ZAP Announces Second High-Performance Electric Vehicle

Zap has announced today that the company has started a new development program for a high-performance electric vehicle that is affordable for consumers.

According to Zap, the initial concept phase for the new vehicle is complete. The targeted price is $30,000, top speed in excess of 100 mph and range of 100 miles per charge. Many of the technologies already specified for the ZAP-X electric car concept will be applied to the new vehicle, but delivery is expected to be sooner than the ZAP-X. CEO Steve Schneider said more details of the new vehicle will be presented at the annual shareholder meeting, July 29 in Santa Rosa, California.

"With ZAP’s experience over the past 12 years and the groundwork we have already laid, we know that electricity is the future of the auto industry," said Schneider. "At the same time, we believe we have a design that will serve a niche no other manufacturer in the auto industry is seeking to fill."

Source: Internal

ZAP to Present at the 3rd Annual Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. Next-Generation Energy Conference on May 15 in New York

This Year's Conference Will Include Expert Panels Discussing Solar Energy, Ethanol, Biodiesel and Electric Vehicles

ZAP has a strategic business plan in collaboration with Lotus Engineering to create a line of advanced technology vehicles to meet the demand for energy efficient and alternative fuel vehicles, including a high performance electric vehicle called ZAP-X (pictured).

ZAP (OTC Bulletin Board: ZAAP), a leader in advanced automotive technologies, today announced that Chief Executive Officer Steve Schneider will present at the 3rd Annual Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. Next-Generation Energy Conference (NGE) on May 15, 2007 at 1:00 PM. This event will be held at Le Parker Meridien in New York City, 118 W. 57th Street.

Schneider plans to talk about the advance in electric automobile acceptance and ZAP's position in the sector. ZAP introduced the XEBRA, an innovative electric city-car and truck last year. ZAP has a strategic business plan in collaboration with Lotus Engineering to create a line of advanced technology vehicles to meet the demand for energy efficient and alternative fuel vehicles, including a high performance electric vehicle called ZAP-X.

As a premier investment bank with a dedicated NGE practice, Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. initiated equity research coverage three years ago on fast- growing companies that develop and commercialize key NGE technology areas for a cleaner economy -- such as solar power, alternative fuels, fuel cells, energy storage, grid optimization, efficient lighting and environmental technologies.

About Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. and MCF Corporation

Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. is a securities broker-dealer and investment bank focused on fast-growing companies and growth-oriented institutional investors. It provides investment research, brokerage and trading services primarily to institutions, as well as advisory and investment banking services to corporate clients. Its mission is to become a leader in the researching, advising, financing and trading of fast-growing companies. Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and SIPC. MCF Corporation (AMEX:MEM) is a financial services holding company that provides investment research, capital markets services, corporate and venture services, investment banking, asset management and primary research through its operating subsidiaries, Merriman Curhan Ford & Co., MCF Asset Management, LLC and Panel Intelligence, LLC.

More information about the conference can be found at: http://www.merrimanco.com/

For product, dealer and investor information, visit http://www.zapworld.com/

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the Company's products, increased levels of competition for the Company, new products and technological changes, the Company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: ZAP

ZAP Reinvents the Wheel with Advanced Electric Wheel Motor Technology Partner

US Electric Car Maker Signs Exclusive Agreement with PML FlightLink Ltd. of the Hampshire, UK for New Electric Wheel Motor

The ZAP-X crossover electric car concept by Lotus Engineering and ZAP will be equipped with an exclusive new drive system from PML of the UK. The compact SUV will be driven by an electric motor (displayed in the upper right) built into each wheel. (PRNewsFoto/ZAP)

SANTA ROSA, Calif., May 2 -- US electric car maker ZAP (BULLETIN BOARD: ZAAP) signed an exclusive agreement this week for an advanced wheel motor technology from PML FlightLink Limited of Hampshire, United Kingdom.

ZAP secured the PML wheel motor technology to play a key role in the development of next generation electric vehicles being developed with Lotus Engineering. Electric vehicle concepts like the ZAP-X crossover SUV have targeted unprecedented performance goals, including a top speed of 155 mph, 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 4.8 seconds, and a peak 644 horsepower. Steve Schneider, CEO for ZAP, says PML's wheel motor achieves the power to weight ratio to meet the performance goals of the ZAP-X.

"Wheel motors are revolutionizing electric transportation, from our ZAPPY3 electric scooters all the way up to more ambitious projects like the ZAP-X crossover," said Schneider. "We have witnessed the PML wheel motor technology in action and, without question, this the best drive system in the world. "

Schneider pointed out why wheel motors allow automotive designers to achieve greater efficiencies in the overall design, distributing the weight and displacement of the drive train to the four corners of the vehicle. PML's wheel motors don't require intricate braking systems, instead relying on advances in regenerative braking that enhance efficiency and performance.

