JMU AFV Lab Blog

Beyss Go-One Evolution: the next step in the Evolution of human-powered vehicles

jmuafvlab — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:37:04 +0000

This article was on the gizmag.com blog. I linked to it from this article posted on the same blog this morning. Looks like a fascinating vehicle. Maybe the AFV Lab “Supermileage Vehicle” could serve as a platform for such a vehicle with electric assist?

Source: http://www.gizmag.com/httpwwwgizmagcombeyss-evolution13735/13735/

Beyss Go-One Evolution: the next step in the Evolution of human-powered vehicles

By Ben Coxworth

18:06 January 6, 2010

Picture it: You’re zipping down the road in a sleek, exotic vehicle that looks like it came straight out of Blade Runner. You pull up at a red light, and a gawking onlooker asks what sort of an engine it has. To their amazement, you open the top to reveal that it’s propelled by nothing but the superhuman power of your own body. Well, that fantasy can become a reality if you’re willing to spend several thousand dollars on a velomobile. There are a number of such vehicles being produced, but perhaps none are more lusted-after than the German Beyss Go-One3. That model may soon be upstaged, however, as Beyss is set to release their latest creation, the Go-One Evolution.

Just what is a velomobile?

A velomobile is essentially a recumbent tricycle, almost completely enclosed by a streamlined shell. Most of them have headlights and turn indicators, and many offer an optional electric assist motor, intended for climbing hills. Due to the ergonomics of the recumbent seating position, and the aerodynamics of the shell, they can go significantly faster than regular bicycles on flat and downhill roads. They’re also more stable in slippery conditions, and offer more protection from the elements. As for their show-stopping exotic looks… Yeah, those are a plus, too.

The Go-One3

What sets the Go-One3 visually apart from most of its competitors is its full-length clear canopy, and its exposed rear wheel. Most velomobiles are basically opaque pods with an opening on top for the rider’s head and shoulders, making them resemble really cool-looking Dutch clogs. The Go-One3’s canopy makes it look more like an F-16, although there have been reports of fogging problems, and of overheating on sunny days - These problems can be remedied somewhat by removing the rear hatch section of the canopy, and by using an anti-fogging spray. With the Evolution, Beyss is attempting to address these and some other shortcomings.

The Go-One Evolution

Company owner and developer Michael Beyss tells us that the Evolution has more luggage room and better aerodynamics than the Go-One3. It also features superior ventilation, a redesigned canopy, more room for tall riders, less chain noise, and a more sensitive rear suspension. Like the Go-One3, its outer shell is constructed from a carbon fiber composite. Although you can’t buy one just yet, Beyss is taking preorders on their website, and their US distributor is expecting a test model within the next couple of months. If you want a fully assembled Evolution with lights, turn indicators and hardtop hatch, be prepared to part with approximately $US14,000. A Go-One3 is about $2,000 less.

And just so you know…

Velomobiles in general aren’t perfect. They can’t go as fast as a car, so usually end up traveling along the shoulder of the road, creating a larger obstruction than a bicycle. They also can’t be picked up and carried inside, transported on a car top carrier, or U-locked to a sign post… and would you want to leave yours unattended in a parking spot at the mall? You probably still want one, though, so check out some of the other makes and models at velomobiling.net

Source: http://www.gizmag.com/httpwwwgizmagcombeyss-evolution13735/13735/

Students to Race Across Canada in Electric VW Beetle

jmuafvlab — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:01:03 +0000

This article was on the autoguide.com blog this morning. A team of students from the University of British Columbia have converted an old ‘72 VW Beetle to an electric vehicle using lithium iron phosphate batteries and an 3 phase AC induction motor. They are now in the middle of Canada on a cross Canada trip to demonstrate the capabilities of battery electric vehicles. Below the article is a YouTube video showing details about the car. Check it out.

Source: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/tag/ubc-electric-car-club

Students to Race Across Canada in Electric VW Beetle

On your mark, get set, drive green! A few determined students from the University of British Columbia are aiming to set a record for the fastest coast-to-coast drive across Canada in an electric vehicle. And not just any electric vehicle – they’re making the trek in a homemade electrified classic Volkswagen Beetle.

