AutoblogGreen

Zap figures why not throw battery swap into upcoming E380 electric SUV

Jon LeSage — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Zap, China

Zap Jonway is trying a lot of different angles in its 380 SUV lineup. Not only can you buy the A380 SUV CNG hybrid version with extended range, now you can swap out batteries in the upcoming E380 SUV battery electric version, as well. And get this - you don't even have to do the battery swapping yourself. A robot arm takes care of it for you.

Zap Jonway, based in Santa Rosa, CA, made an agreement to work with the China National Grid to set up battery swap stations in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. The Battery Swap Version was designed to work with the robotic system as specified by China National Grid (C-NG), which is the state-sponsored electric utility. The battery packs have been standardized to fit the robotic arm and also the recharging cabinets in the government-funded charging stations being deployed by C-NG.

The utility has launched extensive programs in selected provinces to support fast battery swapping. The battery swap usually takes no longer than six minutes to complete. It's not entirely clear, but you can sort of see the battery being taken out (or being put in) in the photo above.

To support electric vehicle adoption, the utility is promoting the sale of EVs by not charging for lithium ion batteries, since they are leased by C-NG or an authorized funding partner. It's a business model that been adopted by taxis in Hangzhou, and by a few leasing companies that are working in partnership with C-NG. The other main global proponent of battery swapping, Better Place, does not appear to have had anything to do with the Zap project.

Continue reading Zap figures why not throw battery swap into upcoming E380 electric SUV

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Zap Jonway announces CN380 SUV, a new hybrid with CNG power

Jon LeSage — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:07:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Zap, Natural Gas, China

Zap Jonway has added an alternative fuel vehicle to its lineup and describes it as a "New Energy Vehicle." That's a common term in China to describe a host of different powertrains, and is here used to mean a hybrid that combines compressed natural gas with a gasoline engine. Zap Jonway, based in Santa Rosa, CA, is working with its China-based Jonway Auto subsidiary to build the CNG version based on Jonway Auto's A380 SUV (electric version pictured). The CNG hybrid vehicle joins Zap's lineup of specialized electric vehicles, such as the three-wheel Zap Xebra.

The new bi-fuel CNG SUV has been named the CN380. Drivers can utilize the gasoline engine when the CNG is depleted. The gasoline engine also automatically runs during a cold start in order to heat up the engine. The CNG tank has the same "range" capacity as the gasoline tank, so the CNG version can go twice as far as the gas-only model. CN380 SUV comes in either 1.6L or 2.0L for manual transmission, or a 1.8L for both automatic as well as manual transmission. Zap's press release is available below.

The plan is to offer the CN380 for sale in developing countries and in the US. Zap sees the car as a way to be part of the accelerating growth in CNG vehicles around the world. South America is an important market for Zap Jonway since CNG fueling stations are popular in the region and the escalating cost of gasoline tips the scale in a CNG vehicle's favor, with fuel cost savings estimated at around 60 to 65 percent compared to gasoline. China also presents opportunities, as the country is opening up the market for CNG in its southern provinces. Perhaps Iran could be another market for Zap Jonway to try out?

Continue reading Zap Jonway announces CN380 SUV, a new hybrid with CNG power

Zap Jonway announces CN380 SUV, a new hybrid with CNG power originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Electric returns with 100% electric sports car teaser

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap

Now here's an old story. Back in 2008, Zap revived the Detroit Electric name, a name that had cachet for building and selling around 13,000 electric vehicles in the early 20th Century. But, in 2009, after losing the Zap connection, the Detroit Electric revival kind of faded away, at least in public. Today, almost out of nowhere, the brand bounced back. That's because Detroit Electric just announced it will have its headquarters in the Fisher Building in Detroit.

Details on the new vehicle are only teased, but the new Detroit Electric company will unveil its all-electric, two-seat sports car early next month, so we don't have too long to wait. The show debut will happen at the Shanghai Auto Show later in that month, where Detroit Electric will "share an exciting announcement about a major partnership with a global carmaker." After all these years of silence, Detroit Electric is moving fast, and will start production of the new EV in Michigan in August. Annual capacity is supposed to be 2,500 cars.

And speaking of tease, you can make out what look like LED headlights and the general shape of the front of the car in the image above. Detroit Electric says its plan is to "create over 180 sales and manufacturing-related jobs over the next 12 months" as it moves the car to market. Perhaps more interesting, Detroit Electric says that a, "diverse family of high-performance electric vehicles to follow," including two other high-performance models that should arrive by the end of 2014.

