Zap introducing 3-Wheel Car in 2009!

[Derwin]

Here is an article that I just read. Boy, Venture Vehicles better get things going or others may be first to market!

Zap to do three-wheeled car in 2009

Three-wheeled cars may make a comeback with the craze over electric cars coming to a boil.http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/ne/test/icons/photo2_icon.gif
By Michael Kanellos (michael.kanellos@cnet.com?subject=FEEDBACK:Zap to do three-wheeled car in 2009)
Staff Writer, CNET News.com

Published: January 31, 2008, 1:42 PM PST

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Zap, the electric car company based in Santa Rosa, Calif., is adding another electric car to its lineup.
http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/ne/p/2007/zap-alias_220x155.jpg

Credit: Zap
An artist's rendering of the Zap Alias.
The three-wheeled Alias, due to go into production in 2009, will have a top speed of over 100 miles an hour and go 150 miles on a charge, according to Zap. It will sell for $30,000. The Alias will also likely come with a hybrid range extender, a small gas motor that can power the car or charge the battery.
The Alias will actually be made by a joint venture between Zap (http://www.news.com/Automaker-aims-to-bring-clean-cars-to-the-masses/2100-11389_3-6107369.html?tag=st.nl) and China's Youngman Automotive Group. The company has an animated video of the prototype here (http://www.zapworld.com/zap-alias-electric-car-vehicle). Zap said last year it planned to release a $30,000 electric car in 2009 but didn't mention at the time that it was a three-wheeler.
Zap also sells a three-wheeled low-speed electric car. (Check out the test drive here (http://www.news.com/1606-2-6108950.html?tag=st.nl). It was a bit scary to drive, but we got noticed.)
Until recently, three-wheelers have occupied a niche of a niche of a niche. Some European companies made them back in the 1950s and '60s. And an evil villain drove one in Goldmember, the third movie in the Austin Powers trilogy.
Some three-wheelers, though, are going upscale. Venture Vehicles (http://www.news.com/Are-VentureOnes-three-wheels-better-than-four/2100-11389_3-6215875.html?tag=st.nl) plans to bring three-wheeled hybrids and electric cars that would sell in the $20,000 range to the States starting next year.
Now on News.com
What Bebo means to AOL (http://www.news.com/What-Bebo-means-to-AOL/2009-1030_3-6234226.html) Yahoo, Microsoft in informal talks (http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9893161-7.html) YouTube's API plan not for everybody (http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9893260-7.html) Extra: What's in your cells, 2008 version (http://www.news.com/News.com-Extra/8300-9373_3-55.html?tag=txt.caro)

Three-wheelers don't weigh as much as their four-wheeled counterparts, so they can go farther on a charge than regular electric cars. They are smaller, too, making them easier to park in cities.
Three-wheelers can also get to the market faster because they are classified as motorcycles, which means there is less safety testing. And they can be fun to drive. Venture's cars, based on a car design from the Netherlands, will tilt into turns like a motorcycle.
Zap, though, has many skeptics (http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9794984-7.html), and the company has many projects still in the works. It is also coming out with the Zap-X (http://www.news.com/Zap-teams-with-Lotus-for-electric-sports-car/2100-11389_3-6154854.html?tag=st.nl), an electric SUV later this year.
Zap, for its part, notes it is working on these projects with Group Lotus, a British car company. The Alias, in fact, grew out of the Zap-X project.

[RAN]

I saw that article. Zap hasn't built anything yet that goes over 40mph... I'll believe this when I see it.

[Derwin]

Yeah, I know what you mean. But they seems to have good backing. I guess we'll all just have to wait and see! ;)

Derwin

[PHEVadvocate]

I don't think Ian has anything to worry about. Read this article to get the feel about Zap products:

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/reviews/2008-zap-xebra-review/ :LOL:

[Derwin]

That article was brutal! But I thought they were the ones to come out with the "Smart" car that people are all excited about. I mean, at least they have this on the market. Here is a few pics of the smart car:

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=250&stc=1&d=1205537718

I don't really like the car, but it seems they have the backing of some major players. But there is definately no "Wow" factor, or "thrill" factor with the smart car. But this can all change if they come out with the 3-wheeler.

Derwin

[rogwild]

Derwin, ZAP has nothing to do with the gasoline SMART automobiles. They don't own, make or sell them.
The above article said; "Zap’s stock peaked at $4 a share in 2004 with the announcement of its electric-conversion Smart car. After that program short-circuited, its stock began a protracted melted-down (currently $.58). This was a 'failed attempt' to get a Smart-Like electric vehicle; never happened for them but the Chinese did make a 'clone' powered by electric as a LSV and sold by Fly-Bo (later named Spark~EV). Spark~EV just announced halting sales of the '6000' (Smart Clone), but added the Panda (looks like the 6000 with a different front grill).