Their journey began last week as they set off from Vancouver to complete the 4,000-mile journey. Getting them there is the E-Beetle, a 1972 Bug the UBC Electric Car Club converted to run on electricity. Powered by a three-phase AC induction motor that’s hooked up to a lithium iron phosphate battery, the E-Beetle can go about 185 miles when cruising at 60 mph and 340 miles at 30 mph. If involved in a high-speed chase, the car can reach a top speed of around 85 mph. It takes four hours to recharge and it comes equipped four wheel discs with regenerative braking.

It’s a long drive, but these students are prepared. They’ve planned ahead and mapped out places to spend the night and plug in the car. There’s even a team blog you can follow that charts their progress.

[Source: Wired]

Source: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/tag/ubc-electric-car-club

Buckeye Bullet 2.5 claims battery electric vehicle world land speed record of 307.7mph

jmuafvlab — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:28:34 +0000

This article was on the gizmag.com website this morning. The team led by Ohio State engineering students designed and built an electric powered vehicle that set a world record average two-way speed of 307.7mph. Shows you what a dedicated group of students can do.

Source: http://www.gizmag.com/buckeye-bullet-25-world-land-speed-record/16140/

Buckeye Bullet 2.5 claims battery electric vehicle world land speed record of 307.7mph

By Darren Quick

21:14 August 25, 2010

The Bullet Buckeye team from Ohio State University has set a world record average two-way speed of 307.7mph (495km/h) with its battery electric Venturi Buckeye Bullet 2.5. The lithium ion battery powered car eclipsed the previous 245mph (394km/h) world land speed record for battery electric vehicles set in 1999 by White Lightning. The new record was set by the Bullet at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah this week, is pending certification by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the worldwide motor sports governing body.

The Bullet was required to make two speed runs, one each in opposite directions and within 60 minutes, in order to be considered for the record. While the record is officially determined by averaging the speed of the two runs in the middle of the 12-mile course, the Bullet exited the flying mile at 320 mph (515km/h).

The team led by Ohio State engineering students had anticipated making further tries at besting its time this week but decided to stop after spending all night trying to replace the vehicle’s broken clutch; too much torque from the motor ripped apart the half-inch steel teeth that connect the motor to the gearbox.

The Bullet 2.5 uses the same body and chassis of the hydrogen fuel cell powered Buckeye Bullet 2, and nearly the same electric traction system, but it is powered by a 600+ kW A123 Systems lithium-ion battery pack that was designed, tested and assembled by the Bullet team and A123 Systems. The team is supported by French electric vehicle manufacturer Venturi Automobiles, the company behind the Fetish and Volage electric sportscars.

The Buckeye Bullet 2, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, set an FIA-certified world record of 302.877mph (487.4km/h) for the fuel cell class in 2009. While the original battery-powered Buckeye Bullet set a national record at 314.9mph (506.7km/h) in 2004, however this record did not meet FIA specifications. That team did, however, set a certified record of 132.129mph (212.6km/h) in 2007.

The Buckeye Bullet 2.5 will provide a test platform for systems including an all new inverter, control system and batteries to be used in the Buckeye Bullet 3.

Source: http://www.gizmag.com/buckeye-bullet-25-world-land-speed-record/16140/

Researchers develop biofuel from whisky waste

jmuafvlab — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:08:46 +0000

This article was on the gizmag blog this morning. This professor in Scotland has developed a means of converting distillery waste into biobutanol. Quoting from the article: “Butanol is a four carbon alcohol which is said to give up to 30 percent more output power than ethanol and has a lower vapor pressure and higher flashpoint which makes it easier to handle. It’s also less corrosive making it easier to transport and store, and whereas ethanol can only be blended with petrol, butanol can also be blended with diesel or biodiesel. Significantly, butanol can also be used as a stand-alone transportation fuel in ordinary vehicles without the need for special engine modification.” To my layman’s perspective, this would seem to be a better fuel than ethanol, which requires extensive engine modification. At any rate, perhaps JMU students could work with MillerCoors to duplicate such a process here at JMU?

Source: http://www.gizmag.com/whisky-byproduct-biofuel-created/16098/

One for the road: Researchers develop biofuel from whisky waste

By Paul Ridden

02:55 August 21, 2010

The message is clear. Whisky and driving is not a good mix. But rules are made to be broken and researchers at Edinburgh Napier University have managed to successfully marry the two, albeit as a fuel for the vehicle and not the driver. Researchers have taken two by-products of the whisky-making process and transformed them into an energy dense biofuel that doesn’t require vehicles to undergo any modification prior to use.