Detroit Electric is headed by Albert Lam, the former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and Executive Director of Lotus Cars of England, who said in a statement that the electric sports car's DNA "will be translated across to our future sedans; all our cars will be fun to drive and deliver exceptional performance within their class."

Continue reading Detroit Electric returns with 100% electric sports car teaser

Detroit Electric returns with 100% electric sports car teaser originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top executives Zap-ped at three-wheel electric carmaker

Jon LeSage — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 09:52:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap, China

Chinese parent company Zap Jonway has ousted top executives at California-based Zap, a maker of specialized electric vehicles. On the last day of 2012, Zap's board of directors removed Priscilla Lu as chairman and all other duties Lu had been responsible for at any of Zap's subsidiaries or joint ventures.

As part of the company's 8-K tax federal filing, Zap also announced removal of Goman Chong from all positions held on board committees, Michael Ringstad as controller and Charles Schillings as co-chief executive officer. Zap eliminated the dual positions of co-CEO and confirmed Alex Wang will serve as CEO until his successor is elected. Mark Abdou, current director of Zap, was elected by the board to the offices of chairman and secretary and Jeff Schneider will serve as president, until their successors are appointed.

Juan Gao and Luo Hua Liang were appointed to serve on the board of directors, also until their successors are elected. Other board of director members at Zap are Mark Abdou, chairman, Alex Wang, Steven Schneider, Priscilla Lu and Gorman Chong. More information on the management turnover was filed in an accompanying 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Zap is best known for its three-wheel electric specialty cars, like the Zap Xebra, which has recently gone through two recalls with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for brake issues. The Santa Rosa, CA-based company entered the Chinese market about two years ago through its merger with Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co. The companies created Zap Jonway and began producing four-wheel electric sport-utility vehicles for China's taxi industry.

Top executives Zap-ped at three-wheel electric carmaker originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zap Xebra hit by recall for faulty brake system

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap

The Zap Xebra. Wow. There's a vehicle we haven't written about in a long, long while. Don't get your hopes up Zap fans (by which we mean Zapp Brannigan, of course), because even though we're doing so now, the news isn't good. Almost 700 units, all produced during the 2008 model year, are being recalled - again - by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for brake issues. In 2009, 738 units of the 2008 model year Xebras were recalled for not being able to brake in a short enough distance.

The important thing to remember is that the three-wheeled Xebra is technically motorcycle, for regulation purposes. Thus, the new recall for the 691 electric Xebras is because they, "do not conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 122, 'Motorcycle Brake Systems.'" The problem is that the Xebras do not have, "a separate brake fluid reservoir for each brake circuit, with each reservoir filler opening having its own cover, seal, and cover retention device" and, NHTSA said, that's why, "fluid for one brake circuit may move to the other. If this happens, both reservoirs could lose fluid as a result of a fluid leak in one brake circuit and compromise the stopping ability of the braking system, increasing the risk of a crash." As we said, the news isn't good.

QingQi Group Motorcycle Co. Ltd. manufactured the Xebras for Zap, which is now part of Zap Jonway. Zap will now notify owners either install a remedy kit or send one to each owner. If you're affected by this recall, you can find a phone number for Zap and NHTSA below.

Continue reading Zap Xebra hit by recall for faulty brake system

Zap Xebra hit by recall for faulty brake system originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zaptera! The Aptera 2e resurfaces in China as Zap Jonway product *UPDATE

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:06:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap, Aptera, China, USA

You know that feeling you get when, after a few years, you remeet your biggest crush from high school and begin fantasizing about actually hooking up for real, only to be jerked back to harsh reality by the appearance of their present paramour? Well then, that is the emotional roller coaster we expect rabid fans of the Aptera 2e might be experiencing right about now.

You see, that great white flightless bird of electric fancy was just spotted at the Beijing Motor Show by Matthew Ungar, an expat who is somewhat familiar with the car's history. He was intrigued to see it on display in China and so, luckily for us, got the lowdown on its purported future and snapped a bunch a pics to place on his (very cool) blog PRC and Me.