[Derwin]

Rog, Please take a look at the below article.

The Smart car gets EPA clearance

California company plans to sell the tiny, fuel efficient European two-seaters in the United States.
December 1, 2004: 4:19 PM EST
By Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNN/Money staff writer



NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - U.S. residents that want to drive the tiny European Smart ForTwo may finally get their chance.




The Environmental Protection agency recently granted a "certificate of conformity" for the French microcar, clearing the way for a California company, Zap Cars, to begin selling them in the United States.

The ForTwo is built by the Smart division of DaimlerChrysler. The two-seater, which has been sold in Europe since 1998, has not previously been available in the United States.

Smart plans to sell a small SUV in the United States based on its four-seat ForFour, to be called the ForMore, but it has not officially announced plans to sell the current Smart ForTwo.

CNN/Money tested a diesel-powered Smart ForTwo earlier this year. Click here for the story.

Zap, based in Santa Rosa, Calif., hopes to sell about 15,000 modified Smart ForTwos in the United States per year. The cars get about 60 miles to the gallon, according to Smart.

Zap's ForTwos will be powered by turbocharged 3-cylinder engines producing 60 horsepower and will come equipped with automatic transmissions and electronic stability control, according to the company.

At a little over eight feet long and less than five feet wide, the ForTwo is designed to be small enough to fit two side-by-side in a typical parking space. In spite of its small size, Smart has said, the ForTwo is safe because of it's sturdy body-encompassing frame.

Zap's ForTwos will be retrofitted to meet U.S. Department of Transportation requirements for bumper strength and side-impact protection, Alex Campbell, a Zap spokesperson told CNN/Money in an interview earlier this year.

The company will concentrate on "luxury" versions of the cars with cabriolet tops and leather interiors, Campbell said. Prices will range from the mid-teens to as much as $23,000.

"The demand is far, far exceeding the supply," said Steve Schneider, Zap's chief executive officer.

The company has been approached by several rental car agencies and a large retailing chain interested in buying at least a full year's allotment of cars, Schneider said.

While DaimlerChrysler is not involved with Zap and said earlier this year that it will not be able to provide any dealer support for the ForTwo in the United States, Zap has said that its dealers will be trained to service the cars.

According to the above article, Zap had a very important part to play in the SMART car in the United States. By the way, this is a CNN article.

Derwin

[rogwild]

Derwin, please look at the DATE of the article you posted. Also see my; "that program short-circuited", quote above.

[Derwin]

The quote you posted from that article is talking about an ELECTRIC vehicle.

Anyway, I have been in contact with Zap for a couple years. They are the ones that made me aware of the SMART car. They HAD a whole lot to do with the SMART car being introduced to America. This is proven in the many articles that are out there pertaining to this. I was not trying to mislead anybody, But, as often happens, things do change!

Derwin

[rogwild]

Yes, Derwin this thread is about ZAP electric vehicles, at least it appeared that way. I never said that you were trying to 'mislead' anyone, only that your information was 'dated' and did not reflect current conditions.
Here is another article on the Smart-ZAP controversy:
http://tinyurl.com/29cd38

[cpaddock]

I requested a refund of my $99 deposit on the Smart a couple of weeks ago....still haven't received the check....I just encountered too many negative reviews to stay on the waiting list for a car which only gets 40 mpg., drives like a toy car, has no cargo space, cheap plastic interior, transmits excessive road noise, shifts like a dog, bounces
like a hobbie horse.....I could go on.....but for the same price I can choose from a variety of 35 mpg cars which handle much better and have back seats/cargo space.
With a recession looming I'll probably just try to keep my Plymouth rust bucket running
and save up for the V1. I can use my wife's mini van for the rare hauling chores. Interesting article about Fiskar's development schedule....helped reassure me that slow starts and missed deadlines are par for the course in this business. Patience is one of the hardest disiplines to exercise when jonesing for a car. It will be worth it, and I don't think VV has to worry about being first or losing customers. Their problem is going to be too much demand!
Aloooooha!

[Derwin]

rogwild, Actually, this thread was started to talk about the new three-wheeled vehicle that Zap is to be introducing in 2009. But that aside, I did read that article about the controversy involving Zap and the smart vehicle. Even from those articles, it is apparent that Zap was a major player at one point in time. The deal then obviously fell through.

Anyway, I am always for more exciting vehicles coming on the market, and if ZAP is going to bring on a new 3-wheeled vehicle, that add's to the excitment. This is a great period in history we are living in!

