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ZAP (motor company)
Encyclopedia
ZAP is an electric vehicle
company that designs, produces and markets vehicles including automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, scooters
, personal watercraft, hovercraft
, ATV
s, neighborhood electric vehicles and commercial vehicles. The name stands for Zero Air Pollution. The company headquarters are located in Santa Rosa, California
.
named Starr among the top ten authorities in the electric car industry. He had previous experience with electric cars, including his work at Solar Electric Engineering and U.S. Electricar, which is currently known as Enova Systems. Starr was involved in electric conversion projects, various production cars and kit cars.
1995 - Manufacture of electric bicycle systems, products included ZAP DX and SX, as well as the ElectriCruiser, PowerBike, S&W Patrol Bike, ZAPTRIKE.
1996 - Launched direct public offering
stock, debuted an advanced Tricyclopod
, the Zappy folding electric scooter (invented by co-founder McGreen).
1997 - Arrangement with Chinese bicycle companies for ZAP's drive system supply. In April, agrees to sell electric bikes to Brunswick Corp, by May signed a distribution agreement with Fondmetal Export AG export company.
1998 - First electric bike store opened in San Francisco.
1999 - Corporate name change, multiple international agreements signed, and announced the launch of the "Z-Boat".
2000 - Introduced a line of sea scooters with battery-powered propulsion, and the KICK-PUSH Scooter. Management additions, as a result of the acquisition in 1999 of EMB.
2001 - Solar powered scooter introduced. Name change to "ZAP".
March 2001, strategic alliance with Sun Pirate, in May formed a joint venture with Voltage Vehicles to develop, design, manufacture and distribute full line of electric vehicles.
February 2008, joint venture with Youngman Automotive Group, to revive the nascent Detroit Electric
brand.
December 2009, Joint venture company in China - Hangzhou
, by ZAP, Holley Group and Better World International, named ZAP Hangzhou.
July 2010, Confirmed an agreement to acquire a stake in Zhejiang Jonway Automobile
. Approval confirmed by Chinese Department of Commerce in Zhejiang Province in September 2010.
and Sedan, also develops and commercializes electric power-assist system motor kits for bicycle
s, as well as electric bicycles, electric ATV
s and personal electric scooters.
Currently the wholly owned subsidiaries are: Voltage Vehicles, a Nevada
company engaged in the distribution and sale of advanced technology and conventional automobiles; ZAPWorld Stores, Inc., engaged in consumer sales of ZAP products in one location; ZAP Manufacturing, Inc., also a Nevada company, engaged in the distribution of ZAP products; RAP Group, Inc., was engaged in the sale and liquidation of conventional automobiles; and ZAP Rental Outlet, a Nevada company. (ZAP World Outlet, ZAP Rental Outlet and RAP Group are not currently operating subsidiaries).
), the company through the Recharge-It-All line sells battery packs to power or charge a range of mobile electronics such as cellular phones, digital cameras and laptops, providing significantly more charge time than available technologies. The Portable Energy devices fall under two product lines. It includes the universal chargers and iPOD models and the iPhone. The universal chargers are rechargeable battery packs that extend the use of small and medium-sized electronic devices up to two to five times their normal battery life.
needs, with four tangible products launched until date, the ZAP Xebra
(2006), ZAP Dude(2008), ZAP Truck XL(2008) and the ZAP Shuttle Van(2008).
The ZAP Xebra is a three-wheeled all-electric city car capable of 40 mph (17.9 m/s), charges off of a 110 volt outlet. Serves Domino's Pizza
delivery service in Las Vegas
, Aspen
in the USA, Coca-Cola
distribution model in Montevideo
, Uruguay
and includes an adapted version: The Xebra Truck. The United Parcel Service
(UPS) in Northern California combines a fleet of Xebra trucks and sedans to expand small parcel deliveries, after UPS
delivery vans transfer smaller packages to locked storage unit, an electric Xebra car/truck transports packages into dense urban and residential areas where parking and traffic are easier for the smaller vehicles. The production of this vehicle have been phased out since 2009.
According to a July 31, 2008, editorial in Wired
Magazine, motorists in Massachusetts
are unable to register the ZAP Xebra legally, because the vehicle doesn't fit the state's definition of either a car or a motorcycle. Registrants of ZAP Xebras received letters from the state's Registry of Motor Vehicles stating that their vehicle registration plate
s had been revoked and their registrations were invalid.
