Company teases us with computer renderings of its forthcoming electric supercar, which is to boast solar-generating glass.
They call it a crossover SUV. But pictures and dimensions released today suggest that the forthcoming all-electric supercar from Northern California's ZAP will be short on utility, but big on sport and style.
Promising to be "one of the most advanced electric cars ever developed," the ZAP-X is to incorporate solar power-generating glass for its window surfaces, and boast a Windows XP-powered entertainment and driving computer, it was revealed today.
At 15' 4", (4697mm), it's to be a little longer than a Prius, and apparently offer only minimal luggage space. Though early adopters likely won't care, much.
ZAP today released these computer images of the vehicle >>
Oddly, the ZAP-X may very well appeal to muscle car fanatics and environmentalists alike; the vehicle's all-wheel drive option with separate electric motors inside each of the wheels is expected to deliver up to 644 horsepower, propelling the all-aluminum chassis at speeds up to 155 miles an hour. While burning no gasoline.
"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," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider.
The ZAP-X attracted scrutiny at its introduction late January for its range and battery claims. ZAP claimed an advanced battery will enable the car to travel up to 350 miles between charges, with a rapid charge capability that would recharge the batteries in as little as 10 minutes.
While neither company would admit it at the time, Cleantech.com learned ZAP had been talking with Altairnano to use its batteries in the ZAP-X (see Altairnano power play.) Altairnano has its nanotech-based batteries already working in vehicles, and been working with partners to deliver service station-like quick charging capability for cars using its batteries.
Spokesperson Eveline Souza told Cleantech.com that the estimated cost of charging a ZAP-X is expected to be as little as 1 cent a mile, or $3.50 USD for a 350-mile range.
The car should appeal to buyers' inner geeks. Sounding like it belongs more in a PC catalog than a car showroom, the ZAP-X's onboard computer—"carputer", ZAP calls it—is described as supporting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, high definition video, iPod, FireWire and USB2 Mini-USB ports.
The solar generating capability of the vehicle's windshield and passenger windows earn it style points, but are not to be expected to contribute significantly to powering the vehicle.
Solar glass is in its infancy. A number of companies, including Sharp Solar, Scheuten Solar, XsunX, Canadian Solar and others already offer or are pursuing it, although it's not clear which have been pursuing automotive applications. While the technology works, it does not yet yield the efficiency of solar thin film technologies, let alone the high power of silicon-based solar photovoltaics.
ZAP's Souza wouldn't name the solar glass supplier it was working with, but promised the company would announce its partners "in the near future."
As previously reported by Cleantech.com, (see Look out Tesla... ZAP building electric supercar) ZAP is targeting the $60,000 USD price range for the ZAP-X, with expected availability in 2008.
Because the car is to be all-electric, the company expects to be able to bypass many of the emissions requirements of new cars.
ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 90,000 vehicles to consumers in some 75 countries.
print
delicious
digg
hugg
reprint
Post new comment