German Car Zone

ZAP — a U.S. distributor of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles — today announced plans to use the Lotus APX concept as the basis for a new all-electric crossover for the American market.

When Lotus first unveiled the APX Concept, it said there were no plans for production under the Lotus brand. However, a company spokesman was quoted as saying: "If another manufacturer wanted to sell the APX, it could be on the road as it's seen here."

Lotus is no stranger electric car projects. The British company is currently collaborating with California-based Tesla Motors on an electric roadster based on the Elise.

ZAP says it plans to replace the concept's conventional gasoline V6 engine with in-hub electric motors, delivering 644 horsepower in all wheel drive mode, theoretically capable of powering the ZAP-X to a potential top speed of 155mph.

A combination of the lightweight aluminum vehicle architecture, a new efficient drive and advanced battery management systems is intended to enable a range of up to 350 miles between charges, with a rapid 10-minute recharging time. An auxiliary power unit is planned to support longer distance journeys.

Steve Schneider, CEO of ZAP, said: "Lotus Engineering's APX technology demonstrator vehicle is a perfect fit for our plans to introduce a full product portfolio of electric cars. Due to the initial design by Lotus, our cost and time to production will be significantly reduced. 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."

ZAP will display the ZAP-X at the North American Dealers Association (NADA) annual meeting and exhibition, February 3 to 6, 2007.



Source: LLN