Build a 100-mpg Car, Win $10 Million

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced its contribution of $3.5 million toward a total prize of at least $10 million for the design of commercially marketable vehicles capable of exceeding 100 miles per gallon, or equivalent fuel efficiency, and win a cross-country race.

The $10 million prize is being offered by the independent, private sector Automotive X PRIZE (AXP) Education Program in a competition open to both students and the general public.

"Our support and collaboration with the Automotive X PRIZE aims to not only demonstrate the practical and much-needed use of advanced and energy-efficient vehicle technologies to reduce our dependence on oil, but also inspire our next generation to pursue careers in math, science and education and engineering, so America remains at the forefront of innovation and discovery," stated DOE Assistant Secretary Karsner in a press release.

The goal of the Automotive X PRIZE program, which envisions a world "where gasoline no longer makes history, but is history," is no less than, "viable, clean and super-efficient cars that people want to buy."

Complete details on the Automotive X PRIZE competition can be downloaded from the Progressive Automotive X Prize web site.

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