Derwin

P.S. When I first seen the SMART car, I almost put a deposit down on it, but backed off. I just really did not see the "wow" factor in that car.

[PHEVadvocate]

Since this thread is also about the EV Smart, I figured I should post this here:


http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4853321380816045234&q=electric+smart+car&total=40&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=1

[PHEVadvocate]

Here is some more information on ZAP! :eek:

Click hear to read story! (http://www.wired.com/cars/futuretransport/magazine/16-04/ff_zapped?currentPage=1)

I think I will wait for the V1! =y:

[Derwin]

Wow! That is one brutal article. I feel so sorry for that guy and his wife who invested in Zap. It just goes to show you that there are always people out there to take advantage of any situation. The shame of it is that they not only rob money, but they steel people's dreams in the process.

STAY AWAY FROM ZAP!

Derwin

[MarkH]

I'll believe that zap three wheeler when I see it. No way will it affect my decision to buy a V-One.

I have seen that zebra striped three wheeler they market. A dealer nearby sells them and I wasn't impressed in any way. What a wreck. Trashy fit and finish and goofy looks. I'm guessing that if that other three wheeler ever makes it to market it will be a train wreck too...

[Derwin]

OK, I just had to give you this update about our "friend" Mr. Papp. I guess people really DO get what they deserve. It restores my faith in the justice system, and in the saying..."what goes around comes around". Well, here's the article:


Spark EV's Michael Papp arrested in electric vehicle scam
Posted Apr 13th 2008 6:44PM by Sebastian Blanco
Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, Green Daily


Thanks to our reader Mike, we have an update to share about the troubled history of Michael Papp electric vehicle company. Regular readers will remember that Papp is the man behind Spark EV, a company that has been accused more thank once of shady dealings. It looks like the New Jersey las officials agree, and have decided to step in to put a stop to Papp's scam.

According to the Express Times, Papp was arrested Friday after failing to deliver 14 electric vehicles to Electric Cars of Houston (which had ordered 10) and Electric Transportation of Arkansas (four). Papp is charged with bilking them for almost $100,000, according to court records. The EVs were paid for in January and February, and Papp told the payers the vehicles would be delivered March 14. They weren't. After trying to track down what happened, the companies asked for a refund. Papp answered that he was filing for bankruptcy, so no go. Apparently, Papp is in Northampton County Prison and being held on $20,000 bail. We'll have more on this as things move forward, I can guarantee you that.

Thanks to PHEV for the heads-up on this article.

Derwin

[MarkH]

This really does renew my faith in the system. I hope the people he allegedly defrauded get their money back.

[RAN]

This is what happens when professions and industries don't police themselves. If you don't throw the bad apple out, it ends up ruining the whole bushel. Common sense is soooooo uncommon these days.

[CelticFlyer]

I've seen a few Smart cars scurrying around Sacramento. I even stopped in at the Smart dealership recently. Cute little buggers, but there's a two-year waiting list to get into one! From what I've heard, anyway.

[Miracleman89]

So I guess if I am ever going to get to finish my argument with him about straight roads I will have to write him in prison! ROTFLMBO Wow, This is truly great news! Thanks for the update Derwin! This has made my day!

[MarkH]

You know MM that prisoner info is in the public domain. A few google searches should track him down and then you could be pen pals!

LMAO!!

:LOL::LOL::LOL::LOL::LOL:

[Miracleman89]

oh you know he would just love that!! rotf:LOL:

[PHEVadvocate]

Found more on our friend:

http://www.pennlive.com/easton/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1208232383313400.xml&coll=2

WOW, the article say's bankruptcy once every three years and 160 people taken!:eek:

He must know how to play the system to get away with this.:(

:COP: Get him boys.

[RAN]

Getting back to the Zap Alias... it actually appears to be getting closer to reality: Autobloggreen, First glimpse of ZAP Alias prototype revealed in video (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/06/26/first-glimpse-of-zap-alias-prototype-revealed-in-video/)
It's still only a shell, but supposedly it's on it's way to "powertrain school."
Also, check out the styrofoam jab at Venture Vehicles in the article. :RADAR:


edit: Sorry, rog, it works now.:confused:

[rogwild]

Try this for a 'video' of the prototype:
http://www.nbc24.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=147728

[Keldros]

As others have said before, I'll believe it when I actually see a model rolling off the production line (and under its own power). Given their track record, I'm frankly rather dubious that this isn't a new stunt to generate more money for their board members without producing any real viable product to sell. Instead of duping dealers, though, it looks like now they may be trying to dupe investors and manufacturers as well. They've proven they can get people to believe just about anything as long as you don't look "under the hood."