This is where the story gets weird. Apparently, the future builder of the Aptera 2e - likely to be renamed something else - ~~is none other than~~ ~~Zap~~ Zhejiang Jonway. Yes, the same Zap Jonway who competed against Aptera in the Progressive Automotive X-Prize with its own three-wheeler, the Alias. It seems that the company bought the molds for the 2e and plans to build the composite chassis in China, and later, ship those to the U.S. for installation of a drivetrain. Sales are said to begin with the U.S. before expanding internationally, though there are yet no details about specifications or price.

Now, if you're thinking, "Wait, what about the Alias? Are they still going to build that too?", relax. A press release on the company's website points its manufacture beginning the fourth quarter of 2012 saying, "This limited edition production is now planned due to popular demand."

Sadly, we remain skeptical that any of this will come to pass. Besides the company's controversial history, there's this; Zap closed its showroom in Santa Rosa a year ago and, under the terms of a lawsuit resolution with former investor Al Yousuf Group, handed over the deed to this and another property, and promised to repay an additional $1.3 million. Also, from its recently filed 10-4:

ZAP incurred net losses attributable to ZAP of $40.8million, $19.0 million, and $11.3 million for years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively and has had net losses in each quarter since its inception. Jonway incurred net losses of $ 10.2 million and $445,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Hardly inspires confidence in a Zaptera-filled future, does it? Scroll down for the official press release detailing the company's presence at the Beijing Motor Show which, like its financial filing, lacks any specific mention of a certain composite-bodied vehicle formerly known as the Aptera 2e.

*UPDATE: We've received word that the Aptera wasn't bought by Zap Jonway, though Zhejiang Jonway Group will construct the chassis in China for Zaptera U.S.A..

Continue reading Zaptera! The Aptera 2e resurfaces in China as Zap Jonway product *UPDATE

Zaptera! The Aptera 2e resurfaces in China as Zap Jonway product *UPDATE originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zap bringing electric taxi, Alias to Shanghai Auto Show; promises production later this year

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap, China

Zap Jonway Electric Taxi - Click above for high-res image

About a year ago, we got our first glimpse of the electric taxi from Zap. There were hints in that vehicle about what was to happen: the taxi was an electrified version of a Jonway A380 SUV, which itself was a knock-off of the second-gen Toyota Rav4. In July 2010, Zap and Jonway officially joined forces and now Zap is announcing it will show off two electric vehicles - the A380e SUV and the long-awaited Alias trike - at the Shanghai Auto Show this year. Zap says both vehicles are "anticipated for production later this year" - the A380e in June and the Alias in September. Both will be made at Zap Jonway's 3.5 million square-foot factory in Sanmen, China. Zap isn't giving out any new technical details on the A380e, but last year told the world it has a top speed of 70 miles per hour and a range of up to 186 miles.

At the Shanghai show, Zap Jonway will also discuss new plans for two new platforms, a crossover SUV and seven-passenger van. As far as we can tell, all of these vehicles will be available only in China.

[Source: Zap Jonway]

Continue reading Zap bringing electric taxi, Alias to Shanghai Auto Show; promises production later this year

Zap bringing electric taxi, Alias to Shanghai Auto Show; promises production later this year originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remy HVH250 motor to drive ZAP's electric vehicle lineup

Eric Loveday — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap

Remy Electric Motors, the Pendleton, IN-based automotive supplier, has been selected by Zap, a California-based electric vehicle producer, to supply motors for all of the automaker's cars and trucks sold across the globe. Remy's HVH 250 electric motor - the one Steve Burns, president of Advanced Mechanical Products, Inc. (AMP), once called "the best (electric motor) on the market today" - will find a home between the fenders of every Zap vehicle produced from here on out.

Remy's patented High Voltage Hairpin (HVH) technology is said to deliver world-class torque and power density, attributes which could add some needed pep and range to Zap's electric vehicle lineup. Remy HVH motors can also be found in vehicles produced by AMP, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz and BMW .

Remy and ZAP announced the long-term motor supply deal at the 25th World Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS 25) in Shenzhen, China. Additionally, Zap disclosed that it's developing a drivetrain featuring the HVH 250 motor for use in several Chinese-built autos. Zap recently merged (or bought, depending on your viewpoint) with Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Company and has access to a broad distribution network through Jonway Automobiles in China.

[Source: Remy International, Inc.]

