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Va.-Based Company Among Winners of Automotive X Prize

September 16, 2010
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By Jonathan Wilson

An ultralight, gas-powered car developed by a Virginia-based company is among the winners of the "Automotive X Prize."

The contest was held to develop highly efficient, production-ready vehicles.

Lynchburg, Va.-based Edison2 won $5 million for its ''Very Light Car No. 98.'' The car was cited for its innovative use of lightweight materials, its superior aerodynamics and its very low production cost.

The car can get 102 miles per gallon. It seats four and is built on a steel frame but composed of mostly aluminum parts.

Edison2 founder Oliver Kuttner says some of the prize money will go into development of the next generation light car.

All of the winners are now eligible for a U.S. Department of Energy program that will help ready the vehicles for introduction to the U.S. market.

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