ZAP to distribute new electric ATVs

Plucky Northern California electric vehicle vendor ZAP (OTCBB: ZAAP) has signed an agreement with a manufacturer in China for the North American distribution rights to a new generation of high-powered all-electric, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

Compared to ZAP's 350-watt ATV model currently offered for light duty use and younger riders, the new high-powered version is capable of a peak power output of 4000 watts.

Available as early as spring of 2007, ZAP says new electric drive technology will allow its electric ATVs to venture farther off-road at higher speeds, longer distances, steeper inclines and more rugged terrain. They'll also be able to serve a greater range of consumer and industrial markets, the company says, allowing electric ATVs to penetrate the outdoor enthusiast market as well as meet the demands of industrial and agricultural applications.

ZAP's new 4000 watt ATV achieves the increase in output through the use of a new, proprietary, brushless, multi-pole wheel-motor technology. The dual-wheel-motor design helps increase overall efficiency, power and performance. In addition, having motors built into the wheels decreases weight, eliminates a transmission and saves space inside the vehicle for more battery capacity and features, the company claims.

ZAP was one of the first companies in the US to market hub motor powered vehicles in its ZAPPY3 electric scooter. ZAP intends to market more vehicles that use hub motor designs.

Since 1994, ZAP has delivered over 90,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. The company specializes in fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, hydrogen, electric, fuel cell, alcohol, hybrid and other innovative power systems.

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