Both the United States House of Representatives
and United States Senate
found it as an Nihilism
, when they passed the legislation on December 31, allowing three-wheeled motor vehicles in Boston
roads. The change was achieved through joint efforts by the Registry of Motor Vehicles, state Senator Robert L. Hedlund, a Weymouth Republican
, and state Representative Garrett J. Bradley, a Hingham Democrat
.
ZAP Dude ATV, designed for installation security patrols and maintenance functions, can go up to 25 mph (11.2 m/s) and has a range of 25 miles (40.2 km) with a 48 volt permanent-magnet brush DC motor and standard 65 amp hour absorbed glass mat
(AGM) lead acid batteries, fact that sacrifices charging time to 4 to 6 hours and the continuous power to 4 kW, both indicators improvable with a lithium battery technology. Is the cheapest in the company's electric vehicle portfolio, been introduced to natural reserve patrols, US Military and agriculture and farming markets, where usage is scheduled and power stations are strategically located.
Dude atv specifications
, Ghilotti Construction Co., to move parts off site, UPS delivery services have also add the four-wheeled vehicle mostly to its Bay Area parcel fleet needs, the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) have added the vehicle to their transportation operating mode. The U.S. Military has been putting the vehicle to test by engaging them into logistics tasks since 2009.
crossover SUV
previously expected to be launched in 2008 by ZAP and Lotus Engineering
based on the Lotus APX
prototype platform. The claimed potential performance was a total of 644 bhp from four in-wheel electric motors, a 350 miles (563.3 km) single-charge range, 155 mi/h top speed, 0 to 60 mi/h acceleration in 4.8 seconds and a 10 minute recharge time, with an estimated production cost of over $395 million together with the Alias
. This product have not been offered for sale to the public.
by the CEO of ZAP, Steve Schneider, as the company latest effort. The model also available with a fuel efficient engine based on Jonway's A380 platform,.
from the American electric car maker ZAP that was originally scheduled to go into production in 2009, with two wheels at the front, each containing an electric wheel-motor, and one at the rear, the project initiated in 2007 through a collaboration between ZAP and Lotus Engineering, the UK-based automotive engineering company, who are assisting with the development of the vehicle. Was supposed to have gone into production in 2009. The performance announced in 2008, was 0-60 mph (96.6 km/h) mph in 5.7 seconds, with a top speed of 156 mph (251.1 km/h) mph and a range of 100 miles (160.9 km). The vehicle was a finalist at the 2010 Progressive Insurance X Prize
driven by Al Unser, Jr.
, but was eliminated due to mechanical failure in the final track event.
magazine in June 2007 criticizes the company for over-issuing stock and failing to produce results or show significant profits.
A feature article in the April 2008 issue of Wired
alleged that "ZAP has taken millions from investors and dealers eager to see the company's line of green cars hit the road. But that line has never materialized." The article alleges that board members issued themselves large amounts of company stock and warrants and made misleading claims about the company's prospects, allowing them to enrich themselves at the expense of dealers who bought franchises and did not receive the cars that they were expecting to sell. While the company sold the low-end Xebra for a number of years, more expensive, higher-performance models have been repeatedly announced but not produced.
ZAP sold a lot of shares based on its intention to sell Smart cars
, but that deal fell through, leading Daimler-Chrysler, the Smart car's manufacturer, to say that ZAP's behavior revealed "both the sham nature of its purported business and a lack of trustworthiness that is nothing short of stunning." Although ZAP did sell 300 Smart cars that it bought from third parties, it sued Daimler-Chrysler in California after failing to reach an agreement to buy the Smart cars directly. ZAP lost the initial lawsuit and also a subsequent appeal.
, were announced in late summer 2008, but construction plans were halted in November, 2008.
2001 - The SWIMMY was chosen as finalist for NASDAQ Sports Product of the Year in January, by Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association
. ZAP held an international songwriting contest, "Pollution Solution", for Earth Day
2001, with a $5000 prize. Unveiled the ZAPADAPT, an electric-assist for manual wheelchairs at the Abilities Expo.
