Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[U.S. military orders more Zaptruck XLs, Zap ups production schedules]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/09/u-s-military-orders-more-zaptruck-xls-zap-ups-production-sched/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/09/u-s-military-orders-more-zaptruck-xls-zap-ups-production-sched/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/09/u-s-military-orders-more-zaptruck-xls-zap-ups-production-sched/#commentsFiled under: ,



Is it news when a company sells eleven electric vehicles? It is if you're Zap, which issues press releases on a very fast schedule (compared to actual achievements - see Alias), and just wanted to let everyone know that eleven Zaptruck XLs have been ordered by the U.S. Military, along with five rapid-charging stations. The military first ordered some Zaptrucks in June on a trial basis. Zap says that the Federal Aviation Administration also ordered seven of these trucks in August.

In other news, Zap has been increasing production and assembly schedules, said COO Amos Kazzaz. Zap's CEO, Steve Schneider, and Board Chair Priscilla Lu recently returned from China on a trip designed to expand manufacturing supply line agreements. According to Amos Kazzaz, ZAP's COO in charge of production and sales, "We have been increasing our production and assembly schedules for the past several months and I expect to see even more ramp-up initiatives in the next quarter."

[Source: Zap]

Continue reading U.S. military orders more Zaptruck XLs, Zap ups production schedules

U.S. military orders more Zaptruck XLs, Zap ups production schedules originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>zapzap militaryzap xlZapMilitaryzaptruckZapXlWed, 09 Sep 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[ZAP Electric gets up to $25 million (give or take) in fresh funding]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/08/12/zap-electric-gets-up-to-25-million-give-or-take-in-fresh-fund/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/08/12/zap-electric-gets-up-to-25-million-give-or-take-in-fresh-fund/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/08/12/zap-electric-gets-up-to-25-million-give-or-take-in-fresh-fund/#commentsFiled under: ,


For a company whose reputation such as it is has more often been made on the frequency of its press releases than the actual products it sells Zap has been relatively quiet of late. The last big news relating to the Santa Rosa, CA company was the collapse of plans for a venture to build a plant in Kentucky.

This week however, Zap claimed it received "up to $25 Million" in new funding. Watch out for that "up to" part. Venture capital firm Cathay Capital is reportedly putting in $5 million up front for 20 million shares of Zap common stock. An additional $10 million loan will be available if Zap meets certain unspecified conditions. Cathay also got warrants for up to 16 million shares at $0.50 per share, which puts the total amount at $23 million. What's a couple of million between friends? The money will apparently fund long term contracts for production, which probably means Zap's contract manufacturers in China want payment up front. No mention is made of the three wheeled Alias and the legendary Zap-X 640 hp CUV seems to have been consigned to the dustbin of history. Zap's press release is after the jump.

[Source: Zap]

Continue reading ZAP Electric gets up to $25 million (give or take) in fresh funding

ZAP Electric gets up to $25 million (give or take) in fresh funding originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cathaya capitalCathayaCapitalventure capitalVentureCapitalzapzap aliaszap fundingZapAliasZapFundingWed, 12 Aug 2009 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Zap!, ABAT sign battery distrubution deal for new electric vehicles, will start with scooters]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/11/zap-abat-sign-battery-distrubution-deal-for-new-electric-vehic/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/11/zap-abat-sign-battery-distrubution-deal-for-new-electric-vehic/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/11/zap-abat-sign-battery-distrubution-deal-for-new-electric-vehic/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Zap Alias - Click above image for gallery

Since 2007, Zap and ABAT (Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc.) have been working together in China on advanced batteries for electric vehicles like the Xebra. This week, ABAT's wholly owned subsidiary Wuxi Zhongqiang Autocycle Co., Ltd., announced it has signed a distribution agreement with Zap to use those batteries. Zap says the packs could be used in Zap's current line-up of vehicles as well as it's new pickup and the ever-forthcoming Alias. The first vehicles to get the new battery types will be Zap's Zappy3 scooters. For the curious, there's an unsurprisingly self-congratulatory press release after the jump.

Gallery: AFVI Zap solar truck


[Source: Zap!]