Continue reading Remy HVH250 motor to drive ZAP's electric vehicle lineup

Remy HVH250 motor to drive ZAP's electric vehicle lineup originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Zap Alias causes Korean singing/dancing ka-raziness

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap, Asia

ZAP Alias song & dance- Click above to watch video after the jump

Move over hawt Volt dancers. Jump back Tesla dippin' rappers. It's become obvious that the Zap Alias - whose other-worldly looks might be put down to it being pulled from the seventh planet from the sun - has what it takes to really inspire an entertaining performance. That's right, the three-wheeled Progressive X-Prize competin' machine is now diamonds.

You want proof? We've got proof. The newly Jonway-joined company showed up in Korea the other day at its Samyang Optics customer (referred to more recently as its "distribution partner") with a copy of its traditional Xebra thingy, ~~a last-gen Toyota RAV4~~ a new electric Zap-Jonway Taxi and the brilliant and glorious Alias. Apparently, the vehicles were to be put on display at the EV Korea expo.

Anyhoo, a passing group of fashionably attired young men with exquisite automotive taste took notice of the assemblage and after completely ignoring the dying Xebra and pausing only briefly at the taxi, locked onto the Alias with utter fascination. That's when the music kicked in and the singing and dancing began. Hit the jump to watch the Alias get rhapsodized Grease-style in Korean. If you dare.

[Source: YouTube / cnet]

Continue reading VIDEO: Zap Alias causes Korean singing/dancing ka-raziness

VIDEO: Zap Alias causes Korean singing/dancing ka-raziness originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zap merges with China's Jonway Automobile

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Manufacturing/Plants, Legislation and Policy, Zap, China

We'll level with you on this one. We all know that Zap has seemingly had some, ahem... interesting business practices in the past. And we're not really sure what to make of this latest news, either. With that in mind, here's the main point: Zap has merged (or bought, depending on your viewpoint) with China's Jonway Automobile. There are three more bullet points to consider...

One: Zap has had seven straight annual losses, last making a profit in 2002. Two: Zap is reportedly paying over $29 million in cash that was apparently privately financed through unknown European sources along with 31.5 million shares in Zap... which were newly issues specifically for this transaction. Three: The Chinese authorities have yet to approve of the deal.

With all that out of the way, assuming all goes according to plan, Zap says it wants to offer an electric version of Jonway's A380 SUV for use as a taxi in China. It will reportedly cost around $25,000 and have seating for five. No word on range.

Jonway apparently operates 500 dealerships in China and just completed a new plant with 3.6 million square feet of space. A few months back, Zap and Jonway announced plans to have the three-wheeled Alias built in China. So... those are the facts, at least as best we can figure. See the press release after the break.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Continue reading Zap merges with China's Jonway Automobile

Zap merges with China's Jonway Automobile originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AFVI 2010: Zap Dude is not an urban achiever

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 12 May 2010 10:54:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap, AFVI Expo

Zap Dude - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last month, Zap introduced the all-electric Dude, an off-road ATV. The company has sold a half-dozen of the $5,495 units and has "a warehouse full" of them ready to go out the door to a good home, according to Zap regional manager Dennis Vickery, who we talked to here at the AFVI Expo in Las Vegas. In this case, a good home means parks or other natural settings, because the Dude can only be used in off-road settings. The Dude (and yes, we want to make countless Lebowski references, too) can go up to 25 miles per hour and has a range of 25 miles. Apparently, the Dude can carry a rider up to 290 pounds and tow up to 650 pounds using a 48V permanent-magnet rush DC motor and standard 65aH absorbed glass matt (AGM) lead acid batteries that recharge in around 4-6 hours.

If you're thinking that electric vehicles might have trouble meeting stated range estimates on paved roads, Zap is with you and has included a very clear statement attached to the ATV's webpage: "Range will vary significantly depending on hill grade, speed, and rider weight." You've been warned.

Gallery: AFVI 2010: Zap Dude

Photos by Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Zap]

AFVI 2010: Zap Dude is not an urban achiever originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 12 May 2010 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive X-Prize: Zap Alias can stop, swerve at MIS

Sebastian Blanco — Sun, 09 May 2010 18:12:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Zap, Automotive X-Prize

Zap Alias - Click above for high-res image gallery

Zap had some things easier and some things harder at the Shakedown stage of the Progressive Insurance Automotive X-Prize last week. The team's three-wheeled Alias vehicle easily passed the accident avoidance course at 46 miles per hour and, given that the X-Prize's events at this point are pass/fail, didn't need to try again at a higher speed. Driver Al Unser Jr., though, was convinced that the Alias is capable of passing the test as a higher speed. The Alias also passed the 60-0 mph deceleration test on the first attempt, but the car's clutch was slipping "quite seriously," in Unser's words, and so had a hard time passing the 0-60 acceleration test (as of late Wednesday, we're still waiting for an update).

