Consumer Reports teams with X Prize Foundation on 100-mpg competition

Consumer Reports will serve as the official active safety testing partner for the Progressive Automotive X Prize, an intense competition that will award a $10 million prize for creating a car that gets 100 mpg; can be mass produced; and could be sold for a reasonable price. The competition is designed to inspire a new generation of viable, safe, and super fuel-efficient vehicles.

Among other requirements, competition vehicles must pass a variety of pre-race safety inspections and active safety performance tests. These tests will be conducted with advice and help from Consumer Reports, and certain tests will be performed in accordance with procedures developed by Consumer Reports. Examples include single and multiple braking tests, low-speed stability tests and emergency double-lane change maneuvers.

Consumer Reports will bring a critical perspective on vehicle safety, features, and technology to the competition. David Champion, Senior Director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Division will also join the Prize Administration Board of the competition. 

“We think this is a great way to encourage the creation of new and more fuel-efficient vehicles,” says Champion.

The two organizations are exploring other ways to further accelerate consumer education and advocacy efforts, specifically on such topics as alternative fuels and fuel efficiency. For instance, in future testing of plug-in and alternative fuel vehicles, Consumer Reports is planning to report MPGe (miles per gallon energy equivalent) as one of several measures that will help consumers understand and compare vehicle efficiency.  

Look for ongoing X Prize coverage in the Cars blog.

Learn more about the Automotive X Prize competition. And learn more about driving green in the Consumer Reports special fuel economy section.