ZAP, the electric car maker, is now predicting for production to begin within the 2nd quarter of 2009 for the ZAP Alias⢠3-wheeled electric car. The Joint Venture Company formed by ZAP and China Youngman Automotive Group has invited engineering and technology companies to participate in the project by initiating a RFQ (Request For Quotation) process for the 150-mile range, 100mph three-wheeler which the company hopes to bring to market for around USD$30,000.
ZAP (which stands for Zero Air Pollution), is a joint collaboration with Lotus Engineering. The ZAP Alias shares much of the technology with the ZAP-X Crossover SUV including in-hub electric motors...
The Alias is a 1600lbs (733 kg), front wheel drive two-seater producing peak power of around 320 hp (240 kW) total and 557.52 lb/ft (756 Nm) of torque that is expected to achieve 0 â 60 mph ( 96.56 km/h) in 5.7 seconds. ZAP is hoping to sell it for around $30,000.
"Everyone who has seen the Alias says they want to buy one," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. "The performance goals are attainable because the pace of new technology is accelerating. We have worked with Lotus Engineering during the initial phase of the development project and shall again be looking forward to their support."
"I am very excited to initiate this project," said Mr. Albert Lam, Former CEO of Lotus Engineering, now Chairman of the Joint Venture Company. "Looking at our initial project development plan and our discussion with a number of key engineering and technology partners, I believe we can go into production by the 2nd quarter of 2009. We will be using some of the existing facilities of Youngman to manufacture this vehicle."
Full story here.
"Everyone who has seen the Alias says they want to buy one," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. "The performance goals are attainable because the pace of new technology is accelerating. We have worked with Lotus Engineering during the initial phase of the development project and shall again be looking forward to their support."
"I am very excited to initiate this project," said Mr. Albert Lam, Former CEO of Lotus Engineering, now Chairman of the Joint Venture Company. "Looking at our initial project development plan and our discussion with a number of key engineering and technology partners, I believe we can go into production by the 2nd quarter of 2009. We will be using some of the existing facilities of Youngman to manufacture this vehicle."
Full story here.
estreka says:
05:47 AM, 01/28/08
It seems like only yesterday we were condemning Telsa for a 5.7s 0-60. And this thing is smaller!
firstwagon says:
08:36 AM, 01/28/08
It is 1/3 the price though. That's worth a second anyday.
More vapourware I'll bet though.
jerrywimer says:
09:58 AM, 01/28/08
I must be getting old. I'd be happy with ~7s 0-60mph times, if it has good range (I need ~70 miles / day minimum for a commuter vehicle).
ateixeira says:
01:02 PM, 01/28/08
Let's see it, then I'll believe it.
Plus, it's basically a $30,000 covered motorcycle. Motorcycles are already fuel efficient, relatively speaking.
The front end looks a whole lot like the Subaru B11S concept from a few years ago.