Zap, unlike some of the other teams at the Michigan International Speedway, is actually selling electric vehicles while the competition is going on. Zap co-founder and chairman emeritus Gary Starr said:

We've had to switch projects in mid-stream a few times because we're multiple projects. We have an on-going business that we're shipping electric vehicles out every week. We're working seven days a week, 12-15 hour days now.

This pace will continue for the foreseeable future. In the window between the Shakedown stage and Knockout stage in late June, Zap will be working on the USPS electric delivery van, an electric taxi project and the regular delivery of the company's electric vehicle line. "We're doing a lot for a little company," Starr said.

But back to the Alias. The vehicle Zap is using in the competition was built in 45 days, Unser said, because Zap didn't decided to enter the X-Prize until quite late. The trike is still evolving, "They're always tweaking," Starr said, adding:

We designed this vehicle to be very cost-effective. Some people got a half-million dollar motor drive systems around here. Our goal is to produce a vehicle we can produce in very small quantities for a reasonable price, so we don't have the biggest motor. We might have the smallest motor here, but it's also one of the lowest-cost ones. Originally, that was the design goal of not only our [vehicle] but also the X-Prize. It's changed a little bit over time. They have various performance tests that go beyond Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. That wasn't originally our path, but now we're adding and altering things to do it a little bit differently.

Zap built the Alias to meet the FMVSS rules for motorcycles, but the X-Prize uses it's own blend of motorcycle and automobile rules. The Alias has a new reverse back-up light, for example. Motorcycles don't need back-up lights, but the three-wheeled trikes in the competition do need them. Starr said the rules were changed within the last two weeks or so.

Another change, this one decided on by the company, is that the car will likely have more powerful motors In the June knockout tests, Unser said, "and we're going to be more prepared." Unser added that what's happening during the shakedown is giving teams a chance to be ready next month:

It's about the X-Prize foundation learning about the competitors, letting the competitors learn about the X-Prize foundation and getting to see what's here, what's showing up.

Unser has had a relationship with Zap since January 2008. A friend turned him onto the Alias when it was still just a drawing (remember those days?) and, when the NADA convention happened in San Francisco that year, Zap invited him to attend. Since then:

it's an honor they asked me to drive it to begin with. It's wonderful to be a part of this whole X-Prize competition. Quite honestly, I feel the addiction to oil has to stop. If it doesn't stop, it's going to stop eventually with the reserves that we have [declining] so alternative fuels have to be on the forefront of automobiles.

Unser was recently in Sao Paolo, where he saw the result of pollution first-hand:

I'm seeing emissions everywhere now. It's something I do realize, as far a mainstream transportation, this is not going to happen in my generation, but maybe my grandchildren, or their grandchildren, electric cars or some type of alternative fuel will be the way of their transportation. So, to be a part of it, right now, is very exciting for me. I truly feel I'm part of history right now.

Gallery: Zap Alias at the Michigan International Speedway

Automotive X-Prize: Zap Alias can stop, swerve at MIS originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 09 May 2010 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zap Alias electric trike to be built in China by Jonway

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap, Automotive X-Prize, China

Zap Alias - Click above for high-res image gallery

Santa Rosa California based Zap has expanded its relationship with Chinese automaker Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co. Ltd. to include manufacturing of the Alias electric trike. The Alias is a battery-powered two-seater that Zap has been in developing for several years. At one point, Zap was hoping to build the Alias at a plant in Kentucky but that venture collapsed when funding could not be arranged. Jonway will begin production of the Alias for the Chinese market first, then expand globally.

The Alias is entered in the Automotive X-Prize competition which is kicking off in Michigan this week. Zap claims the Alias can go over 100 miles on a charge of its lithium ion battery and will charge $35,000 for the Alias in the U.S. The shakedown testing starts next week at Michigan International Speedway. Zap will be there, along with 27 other teams that are competing for the $10 million in prize money.

