Azure Dynamics ForceDrive(TM) Technology Powers Li-Ion Motors' Wave II to Prestigious 2010 X PRIZE Victory
Share:
OAK PARK, MI - The advanced energy transportation universe turned its collective attention to Washington D.C. today for the final results of the 2010 Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE Competition. The intense multi-stage competition pitted some of the world's most fuel efficient vehicles against one another in a quest to win a share of the $10 million prize purse. At the final bell, it was Li-Ion Motor Corp's Wave II featuring Azure Dynamics' ForceDrive(TM) powertrain that had earned the $2.5 million first place award in the competitive Alternative Side-by-Side Class.
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD) has integrated its advanced powertrains in more than 40 different vehicles and has over 25 million miles of real word experience.
"X PRIZE vehicles feature the best of tomorrow's technology in today's solutions," said Jay Sandler, Azure's vice president of sales. "We're thrilled with Team Li-Ion's victory. The X Prize-winning Wave II is clear demonstration that electric mobility has not only arrived, but is poised to be a major player in the commercial and personal transportation sectors in the near term."
The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a $10 million competition to inspire a new generation of super fuel efficient vehicles, required each vehicle to pass a series of technical inspections and on-track Efficiency, Range and Dynamic Safety events conducted by the competition's technical team and auto test engineers from partners Consumer Reports and the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory. Li-ion Motors' WAVE II is a U.S.-built vehicle specifically constructed for maximum energy efficiency.
The most recent XPrize competitive test stage completed in July featured five vehicles in the alternative side-by-side class competing on the giant oval at Michigan International Speedway for the Combined Performance and Efficiency Test. In this competition, vehicles had to travel 50 laps around the Speedway's 2-mile track, covering a full 100 miles as fast as possible, without exceeding 70mph nor going any slower than 45mph. There was one twist: One each lap, the vehicles had to navigate a "chicane" that would force each car to brake, turn, and accelerate to race speed. The total time to complete the course and each vehicle's fuel efficiency, measured as MPGe, were critical factors in determining the winning vehicle. At the end of the race, Team Li-Ion had finished first by a narrow 0.179 seconds! During the race, Team Li-Ion posted a very respectable 125 MPGe.
For more information on how Azure Dynamics products are Driving a World of Difference, please visit www.azuredynamics.com.
The TSX Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
About Azure Dynamics
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD) is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles. Azure is strategically targeting the commercial delivery vehicle and shuttle bus markets and is currently working internationally with various partners and customers. The Company is committed to providing customers and partners with innovative, cost-efficient, and environmentally-friendly energy management solutions. For more information please visit www.azuredynamics.com.
Source: Azure Dynamics Corporation
CONTACT: Mike Elwood, Vice President-Marketing, (905) 607-3486 x6203,
Email: melwood@azuredynamics.com; Pat Liebler, Liebler Group, (313) 832-4376,
Email: pat@lieblergroup.com