2010 - Engineering contract awarded for design and development of a version of the Grumman Long Life Vehicle., the boxy truck used by postal delivery workers since 1987.
2010 - ZAP was the official sponsor of EV Korea 2010 along with Samyang Optics, with support from the Korean Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Presidential Committee on Green Growth, Seoul Metropolitan Government
, Korea Transport Institute, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Korea Electronics Technology Institute Korea, Automotive Research Institute, Korea Electric Vehicle Industry Association and others. Event held concurrently with the New & Renewable Energy and Battery Expo 2010, with around 98 exhibitors and up to 25,000 attendees.
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle , also referred to as an electric drive vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion...
company that designs, produces and markets vehicles including automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, scooters
Scooter (motorcycle)
A scooter is a motorcycle with step-through frame and a platform for the operator's feet. Elements of scooter design have been present in some of the earliest motorcycles, and motorcycles identifiable as scooters have been made from 1914 or earlier...
, personal watercraft, hovercraft
Hovercraft
A hovercraft is a craft capable of traveling over surfaces while supported by a cushion of slow moving, high-pressure air which is ejected against the surface below and contained within a "skirt." Although supported by air, a hovercraft is not considered an aircraft.Hovercraft are used throughout...
, ATV
All-terrain vehicle
An all-terrain vehicle , also known as a quad, quad bike, three wheeler, or four wheeler, is defined by the American National Standards Institute as a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control...
s, neighborhood electric vehicles and commercial vehicles. The name stands for Zero Air Pollution. The company headquarters are located in Santa Rosa, California
Santa Rosa, California
Santa Rosa is the county seat of Sonoma County, California, United States. The 2010 census reported a population of 167,815. Santa Rosa is the largest city in California's Wine Country and fifth largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area, after San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, and Fremont and 26th...
.
History
ZAP Power Systems (for zero air pollution), was launched by Jim McGreen in 1992 with the goal of designing, building and selling innovative electric vehicles. The company was incorporated on September 23, 1994 as ZAP Power Systems of Sebastopol, California, by McGreen, Gary Starr and their wives . In 1993 Automotive NewsAutomotive News
Automotive News is a weekly newspaper written for 65,000 automotive retailers, suppliers and manufacturers. It is based in Detroit and owned by Crain Communications Inc. The brand has a team of more than 50 editors and reporters worldwide.- History :...
named Starr among the top ten authorities in the electric car industry. He had previous experience with electric cars, including his work at Solar Electric Engineering and U.S. Electricar, which is currently known as Enova Systems. Starr was involved in electric conversion projects, various production cars and kit cars.
1995 - Manufacture of electric bicycle systems, products included ZAP DX and SX, as well as the ElectriCruiser, PowerBike, S&W Patrol Bike, ZAPTRIKE.
1996 - Launched direct public offering
Direct public offering
A Direct Public Offering is similar to an Initial Public Offering in that stock is sold to investors, but unlike an IPO, a company uses a DPO to raise capital directly and without the assistance of an investment banking firm or broker-dealer...
stock, debuted an advanced Tricyclopod
Tricyclopod
Tricyclopod is a three-wheeled motorized scooter-like vehicle, which is ridden in upright standing position and is used for personal transportation. Examples of tricyclopods include and . Tricyclopod implements the idea of safe and easy personal transportation, similar to Segway PT...
, the Zappy folding electric scooter (invented by co-founder McGreen).
1997 - Arrangement with Chinese bicycle companies for ZAP's drive system supply. In April, agrees to sell electric bikes to Brunswick Corp, by May signed a distribution agreement with Fondmetal Export AG export company.
1998 - First electric bike store opened in San Francisco.
1999 - Corporate name change, multiple international agreements signed, and announced the launch of the "Z-Boat".
2000 - Introduced a line of sea scooters with battery-powered propulsion, and the KICK-PUSH Scooter. Management additions, as a result of the acquisition in 1999 of EMB.
2001 - Solar powered scooter introduced. Name change to "ZAP".
Mergers and acquisitions
June 2000, Acquired Aquatic Propulsion Technology Inc, announced a joint venture with Ningbo Topp Industrial Co. Ltd.March 2001, strategic alliance with Sun Pirate, in May formed a joint venture with Voltage Vehicles to develop, design, manufacture and distribute full line of electric vehicles.
