Tata Will Enter Progressive Automotive X-Prize

Earlier this month, Tata Motors became the first major automotive manufacturer to enter the Progressive X Prize competition. The company signed a letter of intent announcing its decision to compete in both the Alternative and Mainstream classes.

For its entry in the Mainstream class, which requires a vehicle with four wheels, sufficient space for four passengers and that can achieve an equivalent mileage rating of at least 100 mpg, Tata will enter its Dominant Electric Hybrid vehicle. The entry must also have at least a 200 mile range between refueling or recharging.

Alternative-class vehicles must carry two or more passengers and provide at least a 100-mile range. In this classification, the number of wheels on an entry is not regulated. Tata indicates that it will enter a pure e-drive micro car.

Tata's engineering effort for its X-Prize entries will be led from its European Technical Centre, located in the UK. Other major auto manufacturers are offering support to teams that are working with modified versions of their production vehicles, but no automaker has directly entered a vehicle into competition.

Earlier this year, Tata introduced its $2,500 Nano for the Indian market. The four-seat hatchback achieves a fuel economy of about 50 mpg. The company plans to export the vehicle within about three years.

Photo courtesy of Tata Motors