Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Green
ZAP releases sketch of all-EV ZAP-X
We freely admit that the all-electric Tesla Roadster has wowed us with its impressive specs. While none have been delivered yet, all available evidence indicates that the car's 0-60 time of under four seconds, 130-mph top speed and 250-mile range are all true. Then there's ZAP, a distributor of many quirky EV vehicles and for a little while longer the only sole importer of smart fortwos in the U.S.
ZAP has released a sketch of the ZAP-X, a previously talked-about all-electric SUV that uses in-hub motors producing 644 horsepower to achieve a 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. ZAP claims the ZAP-X will also achieve an almost too-incredible-to-believe 350-mile range and be able to recharge fully in just ten minutes. We think the laws of physics and practical reality might disagree, but time will tell.
The ZAP-X is being engineered by Lotus Engineering, an interesting partnership considering the involvment Lotus engineers have had in developing the Tesla Roadster. Extensive use of aluminum and a new "efficient drive system and advanced battery management system" are the silver bullets that ZAP hopes will make its claims come true. We'll remain skeptical for the moment, though the Tesla shows that preconceived notion about the efficacy of all-electric vehicles are quickly falling.
[Source: Green Car Congress]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
DPC car videos 7:16PM (3/19/2007)
Must admit the Tesla is very impressive with a performance vs range ratio, but it is expected due to light weight. This car is even more impressive since it doesn't look like a lightweight yet can deliver performance with long range.
DPCcars
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Bryan 7:25PM (3/19/2007)
This looks like a bunch of current vehicles mutated together. Thats all they could come up with?
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tom grueskin 7:26PM (3/19/2007)
Looks like Lotus found a customer for their APX.
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/24/lotus-apx-concept-unveiled/
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Max 7:44PM (3/19/2007)
What promise has Zap EVER delivered on? They left thousands of would be Smart owners hanging and there more recent announcement of importing Obvio is still vapor.
Considering Zap doesn't have any significant source of income, I don't know how they'd have the capital to invest in a project like this. Zap will try to build interest in this vehicle and take some deposits (just like with the Smart car.) Then I suspect they will fade off into nothingness as their final project fails like all the ones before it.
Tesla will succeed because they have massive financial backing and are bringing R&D/Production in house.
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Will 9:07PM (3/19/2007)
Mazda3 chop anyone?
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Toy Yoda 12:46AM (3/20/2007)
I like the looks. Reminds me of a few SUVs like the Mazda CX7. Some of these numbers seem outrageous: 10 minutes to fully charge? Solar cell windows? Aside from the windshield, the other windows are positioned so that they won't get enough sunlight. The whole package feels more like science fiction. But, it's good to reach beyond what we currently can do.
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TheChaz 1:17AM (3/20/2007)
The 350 mile range isn't that incredible. It only represents 40% more range than the Tesla, and the platform is an SUV, so there's certainly space for, say, 40% more batteries. The 10 minute charge time, though... that one is beyond belief.
Also, #3, when the original press release about this vehicle was put out, both Zap and Lotus confirmed that it was on the APX platform.
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/01/30/no-tesla-cuv-but-zap-will-build-the-lotus-apx-with-batteries/
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GhostDoggy 5:35AM (3/20/2007)
I am not buying the 10-minute recharge cycle. If this were the case then I would think the world would be rolling over for it. Considering the amount of electrical energy needed to push even a lightweight SUV 350-miles, I find it simply unbelieveable it can be recharged in ten minutes.
Of course, my belief isn't required., and I free admit to that point. But, I would be just as impressive if they could get something like meeting all other marketed stats even with a 5-10 hour recharge time.
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mirko 6:41AM (3/20/2007)
So who makes all the components?
Platform and engineering: Lotus
Electric motors: PML Flightlink?
Batteries: Altairnano?
Any ideas?
This seems to be pretty much the only of the high-performance semi-market-ready electric car not using AC Propulsion's technology. Interesting...
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JM 9:33PM (3/22/2007)
Well, anyone that knows basic electronics knows that with very high ampage, you can get a 10 minute recharge. However, it is hard to believe that they would let people use high-amp rechargers because of safety issues. (It only takes 1 Amp to stop the heart!)
P.S. How do you think Verizon can charge your phone in just 5 minutes?
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JM 9:34PM (3/22/2007)
Also, the "solar cell not getting enough light" question is not a problem because of the utilization of nanotechnology solar cells that can grab light effeciently from just about any angle!
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alvin 7:39PM (3/23/2007)
The 10 minute charging time is not a myth, it is a fact. That is with the Altair Nanotechnology Nanosafe lithium ion battery. It is currently being supplied to Phoenix Motocars in a 35kwh battery pack for their all electric fleet SUV and SUT vehicles. Altair's 75kwh battery pack will be avaiable for the 2008 model year and has a 250 mile range with a ten minute recharge time with their fast charging system. The current 35kwh system has a 130 mile range. Whether or not ZAP will be using Altair's batteries has not been disclosed. Altair is in an exclusive 3 year deal with Phoenix, so there is a possibility that the batteries are coming from another producer. I sent Tesla cars an email asking them why they are not using Altair's batteries prior to the announcement of their exclusive deal with Phoenix. They have not responded.
Alvin
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Byblow 1:56PM (3/31/2007)
If they can really do everything they say they can with this car then I will be the first to pull out my cheque book!! Anyone know the timeline for this car to come to market?
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Informed Consumer 2:27PM (6/22/2009)
I dont know about the rest of you but given that Tesla just had a major recall Im all for the ZAP products. I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the ZAP Alias!
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