The technology behind the development is said to have been inspired by a 100 year old process known as Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol fermentation, which was developed by chemist Chaim Weizmann (who also just happened to be Israel’s first President). For the last couple of years, researchers at the Edinburgh Napier University’s Biofuel Research Center have been tweaking and finely tuning the process using distilling by-products supplied from Diageo’s Glenkinchie Distillery. Diageo’s whisky brands include Johnny Walker, J&B, Talisker Single Malt and of course Glenkinchie.

Every year, Scotland’s GBP4 billion (about US$6.2 billion) malt whisky industry produces around 1,600 million liters of pot ale – the liquid from the copper stills – and 187,000 tonnes of draff – the spent grains. The research project led by Professor Martin Tangney has managed to successfully convert these waste products into biobutanol.

Butanol is a four carbon alcohol which is said to give up to 30 percent more output power than ethanol and has a lower vapor pressure and higher flashpoint which makes it easier to handle. It’s also less corrosive making it easier to transport and store, and whereas ethanol can only be blended with petrol, butanol can also be blended with diesel or biodiesel. Significantly, butanol can also be used as a stand-alone transportation fuel in ordinary vehicles without the need for special engine modification. As well as being used as a biofuel, the new biobutanol product can also be used to manufacture other renewable bio-chemicals, like acetone.

Professor Tangney said: “The EU has declared that biofuels should account for 10 per cent of total fuel sales by 2020. While some energy companies are growing crops specifically to generate biofuel, we are investigating excess materials such as whisky by-products to develop them. This is a more environmentally sustainable option and potentially offers new revenue on the back of one of Scotland’s biggest industries.”

Edinburgh Napier University has now filed a patent for the new biofuel and plans to form a company to take the new product into commercial production – next stop, the petrol pumps.

Source: http://www.gizmag.com/whisky-byproduct-biofuel-created/16098/

A Hand-Cranked Hybrid Car

jmuafvlab — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:21:04 +0000

A Hand-Cranked Hybrid Car

This article was on the Forbes.com website. It’s quite an interesting idea. Inventor Charles Samuel Greenwood has created a unique “human powered” vehicle that utilizes four people “rowing,” like in a canoe or scull to propel the vehicle. The article goes on to say: “However, Greenwood addresses the times when owners may not have three friends available to help power the vehicle. The HumanCar Imagine PS (power station) is equipped with electric plug-in capabilities so that a single person operating a hand crank can power the vehicle. That makes this a genuine human-electric hybrid. Forget the advanced gasoline-electric hybrids of today; tomorrow’s hybrid is a true muscle car.” Check out the YouTube video and article below, or go to http://www.forbes.com/2010/08/18/hybrid-car-toyota-technology humancar.html?boxes=techchannellighttop to see the article. This looks like something that could be inspiration for an AFV Lab project.

Melissa Hincha-Ownby, 08.18.10, 06:00 PM EDT

The HumanCar Imagine PS uses hand cranks to generate power.

The next big thing in hybrid vehicles may not come from the likes of Toyota or General Motors. Instead, it may come from Charles Samuel Greenwood. Greenwood has been working on a human-powered vehicle concept for decades, and all of his hard work is coming together in the form of the HumanCar Imagine PS. The vehicle seats four and generates power through a system of hand cranks. Yes, hand cranks.

One might think that a hand-cranked vehicle would be marketable only as a neighborhood vehicle with a limited top speed. However, the HumanCar has surprising potential–a top speed of 30 mph going uphill and 60 mph on a flat surface. All of this can be achieved via human power and nothing else.

However, Greenwood addresses the times when owners may not have three friends available to help power the vehicle. The HumanCar Imagine PS (power station) is equipped with electric plug-in capabilities so that a single person operating a hand crank can power the vehicle. That makes this a genuine human-electric hybrid. Forget the advanced gasoline-electric hybrids of today; tomorrow’s hybrid is a true muscle car.

This zero-emissions vehicle is not only better for the environment; it improves the driver’s health thanks to the workout you get while driving it. The human health aspect was part of Greenwood’s decision to build and ultimately refine this concept.