February 2008, joint venture with Youngman Automotive Group, to revive the nascent Detroit Electric
Detroit Electric
Detroit Electric was an automobile brand produced by the Anderson Electric Car Company in Detroit, Michigan. Nowadays, a Chinese British entrepreneur is leading Detroit Electric to develop affordable and high quality pure electric vehicles in mainland Europe...
brand.
December 2009, Joint venture company in China - Hangzhou
Hangzhou
Hangzhou , formerly transliterated as Hangchow, is the capital and largest city of Zhejiang Province in Eastern China. Governed as a sub-provincial city, and as of 2010, its entire administrative division or prefecture had a registered population of 8.7 million people...
, by ZAP, Holley Group and Better World International, named ZAP Hangzhou.
July 2010, Confirmed an agreement to acquire a stake in Zhejiang Jonway Automobile
Zhejiang Jonway Automobile
Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co., Ltd. is a Chinese automobile manufacturer based in Taizhou city in Zhejiang province. Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co., Ltd. is the subsidiary of Jonway Group, founded in the 1980s...
. Approval confirmed by Chinese Department of Commerce in Zhejiang Province in September 2010.
Retail and subsidiaries
ZAP assembles a line of products to focus on two primary businesses: ZAP Electric Vehicles and ZAP Recharge-It-All.ZAP Electric Vehicles
The company operates a retail car lot for sales of its automotive product line which includes the ZAPTRUCK XL and ZAPVAN Shuttle, two low-speed vehicles for the fleet market, the ZAP Xebra TruckTruck
A truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, with the smallest being mechanically similar to an automobile...
and Sedan, also develops and commercializes electric power-assist system motor kits for bicycle
Bicycle
A bicycle, also known as a bike, pushbike or cycle, is a human-powered, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, having two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. A person who rides a bicycle is called a cyclist, or bicyclist....
s, as well as electric bicycles, electric ATV
All-terrain vehicle
An all-terrain vehicle , also known as a quad, quad bike, three wheeler, or four wheeler, is defined by the American National Standards Institute as a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control...
s and personal electric scooters.
Currently the wholly owned subsidiaries are: Voltage Vehicles, a Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
company engaged in the distribution and sale of advanced technology and conventional automobiles; ZAPWorld Stores, Inc., engaged in consumer sales of ZAP products in one location; ZAP Manufacturing, Inc., also a Nevada company, engaged in the distribution of ZAP products; RAP Group, Inc., was engaged in the sale and liquidation of conventional automobiles; and ZAP Rental Outlet, a Nevada company. (ZAP World Outlet, ZAP Rental Outlet and RAP Group are not currently operating subsidiaries).
ZAP Recharge-It-All
This division is focused on Portable Energy (batteriesBattery (electricity)
An electrical battery is one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Since the invention of the first battery in 1800 by Alessandro Volta and especially since the technically improved Daniell cell in 1836, batteries have become a common power...
), the company through the Recharge-It-All line sells battery packs to power or charge a range of mobile electronics such as cellular phones, digital cameras and laptops, providing significantly more charge time than available technologies. The Portable Energy devices fall under two product lines. It includes the universal chargers and iPOD models and the iPhone. The universal chargers are rechargeable battery packs that extend the use of small and medium-sized electronic devices up to two to five times their normal battery life.
Fleets
The reorganized ZAP's market strategy was announced to cover fleetFleet
-Vehicles:A fleet is a collection of ships or vehicles, with many specific connotations:*Fleet vehicles, two or more vehicles*Fishing fleet*Naval fleet, substantial group of warships*A group of small ships or flotilla...
needs, with four tangible products launched until date, the ZAP Xebra
Xebra
The ZAP Xebra is an electric car that was launched in May 2006 in the United States market by ZAP corporation. It is classified legally as a three wheel motorcycle in some jurisdictions, and is available in both sedan and pickup truck variants. It has seat belts. It does not have regenerative...
(2006), ZAP Dude(2008), ZAP Truck XL(2008) and the ZAP Shuttle Van(2008).
