Hybrid Technologies Inc (HYBR.OB), based in Mooresville, NC, is currently developing a Tesla-inspired sportscar. Hybrid plans on developing an all-electric version that will be targeted for production and a gas-electric hybrid version that will be entered into the “Progressive Automotive X Prize” competition with Popular Mechanics (PM). Hybrid expects a drivable hybrid prototype, also known as X Prize car, to be completed by September 2008.
Ron Cerven, a Hybrid project development engineer, stated, “We’re looking for this car basically to end up mainstream—not just built for a one-and-done. The X Prize car is going to be the purchasable—obviously a higher-end car, but there might be something else from us in the X Prize.”
Cerven said that the X Prize car’s design will center on the drivetrain and the passenger’s comfort. He also added that the X Prize car would retain regenerative breaking and movable aero parts to alter the car’s drag and downforce.
Hybrid’s development team is targeting a driving range of between 150 to 180 miles per charge with its all-electric model. The team is targeting a minimum of 220 miles per charge for the gas-electric hybrid model.
PM asked Cerven if the X Prize car would hit the 600+ horsepower level reached by the 2009 Corvette ZR1 it tested in April. Cerven responded that PM was “way out of the ballpark—it’s gonna be wild.”
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