“It was 1968. Traffic was at a complete standstill, again, on a busy boulevard in what is now known as the Silicon Valley,” Greenwood wrote. “Sitting within their cars were many commuters who were overweight and out of shape, breathing unhealthy exhaust fumes. As a young engineer working at my first job at a research and development laboratory for a major corporation, it seemed intuitively that there must be a better way to move people around than this.”

And with that, the concept for the HumanCar Imagine PS was born. The vehicle is street legal as a low-mass vehicle and is vehicle-to-grid (V2G) compatible. Greenwood plans to bring the vehicle to market next year but is already taking reservations on his website. A $50 fully refundable, no-questions-asked reservation fee will put you on the list for a $15,500 HumanCar Imagine PS.

Source: http://www.forbes.com/2010/08/18/hybrid-car-toyota-technology-humancar.html?boxes=techchannellighttop

French team smashes five year efficiency record in eco-marathon

jmuafvlab — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:34:22 +0000

This article was on the “gizmag.com” blog this morning. In Europe, this team achieved a phenomenal 10,382 mpg on a hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle! Perhaps this is food for thought for an AFV Lab project. Go to http://www.gizmag.com/shell-fuel-efficiency-record-beaten/15163/ to read more.

Source: http://www.gizmag.com/shell-fuel-efficiency-record-beaten/15163/

ECOGIZMO

French team smashes five year efficiency record in eco-marathon

By Paul Ridden

10:49 May 20, 2010

A five year Shell Eco Marathon fuel efficiency record has been smashed by a team of French students.

Image Gallery (6 images)

A five year Shell Eco Marathon fuel efficiency record has been smashed by a team of French students.

A five year Shell Eco Marathon fuel efficiency record has been smashed by a team of French students. Team Polyjoule broke the record on the first day of the event and then went on to break its own record by a further 482 kilometers. But the students still expect even more from their hydrogen fueled vehicle and are already looking toward next year’s Marathon.

ETH Zurich of Switzerland achieved the equivalent of 3,836 kilometers on just one liter of fuel in 2005, and set a bar that no-one has been able to top - until now. A joint effort by Polytech Nantes and Lycée La Joliverie smashed the record on the very first day of this year’s Eco Marathon, recording 4,414 kilometers on the equivalent of one liter of fuel (10,382 mpg).

Team Polyjoule had a shaky start which threatened to hamper any attempts, after their hydrogen-powered prototype broke down during pre-marathon testing. Once they pooled resources with Lycée La Joliverie, however, they proceeded to stomp all over the Swiss record. The feat is said to have been made possible by enhancing their vehicle’s electronics monitoring system, which minimizes energy loss.

The French students were not quite finished with Shell’s Eco Marathon, though, which saw over 200 teams taking part. On the very last day of the annual event, they added another 482km to their own record, traveling the new official world record of 4,896.1 kilometers per liter of fuel - a distance “roughly the equivalent of driving from the head to toe of Europe, from the North Cape in Norway down to the toe of the Italian peninsula.”

Polytech Nantes team leader Pauline Tranchard praised the team effort, which saw the students not only set a new world record but also take first place in the fuel cell category, which led them to an overall first place victory. “Five years’ research went into getting us to 4,896 kilometers on one liter of fuel,” she said. “Our insight and the wealth of experience that our colleagues from the Lycée de La Joliverie de Nantes brought to the table were both instrumental in helping us reach what many might have considered an unattainable goal.”

Tranchard believes that the team can do even better but will have to wait until next year to prove it.

Source: http://www.gizmag.com/shell-fuel-efficiency-record-beaten/15163/

Electric Beetle Blasts Past Tesla Roadster

jmuafvlab — Thu, 13 May 2010 12:51:41 +0000

Interesting article on the “Gas2.0″ blog this morning. This VW “Beetle” has been built by two brothers in Europe and is now the “fastest electric car in Europe, beating out even the famed Tesla Roadster in a drag race.” Utilizing two forklift motors and sixty 12 Volt Lead Acid batteries, it is quite a vehicle. I wonder if the AFV Lab could do much the same thing with the Mustang donated by Timmy Austin?