I notice also in the article there is no mention of what company in Cali will be working on the powertrain for this "prototype." Considering the overseas outsourcing Zapp does, it's unlikely they have the means to do such in-house. I wonder if they paid for this prototype in stock options, too?

I think I'll still wait for VV at this point. While they also have yet to show a full viable prototype, the information they have been putting forth is at least based on proven technologies and giving much more specific information on how they are planning to meet their claims. Zapp seems to always be touting their next greatest thing without actually telling how they are going to do it, and then having little or nothing to show for it in the end.

[RAN]

I'm with ya Keldros; I'll believe it when one runs over my foot under it's own power! ;)

[MVRacing]

I'm with ya Keldros; I'll believe it when one runs over my foot under it's own power! ;)

Second !! :Beer:

[AZEqualizer]

Zap is back beating the bushes with all who will listen stating; that the three-wheel Zap Alias will be shown in preproduction form at the NADA event at the upcoming National Automobile Dealer Assn. (NADA) annual gathering that starts Saturday in New Orleans.

http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/assets_c/2009/01/ZAPAliasProfile-thumb-400x191.jpg

The Alias roadster, a two-seater capable of running at freeway speeds (Zap vehicles are generally NEV's) and has a range of up to 100 miles, according to early Zap promotional material.

The company says it will use lithium-ion batteries and a 216-volt AC induction motor and will be built in the U.S (http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2008/09/site-prep-work-reportedly-under-way-for-kentucky-electric-vehicle-factory.html). (most Zap vehicles are assembled in China).

As a three-wheeler, the Alias roadster also would be considered a motorcycle in most states and thus would not be subject to the federal safety requirements that would apply to a four-wheeled automobile.
Pricing hasn't been set, but the target, according to Zap, is "under $35,000." The company said it hopes to sell and deliver a limited number of "Signature Series" Alias roadsters this year.

Similar reports have shown up in several of the online Automotive / Green vehicle reports such as Autobloggreen (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/21/zap-will-bring-red-alias-prototype-to-new-orleans/), and Edmunds (http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2009/01/zap-says-alias-roadster-ev-and-new-low-speed-shuttle-on-tap-for-dealer-show.html). How much smoke and mirrors ... I guess we will find out (maybe) after this weekend.

http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/assets_c/2009/01/ZapAliasBack-thumb-300x177.jpg
http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/assets_c/2009/01/ZapAliasFront-thumb-300x193.jpg

As kind of an aside we in the phoenix area now have a Zap Dealer in Scottsdale. ElectricCarOutlet.net (http://www.electriccaroutlet.net) (who tout themselves as AZ's Premier Electric Golf/Utility - Cart Dealer).... in theory it is not associated to Zap of Phoenix (currently rumored to be involved in several court proceedings).

So, if any of these show up here we can give you a report on it.

[AZEqualizer]

Well, we at least know now ahead of the NADA event that Zap has a prototype that moves under its own power (and backs up) but how highway worthy is it? That revelation is still to come.

fSuCemdIMAw

[Miracleman89]

now that is cool!

[Jack Willard]

Here is a new video and story from AutoblogGreen:

h7rQE4pyID0

In the last couple of years, Zap has become better known for questionable financial dealings (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/07/12/san-jose-paper-says-zap-might-soon-climb-out-of-debt-but-that-d/) and breathless press releases than actual products. Hopefully, what we have here is a sign of something better. After seeing numerous computer renderings of this spacey looking electric trike, followed by a development chassis and a styling mockup (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/09/15/alias-invited-to-zaps-kentucky-plant-groundbreaking/), this might be the real thing. Zap brought what is claimed to be a prototype of their Alias three-wheeler to the National Automobile Dealers Convention in New Orleans over the weekend and shot some video of it on the move. We showed a clip of it moving in a warehouse (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/23/video-and-pics-of-running-zap-alias-prototype-in-new-orleans/) the other day and now there is a second clip of it out in the open. It's not clear if this is a fully functional unit or simply a styling buck with a golf cart motor like most concepts. Regardless, it's at least tangible proof of life for the Alias. Now if Zap would just let us drive it we might be able to build some real confidence.

[ppi]

hmmm it's a motorcycle right?? no working headlight,door looks real weak look at it shake when open and when the guy bumps it, door lines don't look right maybe the angle, is the driver a little guy??? i have said in the past Zap might be the 1st to pull off real production but looks like there is more work to be done.

[bengomez]

That car is a best prototype car for this year for me... it looks really great car...




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