Nine cars that could change the world

From The Huffington Post:

They're aerodynamic, they're snappy, and, best of all, they're efficient.

The Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize has announced the finalists in its competition to develop a new breed of energy efficient vehicles.

Just 9 cars (down from 136) remain in the competition, which aims to "inspire a new generation of super fuel efficient vehicles." The cars, which go through a grueling series of tests and technical inspections to determine their road-worthiness, must be able to handle real-world scenarios. "It is about developing real, production-capable cars that consumers will want to buy, not science projects or concept cars," the X Prize Foundation explains.

Check out the finalists in the slideshow below, then vote for your favorite on the X Prize website.

E-Tracer 7002 and E-Tracer 7009
The two-seater vehicle, designed by X-Tracer, has a slick aerodynamic design. The car weighs about 1350 pounds, runs on an electric battery, and should cost around $100,000.

Stats:
- Best mpg to Date: 350 mpge (miles per gallon equivalent) at constant 62 mph
- Acceleration (0–60 mph): < 4 sec
- Top Speed: 155 mph regulated, but 180 mph unrestricted

TW4XP
The car, powered by an electric battery, has an unusual control mechanism. The XPrize Foundation explains, "Rather than the traditional steering wheel, it features pistol grips on either side of the driver."

Stats:
• Maximum speed > 80 miles/h
• Acceleration: 0 – 60 miles/h < 12 sec
• Range > 100 miles
• Energy Consumption < 16 kWh / 100 miles

Wave II
Li-ion Motors (short for "lithium-ion") has four wheels, fits two, and is built from fiberglass. According to Consumer Reports, "The company claims the Wave will have a range of 170 miles on an eight-hour charge. It is also planning an electric sports car called the Inizio."

Very Light Car 97 and 98
Edison's "Very Light Car" uses an internal combustion engine running on E85 ethanol. According to the creators, "parts can weigh as little as a tenth the weight of an equivalent part in a current vehicle." The vehicle is also made from "mostly recyclable aluminum and steel."

Stats:
- Top Speed: > 100 mph
- Range: > 600 miles

Aptera 2e
Aptera's slick Aptera 2e is efficient and comfortable (it's got air conditioning, cup holders, and a roomy trunk). The car's XPrize description notes:

With the 2e, the driver will experience a comfortable and reliable ride while achieving more than 100 miles on a single full charge, equating to an equivalent of well over 200 miles per gallon. This previously unheard of level of efficiency is delivered by the Aptera 2e's aerodynamically designed, lightweight composite body that is so strong it can withstand a blow form a 5lb sledge hammer without so much as a dent.

RaceAbout
The RaceAbout electric car was created by a team composed almost entirely of university students. The two-seater has four motors--one for each wheel.

Stats:
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h 6 sec.
- Operation range 200 km
- Energy consumption is equivalent to fuel consumption as 2,35/100 km
- top speed 200 km/h

Alias
"Alias," made by ZAP, is a three-wheeled, plug in electric roadster that can fit two.

Stats:
- 0 – 60 mph : 7.8 seconds
- Max Speed: 75+ mph
- Range: 100+ miles