Gallery: Zap Alias

[Source: Zap]

Continue reading Zap Alias electric trike to be built in China by Jonway

Zap Alias electric trike to be built in China by Jonway originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beijing 2010: Zap introduces electric taxi based on old Rav4 knock-off [w/video]

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap, China

At press conference ahead of the Beijing Motor Show, Steve Schneider, CEO of Zap introduced his company's latest effort, an electric taxi. Like previous Zap products, the taxi is to be produced in China. This one will built by a joint venture between Zap and electric meter manufacturer Holley Group.

If the taxi looks familiar, that's because its based on the Jonway A-380 SUV, which itself is a knock-off of the second-generation (model year 2001-5) Toyota Rav4. In electric form, this taxi is has a top speed of 70 miles per hour and Zap claims a range of up to 186 miles. Jonway has a capacity of 50,000 vehicles a year and, for now, Zap is only targeting the Asian market with this vehicle. We wouldn't expect to see this vehicle on American roads anytime soon, lest Zap incur the wrath of Toyota's intellectual property lawyers.

[Source: Zap]

Continue reading Beijing 2010: Zap introduces electric taxi based on old Rav4 knock-off [w/video]

Beijing 2010: Zap introduces electric taxi based on old Rav4 knock-off [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ZAP licenses Smart Charger Controller from Battelle

Nik Bristow — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:34:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap, Asia, China, USA

Electric car maker/modifier Zap has been busy lately. At the end of February, they took an order for 100 electric SUVs from Korean company Samyang, who also happens to be its strategic investor and distribution partner. Now, they've announced an agreement with Battelle, an international science and technology company that manages Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, to license PNNL's Smart Charger Controller. The controller allows owners of plug-ins to minimize the cost of charging their vehicles by automatically charging when electricity prices are at their lowest. Zap also secured the rights to sub-license the Smart Charger Controller technology to Zap Hanzhou, Zap's Chinese arm.

Pacific Northwest Laboratory publicly announced the Smart Charger Controller technology last year after completing an earlier assessment that showed America's existing power grid could meet the needs of about 158 million vehicles, or 70 percent of all U.S. light-duty vehicles, if battery charging was managed to avoid new peaks in electricity demand. "If a million owners plug in their electric vehicles to recharge after work, it could cause a major strain on the grid," said PNNL engineer Michael Kintner-Meyer. "The Smart Charger Controller technology could prevent those peaks in demand from plug-in vehicles and enable our existing grid to be used more evenly."

Owners of the Smart Charger program the controller to charge at a set time, day or night, or at a set price point. The controller communicates with the electric grid wirelessly to determine the best and cheapest time to recharge vehicles. Besides helping consumers save at the plug, the controller can also help avoid brown-outs by disconnecting from the grid temporarily at times of peak load. Zap intends to use the technology for its electric cars and charge stations in the U.S., Korea and through Zap Hangzhou later in 2010.

[Source: Zap]

Continue reading ZAP licenses Smart Charger Controller from Battelle

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Zap announces order for 100 electric SUVs in Korea; will they deliver?

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:14:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap, Asia

Zap's electric SUV - Click above for high-res image

What is Samyang, a Korean company known for its camera lenses, doing ordering 100 electric vehicles (EVs) from Zap, the electric car company with a less-than-stellar record of actually delivering full-fledged EVs? Who knows, but that's just what happened yesterday.

The vehicles are Jonway A380 SUV models made by Chinese auto manufacturer Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co. Ltd. and that Zap is turning into an EV with a promised range of 100 miles and a top speed of 70 miles per hour. The vehicles will be produced by Zap Hangzhou, a joint venture with Holley Group and Better World International Limited. Zap is targeting the A380 for fleet use in Korea. Samyang co-CEO Christopher Kang said in a statement that, "This initial purchase order is phase one of our business plan in introducing ZAP's electric vehicles to Korea." Like with the long-promised Zap Alias that we still can't buy, though, we'll wait until the California-based company has actually delivered some A380 EVs to believe this is real.

[Source: Zap]

Continue reading Zap announces order for 100 electric SUVs in Korea; will they deliver?

Zap announces order for 100 electric SUVs in Korea; will they deliver? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details on Zap's all-electric USPS truck conversion [w/video] *UPDATE

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap

U.S Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey visits Zap - Click above for high-res image

So, the details surrounding the contract that Zap has received to get an electric vehicle ready for the United States Postal Service (USPS) are as follows: the deal is for a single truck, one of the USPS' common Long Life Vehicles (pictured). Zap will convert the truck in Santa Rosa, CA and then send it to Washington, D.C. for field tests. Four other companies have also been selected to provide the USPS with all-electric mail trucks. U.S. Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) toured Zap's facility Tuesday and had the following to say:

I so appreciate ZAP for hanging in there all these years, knowing what we should be doing as a country. I think a majority of members of Congress, the House in particular, know that they were right and that this is where we need to be investing.

