"X Prize Marks Fuel-Efficiency Spot For Future Cars"

"Oliver Kuttner and his team of designers have seen the future of fuel-efficient cars topping the dreamed-of mark of 100 miles per gallon. This week, the Edison2 team is being rewarded for its vision with half of the $10 million X Prize.

To get into the Edison2's four-seater gas-powered vehicle, dubbed the Very Light Car, passenger and driver climb in through a window — just like a racecar. That might not be so easy for Grandma. But Kuttner, who's 6-foot-4 and weighs 250 pounds, has no trouble jumping into the driver's seat for a victory lap around Charlottesville, Va.

More than 100 competitors also jumped at the chance to compete for the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize.

The prize will be shared among three teams: two from the United States and one from Switzerland. The honor is awarded to teams that create super-fuel-efficient vehicles with mainstream potential."

Joshua Brockman reports for NPR's Morning Edition September 16, 2010.