Source: http://gas2.org/2010/05/12/video-electric-beetle-blasts-past-tesla-roadster/

Electric Beetle Blasts Past Tesla Roadster

Written by Christopher DeMorro

Published on May 12th, 2010

Posted in Electric Cars (EVs), Motorsports

Although the Volkswagen Beetle served a clear purpose, I have never cared for it. This includes past or present versions. I don’t like the shape, the sound, or the lack of power or comfort. The only thing I DO like about the Beetle is that it has a rear-wheel drive layout. This has allowed many tuners the world over to turn the lazy “People’s Car” into a true hot rod, dropping all sorts of wildly modified motors into the tiny engine bay. A few people have even done electric conversions.

But the Black Current III is an electric Beetle unlike any other. Built by two brothers, it currently holds the title of the fastest electric car in Europe, beating out even the famed Tesla Roadster in a drag race. Hit the jump and watch the video to see for yourself.

The Black Current III was built by brothers Olly and Sam Young, enterprising electric drag racing enthusiasts. Their first Black Current was, admittedly, rather lame, running a 21 second 1/4 mile with a top speed of just 55 mph. It was powered by an old electric milk cart motor. But like any true racer, the Young brothers knew faster is better, so they got to work on Black Current II, which ran a 14 second quarter mile at 87 mph… much more like it! Which brings us to Black Current III.

Powered by two forklift electric motors and 60 (!!!) 12-volt batteries, the Black Current III makes an astounding 1,200 ft-lbs of torque at 0 RPM. This results in a 0-60 mph time of just 3 seconds and an 11.24 second quarter mile at 114 mph. That is one serious race car, faster than the Tesla and officially taking the title of Europe’s fastest electric car. The Black Current blows away the Tesla in a drag race as this video shows. It has taken six years to reach this point, and the Young brothers are now looking for some high-tech lithium-ion batteries to replace the heavy lead-acid batteries currently in the car. That should help them easily reach the 10-second mark in the quarter mile.

This is just further proof that electric cars CAN be fast and fun… even when said electric car is a Beetle. While it is missing that all-important sound I’ve come to expect at drag races, I imagine the guys on the ground next to the cars appreciate the odd silence.

Source: Hungerford VW Club via Pistonheads

Tags: Batteries, beetle, car, conversion, electric, forklift, lithium-ion, motors, Roadster, Tesla, Volkswagen, VW

Source: http://gas2.org/2010/05/12/video-electric-beetle-blasts-past-tesla-roadster/

Lexus details hybrid two wheeler concept

jmuafvlab — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:36:58 +0000

This article was on the “Gizmag” blog this morning. It’s a “hybrid” (electric+human) powered bicycle using carbon fiber construction and lithium batteries. Its total weight is just over 37 pounds. The AFV Lab has powered some conventional bicycles with electric power, so maybe the next iteration could include these improvements.

Source: http://www.gizmag.com/lexus-hybrid-bicycle-concept/14938/

URBAN TRANSPORT

Lexus details hybrid two wheeler concept

By Gizmag Team

05:39 April 29, 2010

Lexus has announced details of the innovative Hybrid Bicycle Concept we first spied tucked away at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. Headed for a UK debut at the Great British Bike Ride this weekend, the full-carbon fiber frame hybrid (electric+human) concept includes a 240W electric motor at the front hub, eight-speed transmission, a 25.9V Lithium-ion battery and regenerative braking. Head on through for more images plus our video overview.

The bike weighs 17kg, uses a belt drive instead of a chain and its electric motor charges in around two hours. The 8-speed internal gear and shift levers are from Shimano, while the lightweight, composite frame shares DNA with Valentino Rossi’s MotoGP-winning motorcycle. At this stage Lexus’ foray into two-wheeled transport remains a concept, with no word on any plans for a production release. We can only hope.

Length (mm) 1,598
Width (mm) 425
Seat height (mm) 900
Wheelbase (mm) 1,080
Tyre size 20 x 1 3/8
Weight (kg) 17
Charge time Approx. 2hrs
Motor output (W) 240
Battery type Lithium-ion
Battery voltage 25.9V/4.0Ah
Gear system Shimano 8-speed internal gear
Shift lever Shimano dual control
Drive train Belt drive

Source: http://www.gizmag.com/lexus-hybrid-bicycle-concept/14938/

Shell Eco-Marathon winner averages 9737mpg

jmuafvlab — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:19:20 +0000

This article on the Shell Eco-Marathon competition in the United Kingdom was on the “Gizmag” Blog recently. I wonder what the difference is between the UK competition and the US competition, that the UK got such higher fuel mileage? (See the previous blog entry.) More inspiration and maybe ideas for the AFV Lab students.