ZAP Xebra
Domino's Pizza
Domino's Pizza, Inc. is an international pizza delivery corporation headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America. Founded in 1960, Domino's is the second-largest pizza chain in the United States and has over 9,000 corporate and franchised stores in 60 countries and all 50 U.S....
delivery service in Las Vegas
Las Vegas metropolitan area
The Las Vegas Valley is the heart of the Las Vegas-Paradise, NV MSA also known as the Las Vegas–Paradise–Henderson MSA which includes all of Clark County, Nevada, and is a metropolitan area in the southern part of the U.S. state of Nevada. The Valley is defined by the Las Vegas Valley landform, a ...
, Aspen
Aspen
Populus section Populus, of the Populus genus, includes the aspen trees and the white poplar Populus alba. The five typical aspens are all native to cold regions with cool summers, in the north of the Northern Hemisphere, extending south at high altitudes in the mountains. The White Poplar, by...
in the USA, Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink sold in stores, restaurants, and vending machines in more than 200 countries. It is produced by The Coca-Cola Company of Atlanta, Georgia, and is often referred to simply as Coke...
distribution model in Montevideo
Montevideo
Montevideo is the largest city, the capital, and the chief port of Uruguay. The settlement was established in 1726 by Bruno Mauricio de Zabala, as a strategic move amidst a Spanish-Portuguese dispute over the platine region, and as a counter to the Portuguese colony at Colonia del Sacramento...
, Uruguay
Uruguay
Uruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
and includes an adapted version: The Xebra Truck. The United Parcel Service
United Parcel Service
United Parcel Service, Inc. , typically referred to by the acronym UPS, is a package delivery company. Headquartered in Sandy Springs, Georgia, United States, UPS delivers more than 15 million packages a day to 6.1 million customers in more than 220 countries and territories around the...
(UPS) in Northern California combines a fleet of Xebra trucks and sedans to expand small parcel deliveries, after UPS
UPS
- Science, technology and medicine :* Uninterruptible power supply* Ubiquitin proteasome system* Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy* Universal Polar Stereographic coordinate system* Ups * Medically "unexplained physical symptoms"...
delivery vans transfer smaller packages to locked storage unit, an electric Xebra car/truck transports packages into dense urban and residential areas where parking and traffic are easier for the smaller vehicles. The production of this vehicle have been phased out since 2009.
- Xebra Legal Issues: Massachusetts
According to a July 31, 2008, editorial in Wired
Wired (magazine)
Wired is a full-color monthly American magazine and on-line periodical, published since January 1993, that reports on how new and developing technology affects culture, the economy, and politics...
Magazine, motorists in Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
are unable to register the ZAP Xebra legally, because the vehicle doesn't fit the state's definition of either a car or a motorcycle. Registrants of ZAP Xebras received letters from the state's Registry of Motor Vehicles stating that their vehicle registration plate
Vehicle registration plate
A vehicle registration plate is a metal or plastic plate attached to a motor vehicle or trailer for official identification purposes. The registration identifier is a numeric or alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies the vehicle within the issuing region's database...
s had been revoked and their registrations were invalid.
- Resolution
Both the United States House of Representatives
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
and United States Senate
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
found it as an Nihilism
Nihilism
Nihilism is the philosophical doctrine suggesting the negation of one or more putatively meaningful aspects of life. Most commonly, nihilism is presented in the form of existential nihilism which argues that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value...
, when they passed the legislation on December 31, allowing three-wheeled motor vehicles in Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
roads. The change was achieved through joint efforts by the Registry of Motor Vehicles, state Senator Robert L. Hedlund, a Weymouth Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
, and state Representative Garrett J. Bradley, a Hingham Democrat
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
.
ZAP Dude
The electric four-wheeled all-terrain vehicleAll-terrain vehicle
An all-terrain vehicle , also known as a quad, quad bike, three wheeler, or four wheeler, is defined by the American National Standards Institute as a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control...
ZAP Dude ATV, designed for installation security patrols and maintenance functions, can go up to 25 mph (11.2 m/s) and has a range of 25 miles (40.2 km) with a 48 volt permanent-magnet brush DC motor and standard 65 amp hour absorbed glass mat
VRLA battery
A VRLA battery is a type of low-maintenance lead–acid rechargeable battery. Because of their construction, VRLA batteries do not require regular addition of water to the cells....