ZAP has undertaken a feasibility study with Lotus Engineering to explore the development of next generation electric vehicles that incorporate the latest advances in technology. The two companies met last week at ZAP's headquarters in Santa Rosa for discussions with potential suppliers and distributors. In exchange for exclusive rights, ZAP has agreed to an initial order of approximately $10 million in PML wheel motors, subject to terms and conditions agreed on by both parties.

"We've sort of reinvented the wheel," said Chris Newman of PML FlightLink to Car and Driver Magazine. The small British electrical-engineering company led by Martin Boughtwood, PML's director, has produced a remarkable electric Mini to prove the technology. PML FlightLink Limited is a privately held UK corporation with more than 30 years experience in advanced wheel motor and control system development. According to PML, its compact, energy efficient, electric wheel motors produce unrivalled levels of torque with internal heavy-duty tapered roller bearings that can withstand heavy radial loads for robust use, important for the all-wheel drive capability of the ZAP-X.

PML's Hi-Pa Drive(TM) is a literal revolution in motor technology with an integrated motor and drive electronics in one unit producing an ultra high power density -- up to 20 times more than conventional systems. Hi-Pa Drive(TM) is ultra reliable -- 20 times more reliable than conventional systems. It provides high torque in a lightweight flat motor package, ideally suited to vehicle in wheel drives, where its impact on suspension dynamics is minimal. Other features include total weather proofing, total energy transfer, and several levels of redundancy so any single failure will never prevent the vehicle from operating safely.

Learn more at PML's website http://www.pmlflightlink.com/

About ZAP

ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 90,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. At the forefront of fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, hydrogen, electric, fuel cell, ethanol, hybrid and other innovative power systems, ZAP is developing a high-performance crossover SUV electric car concept called ZAP-X engineered by Lotus Engineering. The Company recently launched a new portable energy technology that manages power for mobile electronics from cell phones to laptops.

For product, dealer and investor information, visit http://www.zapworld.com/

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the Company's products, increased levels of competition for the Company, new products and technological changes, the Company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


Source: ZAP

Current solutions

After all the brouhaha about Lotus building a crossover and the number of twitchy moustaches that set off, we can reveal that the company has indeed been involved with developing a crossover.

But this one won't be wearing a Lotus badge and nor will it use a normal internal combustion engine.

ZAP is the company behind the ZAP-X Crossover and it was they who commissioned Lotus to help advance its electric drive system.

The vehicle will use individual electric motors in the hubs of each individual wheels to give it four-wheel drive and also the ability to tailor the amount of power each wheel receives.

Combined together, the four electric motors produce the equivalent of 644bhp, so the ZAP-X is set to be one of the swiftest crossovers out here, with the firm predicting a top speed of 155mph and 0-62mph in 4.8 secs.

Lotus has also been involved with developing the lightweight aluminium structure for the car, while ZAP is working on a new type of battery that should be able to be fully charged in 10 minutes and allow up to 350 miles between charges.

No word on prices or a launch date yet, but expect the ZAP-X Crossover not to hit showrooms before 2009.

source: topgear

Electric Car Maker ZAP Releases Concept Drawings of New ZAP-X Crossover SUV

Electric car pioneer ZAP released design drawings of a new electric crossover SUV called ZAP-X engineered by Lotus. (PRNewsFoto/ZAP)

Electric car pioneer ZAP (BULLETIN BOARD: ZAAP) today unveiled concept drawings of the ZAP-X Crossover SUV on its website.

The images of the ZAP-X are also highlighted in the new issue of Popular Science, April 2007, in an article entitled "Who killed the gas guzzler?" including an interview with ZAP CEO Steve Schneider.

The Popular Science, April 2007 issue is on newsstands now as well as online at http://www.popsci.com/

The design sketches highlight the styling, performance and technology that ZAP plans to incorporate into the ZAP-X. The compact-SUV design will feature all-wheel drive with in-hub electric motors capable to deliver 644 horsepower and a top speed of 155mph. By combining a lightweight aluminum chassis, a new efficient drive system and advanced battery management system, the goal for the ZAP-X is to be able to achieve 350-mile range, with a rapid 10-minute recharging time.

Tecn drawing of the new ZAP-X electric crossover SUV engineered by Lotus. (ZAP)

"We believe that the ZAP-X will become the most advanced, most practical and most appealing flagship electric vehicle to date and will revolutionize the industry providing the driver with the enjoyment of a sports car and the practicality of an SUV," says ZAP CEO Steve Schneider.

ZAP currently markets an affordable city-speed electric car and truck called the XEBRA through its automotive distribution portal marketing. ZAP's authorized auto dealer network will offer sales, service and parts distribution for the lineup of vehicles being developed by ZAP and its strategic partners in Europe, Asia and South America.

About ZAP

ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 90,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. At the forefront of fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, hydrogen, electric, fuel cell, ethanol, hybrid and other innovative power systems, ZAP is developing a high-performance crossover SUV electric car concept called ZAP-X engineered by Lotus Engineering. The Company recently launched a new portable energy technology that manages power for mobile electronics, like cell phones and laptops. For more product, dealer and investor information, visit http://www.zapworld.com/

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the Company's products, increased levels of competition for the Company, new products and technological changes, the Company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: ZAP

Environmentally-Friendly Trust Places Initial Order for 40 ZAP XEBRAs

XEBRA, A new electric car design from ZAP (OTC BB: ZAAP) has been ordered for Atlanta. A 'green' trust fund based in Atlanta is investing in a dealership for ZAP electric cars and trucks. Learn more at http://www.zapworld.com (PRNewsFoto/ZAP).