Source: http://www.gizmag.com/go/2946/

Shell Eco-Marathon winner averages 9737mpg

By Mike Hanlon

The Shell Eco-Marathon is an annual fuel economy competition held in the UK with competitors ranging from 11 year-old students through to senior university academics and semi professional independent teams.

The rules are simple - build a machine which uses the least fuel possible while averaging averaging more than 15mph around a circuit. Beyond engine efficiency, there are many related design considerations which influence the final fuel economy returned, such as aerodynamics, rolling resistance and driving techniques to achieve the highest.

Last year saw a new world economy record set during the event when Team MicroJoule achieved an average fuel consumption of 10,705 mpg - to put that in perspective, that’s the distance from London to Melbourne, Australia on less than one gallon of fuel!

The French team beat their own previous world fuel consumption record by nearly 500mpg, their previous record having been set during the 2001 Eco-Marathon UK.

This year the event was held over two days of intense competition at the Rockingham Motor Speedway, Corby, Northants, and the French Microjoule, team from St Sebastien, again took the top step on the podium with an average fuel consumption of 9737 mpg.

The team won despite many problems over the weekend, suffering a broken chain and then mechanical problems which necessitated an overnight engine rebuild, but they still managed to beat their nearest rival by over 2000mpg.

While the best competitors in the Shell Eco-Marathon continually push the limits of the internal combustion engine, there are many classes and categories which encourage students to put theirknowledge into practice.

Overall results:1st - Microjoule (France): 9737mpg2nd - Team Callo (France): 6952mpg3rd - BSMM (Finland): 5667mpg

Class Awards:Best University - Eco Veiculo (Portugal): 4699mpgBest School - Newland House School (UK): 1645mpgBest UK - Team Green (Bath, UK): 5296mpgBest LPG - Team Green (Bath, UK): 3683mpgBest Hydrogen - PAC Car (Switzerland): 5718mpg

Source: http://www.gizmag.com/go/2946/

Student-Built Car Gets 2,487.5 MPG in Shell Eco-Marathon

jmuafvlab — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:47:31 +0000

Came across this article on the Gas2.0 Blog this morning. It shows what other colleges and universities are doing in the Alternative Fuel Vehicle area. Perhaps our students could get some ideas here.

Source: http://gas2.org/2010/03/29/student-built-car-gets-2487-5-mpg-in-shell-eco-marathon/#more-6387

Student-Built Car Gets 2,487.5 MPG in Shell Eco-Marathon

Written by Nick Chambers

Published on March 29th, 2010

Posted in Fuel economy

For the second year in a row, a student team from Laval University in Canada has won the prototype category of the Shell Eco-Marathon competition in Houston, Texas. Last year the team achieved a mind-blowing 2,757.1 mpg, and this year — even with the addition of an actual street driving challenge — the team still managed to pull off 2,487.5 mpg with their Alerion Supermileage combustion engine powered vehicle (pictured above).

The Shell Eco-Marathon is an educational competition that challenges high school and college students from around the world to design and build ultra efficient vehicles. The winners in each category are the teams who can go the farthest distance on the least amount of fuel. Shell holds annual Eco-Marathon events in the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Although the team from Laval won in the “Prototype” category, the “UrbanConcept” category entrants had vehicles that looked more like something you *might* drive. The winner in that category, a team from Mater Dei High School in Evansville, Indiana, also took the grand prize for the second year in a row with 437.2 mpg in their humbly named vehicle, George (pictured below)

Other winners in the Prototype category included a fuel-cell vehicle team from Cicero North Syracuse High School team in Cicero, New York, and the Purdue University Solar Racing Team with its Pulsar vehicle. The Cicero team eeked out 780.9 mpg equivalent in their Clean Green Machine while the Purdue team got 4,548 mpg equivalent.

Source: http://gas2.org/2010/03/29/student-built-car-gets-2487-5-mpg-in-shell-eco-marathon/#more-6387