(AGM) lead acid batteries, fact that sacrifices charging time to 4 to 6 hours and the continuous power to 4 kW, both indicators improvable with a lithium battery technology. Is the cheapest in the company's electric vehicle portfolio, been introduced to natural reserve patrols, US Military and agriculture and farming markets, where usage is scheduled and power stations are strategically located.
Dude atv specifications
| Motor | 48V DC motor |
| Continuous Power / Peak Horse Power | 4 kW / 12 hp |
| Length/ Width/ Height/ Weight | 76"/ 40"/ 43"/ 707 lbs |
| Max. Capacity (Weight/ Tow/ Rack) | 290 lbs/ 650 lbs/ 100 lbs (front & rear) |
| Wheelbase/ Turning Radius | 46.5"/ 124" |
- There was an attached statement that range would vary depending on hill grade, speed, and rider weight.
ZAP Truck XL
The ZAPTRUCK XL classifies as a Zero Emission Vehicle(ZEV), with an off-road payload up to 1900 lb (861.8 kg) and a convertible truck bed, have served a small contractor company from CaliforniaCalifornia
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, Ghilotti Construction Co., to move parts off site, UPS delivery services have also add the four-wheeled vehicle mostly to its Bay Area parcel fleet needs, the Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration is the national aviation authority of the United States. An agency of the United States Department of Transportation, it has authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S...
(FAA) have added the vehicle to their transportation operating mode. The U.S. Military has been putting the vehicle to test by engaging them into logistics tasks since 2009.
ZAP-X
The ZAP-X is an electricElectric car
An electric car is an automobile which is propelled by electric motor, using electrical energy stored in batteries or another energy storage device. Electric cars were popular in the late-19th century and early 20th century, until advances in internal combustion engine technology and mass...
crossover SUV
Crossover SUV
A crossover SUV is a vehicle built on a car platform and combining, in highly variable degrees, features of a sport utility vehicle with features from a passenger vehicle, especially those of a station wagon or hatchback.Using the unibody construction typical of passenger vehicles, the crossover...
previously expected to be launched in 2008 by ZAP and Lotus Engineering
Lotus Cars
Lotus Cars is a British manufacturer of sports and racing cars based at the former site of RAF Hethel, a World War II airfield in Norfolk. The company designs and builds race and production automobiles of light weight and fine handling characteristics...
based on the Lotus APX
Lotus APX
The Lotus APX is a concept car created by the British automobile marque, Lotus. It was first introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. It is the first complete vehicle built on the new Versatile Vehicle Architecture...
prototype platform. The claimed potential performance was a total of 644 bhp from four in-wheel electric motors, a 350 miles (563.3 km) single-charge range, 155 mi/h top speed, 0 to 60 mi/h acceleration in 4.8 seconds and a 10 minute recharge time, with an estimated production cost of over $395 million together with the Alias
ZAP Alias
The ZAP Alias Roadster is a plug-in electric three-wheeled sports car, from the American electric car maker ZAP in Santa Rosa - California, project initiated in 2007 through a collaboration between ZAP and Lotus Engineering, the UK-based automotive engineering company, who is assisting with the...
. This product have not been offered for sale to the public.
ZAP Electric SUV/Taxi
ZAP is developing the ZAP Electric SUV/Taxi, an all electric family SUV, tested at the Korea Electric Vehicle Challenge from March to early April, an on-road multistage demonstration event of three rest and recharge stops that includes a 220 km freeway rally at average speeds of 80–85 km/h(52.8 mph). Vehicle presented ahead of the Beijing International Automotive ExhibitionAuto China
Beijing International Automotive Exhibition or Auto China is an auto show held biennially in Beijing, China since 1990. It has now become one of three top auto shows in the world along with Frankfurt and Detroit...
by the CEO of ZAP, Steve Schneider, as the company latest effort. The model also available with a fuel efficient engine based on Jonway's A380 platform,.
ZAP Alias
The ZAP Alias Roadster is a plug-in electric three-wheeled sports carSports car
A sports car is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for high speed driving and maneuverability....
from the American electric car maker ZAP that was originally scheduled to go into production in 2009, with two wheels at the front, each containing an electric wheel-motor, and one at the rear, the project initiated in 2007 through a collaboration between ZAP and Lotus Engineering, the UK-based automotive engineering company, who are assisting with the development of the vehicle. Was supposed to have gone into production in 2009. The performance announced in 2008, was 0-60 mph (96.6 km/h) mph in 5.7 seconds, with a top speed of 156 mph (251.1 km/h) mph and a range of 100 miles (160.9 km). The vehicle was a finalist at the 2010 Progressive Insurance X Prize
driven by Al Unser, Jr.