ATLANTA, March 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Seeking to invest in environmentally-friendly technologies, a trust fund based in Atlanta, Georgia has placed an initial order for 40 electric cars and trucks from California electric car pioneer ZAP (BULLETIN BOARD: ZAAP) .

The trust fund is setting up a dealership with ZAP to distribute the ZAP XEBRA (pronounced "zebra") electric car and truck in the Atlanta area. James Tucker, Executive Trustee representing the trust fund, says he already has orders and strong interest for the ZAP XEBRA.

"We figured, why give all the money to the oil companies?" said Tucker. "We have interest from all over the Atlanta area -- from city fleets, planned communities, law enforcement, major corporations, colleges -- we expect orders for 2000 ZAP vehicles in the initial phase of our marketing."

ZAP calls the XEBRA a "city-car," an all-electric design for city-speed driving and priced around $10,000 that comes in a 4-door sedan or pickup truck with a convertible dump/flat bed. It plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet for a full charge in up to six hours and a 50 percent charge in 1.5 hours, and also has an optional solar charging panel. Fueling is estimated to cost 1-3 cents per mile, or about one-fifth that of gas vehicles. ZAP says the XEBRA was designed as an affordable alternative for multi-car families, city driving and fleets.

The American Lung Association in 2005 listed Atlanta as having the ninth worst air pollution in the country. Studies show that electric cars can reduce automotive emissions by more than 90 percent, even including the emissions from power plants to recharge the vehicles.

ZAP is recruiting auto dealers across the country to form a distribution network to market electric cars and other forms of advanced transportation technologies. ZAP has 22 dealers listed on its website at http://www.zapworld.com/ .

About ZAP

ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 90,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. At the forefront of fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, hydrogen, electric, fuel cell, ethanol, hybrid and other innovative power systems, ZAP is developing a high-performance crossover SUV electric car concept called ZAP-X engineered by Lotus Engineering. The Company recently launched a new recharge-it-all technology that provides power for mobile electronics, including cell phones, digital recorders and laptops. For more product, dealer and investor information, visit http://www.zapworld.com/ .

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the Company's products, increased levels of competition for the Company, new products and technological changes, the Company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: ZAP

New Electric Car from ZAP 'Greens' 2007 Chicago Auto Show

Horsepower is usually the hot topic at the Chicago Auto Show, but get ready for this: 'zebra-power.' An innovative electric car called the XEBRA from California automotive pioneer ZAP (OTC BB: ZAAP) debuts this week at the 99th annual Chicago Auto Show, booth number NH20A. The show runs February 9 - 18 at McCormick Place.

So how many ZP (zebra-power) does a XEBRA have? Chicago-area dealer Rick Sbragia says it's not about the power you can deliver, but the power you save.

"This cute, little electric car speaks volumes," said Sbragia, owner of Star Motors, aka ZAP of Oak Forrest, Illinois. "The writing is on the wall in the auto industry and green is the name of the game. All the cars at the show this year will be touting MPG, miles per gallon to show how efficient they can be, but here's a car that has zero miles per gallon. It's so efficient they will have to come up with a new metric -- maybe zebra-power?"

Sbragia noted that the XEBRA car and truck costs drivers about a penny a mile in electricity to fill-up at any household outlet. ZAP calls the XEBRA a 'city-car,' an all-electric design to handle city-speed driving up to 40 MPH. A 20+ year veteran of the auto dealer business, Sbragia says green thinking is nothing new to him. He owns one of the largest dent repair operations in the Chicago area, DentStar, which specializes in non-toxic, paint-less dent removal.

"ZAP has shown good foresight to bring this car to market at the right time," said Sbragia. "So many people today are thinking about the environment when they buy cars and I think the XEBRA is a natural. It's exciting to be the first dealer in the Chicago area. The market potential for such an affordable, practical design like this is staggering."

Sbragia says the XEBRA sedan and truck are very appealing for multi-car families as well as corporate and municipal fleets. Priced around $10,000, ZAP created the XEBRA through a strategic partnership with an auto manufacturer in China.

About ZAP

ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering more than 90,000 fuel-efficient vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. A publicly owned company, ZAP is at the forefront of transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, hydrogen, electric, fuel cell, ethanol, hybrid and other innovative power systems. Additionally, ZAP has developed a sophisticated renewable energy solution through its "Recharge-it-All" line of batteries for powering and recharging mobile electronics. For purchasing, dealer and investor information, call 707-525-8658 or visit http://www.zapworld.com/ .

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the Company's products, increased levels of competition for the Company, new products and technological changes, the Company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

source: ZAP