Continue reading Zap!, ABAT sign battery distrubution deal for new electric vehicles, will start with scooters

Zap!, ABAT sign battery distrubution deal for new electric vehicles, will start with scooters originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abatabat batteryabat chinaAbatBatteryAbatChinazapzap abatzap abat dealzap batteryZapAbatZapAbatDealZapBatterySat, 11 Jul 2009 16:13:00 EST<![CDATA[GM, Zap both interested in the same Wuling Sunshine minitruck [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/10/gm-zap-both-interested-in-the-same-wuling-sunshine-minitruck-w/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/10/gm-zap-both-interested-in-the-same-wuling-sunshine-minitruck-w/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/10/gm-zap-both-interested-in-the-same-wuling-sunshine-minitruck-w/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



For all the problems Zap has had bringing vehicles like the Alias to market, they are taking reservations for the Zap Truck XL, an all-electric four-wheeled vehicle that might be the truck that Zap wants to build in Kentucky using DOE money. Zap isn't the only American company that wants to sell this truck though; GM already does, sort of.

The Zap truck is actually based on a Chinese model (non-electric) called the Wuling Sunshine. Edmunds recently talked to Bob Lutz about the four-cylinder minitruck, which GM partners with Chinese companies to make and sell overseas. Lutz said vehicles like the Wuling Sunshine are "hugely important" because the global vehicle market is getting split into two halves: the advanced vehicle market that exists in prosperous regions and the simple/basic/cheap vehicle market you can find everywhere else. Sometimes, like with the Wuling Sunshine and the Zap Truck XL, these worlds meet up and leave us amused. Watch a video of Lutz talking about the Sunshine after the jump. Thanks to Jim for the tip!

[Source: Edmunds.com via YouTube]

Continue reading GM, Zap both interested in the same Wuling Sunshine minitruck [w/VIDEO]

GM, Zap both interested in the same Wuling Sunshine minitruck [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gm zapGmZapWuling SunshineWuling Sunshine zapWulingSunshineWulingSunshineZapzap truckzap truck evZapTruckZapTruckEvWed, 10 Jun 2009 15:23:00 EST<![CDATA[ZAP working on all-electric pickup truck, wants to build in U.S.]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/05/zap-working-on-all-electric-pickup-truck-wants-to-build-in-u-s/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/05/zap-working-on-all-electric-pickup-truck-wants-to-build-in-u-s/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/05/zap-working-on-all-electric-pickup-truck-wants-to-build-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



In addition to the planned Alias from ZAP, the electric vehicle company reportedly wants to branch into the electric pickup truck market as well. According to the latest in a long line of press releases from ZAP, the company has completed the engineering stage of a project to develop a four-wheel electric pickup. The company claims it plans to build the new EV right here in the United States using parts and components largely sourced from U.S. suppliers.

We surmise that the electric truck would be built alongside the Alias at the delayed ZAP Motor Manufacturing Kentucky plant in Franklin, Kentucky. To make this goal a reality, ZAP has reportedly applied for a $160 million loan from the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) program. We're not sure if this would be the Zap Truck that's featured on the company's website or something new. Check out the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Zap Alias in Red


[Source: ZAP]

Continue reading ZAP working on all-electric pickup truck, wants to build in U.S.

ZAP working on all-electric pickup truck, wants to build in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric pickup truckelectric pickup truckselectric truckelectric trucksElectricPickupTruckElectricPickupTrucksElectricTruckElectricTruckszapzap pickupzap pickup truckzap truckzap truck evZapPickupZapPickupTruckZapTruckZapTruckEvFri, 05 Jun 2009 08:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Zap responds to Xebra brake recall notice]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/03/zap-responds-to-xebra-brake-recall-notice/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/03/zap-responds-to-xebra-brake-recall-notice/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/03/zap-responds-to-xebra-brake-recall-notice/#commentsFiled under: ,



After reporting on the NHTSA recall of 2008 Zap Xebras we heard back from Zap spokesman Alex Campbell. The federal government doesn't actually do all the regulatory compliance testing for new vehicles. Manufacturers or distributors either do the testing themselves or pay a testing company to do it for them. The test results are then submitted to the government for approval. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration then does some testing to audit the results for conformance. It was during one of these conformance tests that NHTSA found that the brakes of the Xebra were not able to meet the requirements of FMVSS 122 although they did pass during the original test.

Campbell told ABG:
ZAP has been working to respond to and insure a brake modification to meet the stopping distance requirement. The motorcycle guidelines are designed for freeway speeds, while the Xebra was designed to travel at city speeds. No incidents or injuries related to this braking compliance have been reported to us.

We have been examining the manufacturing procedures and technical support to establish methods so our authorized service centers have a modification to bring the brakes for the 2008 Xebras into compliance. We have had ongoing discussions regarding this with NHTSA and an independent testing lab and have proposed several minor modifications to the braking system as the most efficient and effective solution. We are now waiting on the testing of these modifications and hope to hear back within the next several days that they have certified the modifications.
As soon as Zap gets approval for its changes, it will work with dealers to get the vehicles upgraded.

