3 Motion’s Progressive Automotive X PRIZE Entrant will be a 3-wheeled vehicle entered into the Alternative Class.

Tata Motors Limited – Coventry, UK

Tata Motors Limited is India's largest automobile company. It is the leader by far in commercial vehicles in each segment, and the second largest in the passenger vehicles market with winning products in the compact, midsize car and utility vehicle segments. The company is the world's fifth largest medium and heavy commercial vehicle manufacturer, and the world's second largest medium and heavy bus manufacturer. The company set up the Tata Motors European Technical Centre (TMETC) in 2005 in the UK. TMETC is engaged in design engineering and development of products, supporting Tata Motors' skill sets.

Team TWIKE IV – Rosenthal, Germany

Team TWIKE IV, based in Rosenthal, Germany is a group of engineers, experts and students supported by FINE Mobile GmbH, the manufacturer of the TWIKE III, and potential suppliers. The project leaders are Ottmar Pfaffenbach from University Kassel and Martin Moescheid, CEO of FINE Mobile GmbH. Their vehicle is a three-wheeled, electricdriven, pedal hybrid with side by side seating.

Tesla Motors – California, USA

Tesla Motors has designed an all electric sports car that can travel up to 245 miles on a single charge, and goes 0-60 in under 4 seconds. The battery packs, which will last over 100,000 miles, can be fully recharged in 3.5 hours. Tesla is also working on a battery recycling program so used batteries can be returned to the company instead of wasted. The company plans to use similar technology to produce their entrant vehicle, which is expected to be a sedan. Tesla Motors is owned and chaired by PayPal creator Elon Musk. Ze'ev Drori is the president and CEO of Tesla Motors. Drori has an extensive executive background in high-tech and automotive entrepreneurship. He is also an avid Formula racecar driver.

Tilting Vehicle Australia [TvA] – Kilburn North, Australia

Tilting Vehicle Australia has created a four-wheeled prototype that uses the tilting concept of a motorcycle to turn, without requiring the driver to balance, because of the stability provided by having four wheels. Led by Phillip James, Tilting Vehicle Australia consists of Aaron Davonport from the US and Frank Bokhorst from South Africa. Their hope is to be able to retail their vehicle for less that US $10,000. According to the team, the vehicle, while very thin, has the stability of a wider, sedan sized car, and will not tip over. The vehicle is designed to transport one or two people. The multi-national team has talent from Australia, South Africa, and the United States.

TTW Vehicles – Turin, Italy

TTW is a three wheel vehicle for two passengers seating in-line. It is fully enclosed with a crash proof frame and there is no need to wear a helmet. Active tilting allows the driver to steer like a car while the vehicle automatically leans into the curve like a motorcycle giving a completely new driving feeling. TTW PHEV technology allows to choose between driving up to 40 miles with zero emission, increase the efficiency of the combustion engine propulsion or greatly boost vehicle performance (0-60 mph in just over 5 seconds). Electric motors conveniently located in the front wheel hubs allow a full electronic control of integral traction, hybrid driving mode and vehicle dynamics. TTW has more than ten worldwide patents pending to protect its technologies.

USA Electric Cars, LLC – New York, USA

USA Electric Cars, led by Darrell Carter, has converted a ’98 Dodge Intrepid to an electric car with an onboard charging system. Carter has a long history in automotive design and conversions, including time spent with racing team IMSA Motor Sports.

Valentin Technologies – Wisconsin, USA

Valentin Technologies, led by Ingo Valentin is producing the INGOCAR, a medium size 5-seat passenger car. It is driven by a new hydrostatic powertrain with energy storage. According to the team, this new concept technology is very efficient, light, and powerful. Tests and simulations performed by the team indicate a fuel consumption of 130 mpg (NEDC) and a 90% reduction in emissions. Top speed is 100 mph, and the acceleration from 0-60 mph is 5 sec. The high mileage is the result of the concept where the hydraulic combustion engine pumps pressurized fluid into an accumulator. The fluid is used to drive hydraulic wheelmotors. The engine operates at constant speed and power and will be turned on and off automatically. During braking, the motors are reversed to pumps, recapture the entire braking energy, and recharge the accumulator with fluid. The small engine, wheelmotors, and the accumulator, acting as the self-sustaining backbone of the powertrain, reduce the weight of the car by about 35%. The team says that the efficient operation, reduced weight, and low air drag due to the small and efficient engine are the sources of the reductions in consumption and emissions.

Velozzi – California, USA

Velozzi is a research and design company of builders, engineers, and scientists with skills in transportation, electronics, and software development, dedicated to creating environmental solutions to the problems of climate change and the energy crisis. They will be entering a vehicle in each section of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE: the Velozzi XI in the mainstream category and the Velozzi for the Alternative Division. While the exact details of both vehicles are being kept tightly under wraps, Velozzi claims between 100 and 200 miles per gallon and the ability to plug into a regular outlet. Both concept vehicles will be plug in, multi-fuel hybrid electric. The energy to power the vehicles will come from a lithium ion battery pack. This, in turn, will be charged either from the electrical grid (solar, hydro, thermal, or wind) or from a multi-fuel microturbine battery charger or board. The vehicle will be constructed using light weight composites.

