We have just completed the “Knockout Stage” at the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE at Michigan International Speedway, and we’re pleased to report that the Aptera 2e is now a FINALIST in the X PRIZE competition!

The goal of the Knockout Stage, which began June 21, is to whittle the field of competitors down to a choice few.  Every event could have meant potential elimination for any of the remaining 22 teams.  Successful completion of all events except the ‘Highway Acceleration’ and ‘Lateral Acceleration’ Tests was required for vehicles to be eligible to compete in the Finals Stage of the X PRIZE in August and September.

Here’s what the teams were being judged on in the Knockout phase, and how Aptera fared:

1. Technical Inspection The Aptera 2e passed in two hours, with no issues or corrections necessary.

2. On-Road Fuel Economy, tested in city, urban and highway cycles. Aptera, despite having their efficiency score penalized heavily for keeping their highway speed too close to average, still delivered well over the required 100 Miles Per Gallon equivalent (MPGe) figure based on the X PRIZE judging formula, which measures energy consumption before and after each of the driving cycles.

3. On-Road Range Test A 68-mile test, where the vehicle must average 60 miles per hour or better. The 2e had to pit three times during the test due to an overheating problem caused by the failure of a 20-cent part. Aptera was assessed a one-lap (two mile) penalty due to one pit stop taking too long, but the 2e passed the Range Test despite the penalty lap.

4. On-Road Criteria Emissions Test – Not applicable

5. Dynamic Safety – this event consists of four parts:

a. The first part has two elements, an acceleration (0 to 60 MPH) test, which the 2e passed on the first attempt in 10.6 seconds; and a braking (60 to 0 MPH) test, which the 2e passed on its second try.

b. Accident Avoidance Test (double lane change). The 2e completed the lane change maneuver on its 7th pass at 47.6 mph.

c. Highway Acceleration (40 – 65 MPH) Test.  Passed

d. Lateral Acceleration Test.  The 2e achieved .86 lateral g’s

For details on the Knockout Stage criteria, visit https://www.progressiveautoxprize.org/prize-details/competition-event-details.

More information is available at https://xprize.aptera.com or the X PRIZE home page at https://www.progressiveautoxprize.org/.  Or check-out pictures on the Aptera flickr page athttps://www.flickr.com/photos/aptera/

On June 23-24, Aptera invited its sponsors and suppliers to the Speedway to watch the X PRIZE competition and cheer the 2e and the team on. Sixteen of our suppliers made the trek to the western Michigan wilderness, and we appreciate your attendance and support! You are helping us make history with the 2e!