Al Unser, Jr.
Alfred Unser, Jr. , nicknamed "Little Al", "Al Junior" or simply "Junior" is a retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.-History:...
, but was eliminated due to mechanical failure in the final track event.
Controversy
ZAP has had a history of production delays. An article from ForbesForbes
Forbes is an American publishing and media company. Its flagship publication, the Forbes magazine, is published biweekly. Its primary competitors in the national business magazine category are Fortune, which is also published biweekly, and Business Week...
magazine in June 2007 criticizes the company for over-issuing stock and failing to produce results or show significant profits.
A feature article in the April 2008 issue of Wired
Wired (magazine)
Wired is a full-color monthly American magazine and on-line periodical, published since January 1993, that reports on how new and developing technology affects culture, the economy, and politics...
alleged that "ZAP has taken millions from investors and dealers eager to see the company's line of green cars hit the road. But that line has never materialized." The article alleges that board members issued themselves large amounts of company stock and warrants and made misleading claims about the company's prospects, allowing them to enrich themselves at the expense of dealers who bought franchises and did not receive the cars that they were expecting to sell. While the company sold the low-end Xebra for a number of years, more expensive, higher-performance models have been repeatedly announced but not produced.
ZAP sold a lot of shares based on its intention to sell Smart cars
Smart (automobile)
Smart is an automotive branch of Daimler AG. Smart is a German manufacturer of microcars produced in Hambach, France, and Böblingen, Germany...
, but that deal fell through, leading Daimler-Chrysler, the Smart car's manufacturer, to say that ZAP's behavior revealed "both the sham nature of its purported business and a lack of trustworthiness that is nothing short of stunning." Although ZAP did sell 300 Smart cars that it bought from third parties, it sued Daimler-Chrysler in California after failing to reach an agreement to buy the Smart cars directly. ZAP lost the initial lawsuit and also a subsequent appeal.
Franklin, Kentucky
Plans to begin construction of a manufacturing plant in Franklin, KentuckyFranklin, Kentucky
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,996 people, 3,251 households, and 2,174 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,074.7 people per square mile . There were 3,609 housing units at an average density of 485.1 per square mile...
, were announced in late summer 2008, but construction plans were halted in November, 2008.
Public involvement
1995 - ZAP Power Systems racing team established a world electric bike sprint record at the World Solar Bicycle Race.2001 - The SWIMMY was chosen as finalist for NASDAQ Sports Product of the Year in January, by Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association
Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association
The Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association is a trade association of the retailers, manufacturers and marketers of the sporting goods industry. The SGMA was founded in 1906 in New York, and is currently based in Washington, D.C. Currently, the SGMA represents over 1,000 manufacturers, retailers...
. ZAP held an international songwriting contest, "Pollution Solution", for Earth Day
Earth Day
Earth Day is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment. The name and concept of Earth Day was allegedly pioneered by John McConnell in 1969 at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco. The first Proclamation of Earth Day was by San Francisco, the...
2001, with a $5000 prize. Unveiled the ZAPADAPT, an electric-assist for manual wheelchairs at the Abilities Expo.
2010 - Engineering contract awarded for design and development of a version of the Grumman Long Life Vehicle., the boxy truck used by postal delivery workers since 1987.
2010 - ZAP was the official sponsor of EV Korea 2010 along with Samyang Optics, with support from the Korean Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Presidential Committee on Green Growth, Seoul Metropolitan Government
Seoul Metropolitan Government
Seoul Metropolitan Government is the administrative organization of Seoul. The mayor is elected to a four year term by the Seoul citizens and is responsible for the administration of the city government...
, Korea Transport Institute, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Korea Electronics Technology Institute Korea, Automotive Research Institute, Korea Electric Vehicle Industry Association and others. Event held concurrently with the New & Renewable Energy and Battery Expo 2010, with around 98 exhibitors and up to 25,000 attendees.