Veperformance – Quebec, Canada

Veperformance has developed a high efficiency electric drive train that can be incorporated in any production vehicle in an assembly plant or as a retrofit in a used vehicle. The system is comprised of a custom designed permanent magnet motor and control electronics with energy recovery that can direct drive any size vehicle. Veperformance will use a medium size affordable production car to compete. The Veperformance team is a group of technicians, automotive enthusiast and business entrepreneur that joined together in 2006 to start the development of an alternative propulsion system to use in any production vehicle at an affordable price.

Venture Vehicles – California, USA

Venture Vehicles, led by Ian Bruce, is creating a three-wheeled hybrid with two tandem seats called the VentureOne. The vehicle will lean into turns, providing increased stability and control. While it is technically a motorcycle, it is fully enclosed, and uses standard wheel and pedal driving controls. Their goal is to receive over 100 MPG while maintaining an acceleration of 0-60mph in less than seven seconds.

Visionary Vehicles – New York, USA

Visionary Vehicles is planning to mass produce pure electric hybrid vehicles powered by the most fuel efficient, long-life battery systems that will enable consumers to buy affordable vehicles without sacrificing safety, quality, performance, or reliability. Visionary Vehicles is a company by Malcolm Bricklin, the entrepreneur behind Subaru America and the Yugo. According to the team, Visionary Vehicles' PHEVs will be engineered to deliver superior driving experience in addition to substantially reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Of particular interest to Visionary Vehicles are advanced cathode batteries incorporating nanotechnology. They hope that utilization of this technology will allow them to address the challenges of long recharge time, short cycle life, poor operational safety, and limited tolerance of extreme temperatures facing others. Any of the batteries under consideration can be recharged by plugging into any conventional 110-volt or 220-volt outlet. If the vehicle is recharged by plugging in following trips shorter than the range of the batteries (expected to be 40 to 50 miles), then the vehicle could be used indefinitely without using any gasoline at all.

West Philly Hybrid X Team – Pennsylvania, USA

The West Philadelphia Hybrid X Team is the only high school team currently planning to participate in the Automotive X PRIZE. West Philadelphia High School serves one of the most disadvantaged areas of Philadelphia. Despite this, the Academy of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering has won the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association’s Tour de Sol in 2002, 2005, and 2006, competing against both university and corporate entities. The Team’s most recent creation, the Hybrid Attack , was developed as the world’s first hybrid Supercar at the urging of 2003 Team members who wanted to create a powerful and earth friendly car.

Western Washington University – Washington, USA

Western Washington University has a two passenger vehicle platform which can support a wide variety of powertrain options, from biodiesel or biomethane to plug-in hybrid to full electric. The Vehicle Research Institute at Western Washington University has been building vehicles since 1972, and in that time has built over 40. Around 30 undergraduate students graduate from the program each year.

X Tracer – Winterthur, Switzerland

X Tracer is an independent Swiss team, run by Felix Wagner, bringing together 20 years of Peraves Ltd. www.peraves.ch cabin motorcycle production know how and the latest electric drive technology from Brusa Ltd. www.brusa.biz. Two similar team vehicles will participate in the race. The vehicles will be fully enclosed cabin motorcycles, electrically driven. They will be built from a frameless composite safety monocoque structure, with the same performance envelope as the original ICE-production version (MonoTracer).

XLR8SUN - Florida, USA

XLR8SUN, led by Larry Wexler, has built a 3-wheeled, lightweight solar, enclosed, air conditioned motorcycle that is already street legal. The vehicle has 5 point seat belts and a trailer hitch. This is a purely electric hybrid vehicle. Wexler has been working on prototypes since 1997.

ZAP – California, USA

ZAP, which stands for Zero Air Pollution, is a manufacturer of fuel efficient alternative energy vehicles. They currently have an extensive line of electric vehicles already built, including cars, trucks and mopeds. For the 2007 holiday season, UPS leased electric vehicles from ZAP for their small parcel delivery service. They plan to enter the Alias, a front wheel drive vehicle with two motors, combining for 240kW of power. The Alias, which is water cooled, is expected by the team to go 0-60 in 5.7 seconds, with a top speed of 156mph. ZAP expects the Alias to be in production in 2009. Steven Schneider is the Chief Executive Officer and Director. Schneider has extensive experience in the automotive industry, as the founder of Voltage Vehicles, and the RAP Group, an automotive liquidator and reseller. Gary Starr co-founded ZAP in 1994. He has several publications and has appeared on more than 300 radio and television shows including as an authority in the field of electric vehicles.