As we know, Congress is pushing to get at least 20,000 electric vehicles into the USPS fleet using a program called Edrive.org. Zap has also posted a video of Woolsey's visit, which you can find after the jump.

*UPDATE: Zap has removed the video. No word about why.

[Source: Zap]

Continue reading More details on Zap's all-electric USPS truck conversion [w/video] *UPDATE

More details on Zap's all-electric USPS truck conversion [w/video] *UPDATE originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zap gets USPS contract to convert mail truck to electric power

Sebastian Blanco — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:19:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap

News from Zap's California headquarters has been quiet of late, with not much more than a few tidbits about a possible electric SUV and more orders for the Zaptruck reaching our screens. This week, though, we heard about a new possibility for Zap's electric vehicles (EVs) to hit the road: this time as service vehicles for the United States Postal Service (USPS). The USPS, through Congress, is giving a big push to get a lot of electric vehicles into the fleet.

The full details of Zap's new engineering prototype contract from the USPS "for the design and development of an electric mail truck" have not been announced, but U.S. Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey will tour the Zap EV facility next week "to learn more about how this federal program is creating local jobs." From the press release, available after the jump, we learn that Zap's USPS vehicle won't be the Xebra (pictured), but is for "the conversion of a gasoline postal truck to run on electricity." More details will probably be available Tuesday.

[Source: Zap]

Continue reading Zap gets USPS contract to convert mail truck to electric power

Zap gets USPS contract to convert mail truck to electric power originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Does Zap! have an electric SUV up its sleeve?

Domenick Yoney — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap

Might more be going on at Zap then we had previously heard? Considering the number of previous product promulgations that subsequently never materialized we aren't holding our breath, but who knows, maybe this time there is a wolf. What's the news/rumor this time? That the controversial California company is teaming up with Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co. Ltd to produce electric SUVs, cars and other vehicles for the Chinese, European and North American markets. Jonway currently produces a three- and five-door version of the A380, a UFO-branded SUV ~~that looks nothing like a Toyota Rav4~~ in their 50,000 unit capacity facility in Taizhou, China.

Having only had a sales goal of 15,000 vehicles last year, we can see why the company is hot to jump into bed with "one of the world's oldest electric vehicle providers" who promises to help them take advantage of the Chinese government's 60,000 RMB (approximately $8,790 at today's rate) per electric vehicle stimulus subsidy, despite the fact that the only experience their American partner has had with the "AC propulsion and lithium battery system" they plan on stuffing into the UFO SUV consists of a one-off prototype of the Zap Alias. This should go well, don't you think?

Hit the jump for a fresh press release with all the lurid details and video of the UFO in action, complete with ~~bizarre~~ mysterious opening sequence. As a bonus, we also have footage of a repainted (and possibly re-configured to front-wheel-drive) road-going Zap Alias which was most recently in Detroit for the 2010 NAIAS.

[Source: Zap via Gasgoo / NewSSC | Source Image: Jonathan Gill - C.C. License 2.0]

Continue reading Does Zap! have an electric SUV up its sleeve?

Does Zap! have an electric SUV up its sleeve? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 23 Jan 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not-so-shocking admission: Zap kills Xebra, slows development of Alias

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap, USA

Our sleuthing colleagues over at The Truth About Cars have dissected electric car maker Zap's latest 10-Q filing, and they unearthed the following little tidbit: "The decrease of $1.5 million (in revenue) is primarily due to the phase out of our three wheeled Xebra vehicle with reduced selling prices."

We can't say that we're particularly shocked that Zap has found it difficult to continue moving its little three-wheeled Xebra contraption, especially with discretionary spending money in such short supply these days and reasonably-priced hybrids flooding the used car market. Perhaps even more damning for Zap, though, is the admission that it is doing "less work on the development of the Alias prototype vehicle."

Whatever the future has in store for Zap in 2010 and beyond, one thing is for sure: there will be no shortage of press releases to let us all know what's (supposedly) going on behind closed doors.

[Source: TTAC]

Not-so-shocking admission: Zap kills Xebra, slows development of Alias originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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