[Source: Zap]

Zap responds to Xebra brake recall notice originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>xebra brake recallXebraBrakeRecallzapzap xebraZapXebraWed, 03 Jun 2009 11:53:00 EST<![CDATA[All 2008 Zap Xebras recalled for inadequate braking systems]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/02/all-2008-zap-xebras-recalled-for-inadequate-braking-systems/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/02/all-2008-zap-xebras-recalled-for-inadequate-braking-systems/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/02/all-2008-zap-xebras-recalled-for-inadequate-braking-systems/#commentsFiled under: ,



Apparently even the limited safety requirements applied by the U.S. government to vehicles classified as motorcycles were a bit too much for Zap Xebra. The Chinese-built electric vehicles are classed as motorcycles because they only have three wheels, which means they are not subject to crash safety standards. However, motorcycles still have to meet minimum braking performance requirements according to federal motor vehicle safety standard 122. Xebra's built during 2008 have failed to meet that requirement in testing and are being recalled for a fix. According to NHTSA, 738 vehicles are involved in the recall, but no fix has yet been identified by Zap or the manufacturer, Qingqi Group Motorcycle Co., LTD. Fortunately, the Xebra only has a top speed of 40 mph and most of these electric vehicles are used for duties like parking enforcement and as utility vehicles around campuses. We've contacted Zap for a comment on the situation but have yet to get a reply.

[Source: NHTSA]

All 2008 Zap Xebras recalled for inadequate braking systems originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad brakesBadBrakeszapzap xebrazap xebra recallZapXebraZapXebraRecallTue, 02 Jun 2009 16:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Zap Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky tries to keep local plant dream alive]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/10/zap-motor-manufacturing-of-kentucky-tries-to-keep-local-plant-dr/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/10/zap-motor-manufacturing-of-kentucky-tries-to-keep-local-plant-dr/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/10/zap-motor-manufacturing-of-kentucky-tries-to-keep-local-plant-dr/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a gallery of the Zap Alias

The Zap/Kentucky plant story has a new twist. After hearing that Integrity Manufacturing had closed up shop, we now find out that Zap's all-electric Alias might be coming from the Kentucky plant after all. Maybe. Integrity Automotive (as it's named in our new source, the Business First of Louisville ) may be no more, but when Integrity's Randall Waldman sold his part of the business it was purchased by Gary Dodd, a former Toyota exec. Business First says Dodd has incorporated a company called ZAP Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky Inc and "plans to carry forward Waldman's plans to make electric cars at a plant in Franklin, Ky. [...] All he needs is $200 million to finance [the plant]." Dodd was also apparently a consultant to Integrity for four months late last year.

Business First of Louisville says that ZAP Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky has an exclusive agreement to be ZAP's U.S. manufacturer. Our friends over at Green Car Advisor say that there is a SEC filing that says ZMM has "a worldwide manufacturing agreement with Zap to build Zap electric vehicles and other fuel-efficient transportation products at its Kentucky plant subject to certain terms and conditions." As you can see, this story isn't going away any time soon. For an easier-to-understand bit of Zapness, there's a 30-second video of the Alias cruising down the street after the jump.

Gallery: Zap Alias in Red


[Source: Business First of Louisville, Green Car Advisor]

Continue reading Zap Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky tries to keep local plant dream alive

Zap Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky tries to keep local plant dream alive originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingkentuckyzap aliaszap kentuckyZapAliasZapKentuckyTue, 10 Mar 2009 08:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Integrity Manufacturing closes up, no Zaps coming from Kentucky]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/06/integrity-manufacturing-closes-up-no-zaps-coming-from-kentucky/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/06/integrity-manufacturing-closes-up-no-zaps-coming-from-kentucky/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/06/integrity-manufacturing-closes-up-no-zaps-coming-from-kentucky/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Zap Alias

Electric cars are supposed to be quiet, but things just got even quieter in Kentucky. Integrity Manufacturing, which was trying to get a factory going in Kentucky to build Zap electric vehicles, has closed the doors and turned off the lights. Apparently, the $125 million in financing the company was looking for never materialized and the accounts simply ran dry.

Integrity had hoped to employ up to 4,000 people building EVs, although employment peaked at 200 in the middle of 2008. Zap spokesman Alex Campbell told the Louisville Courier-Journal, "There is so much that has happened, I am not sure what is going on. We have our existing business to run." He declined any additional comment on future Zap manufacturing in Kentucky.

This is another example of how difficult it is to start up a car company, especially in a recession. Anyone hoping to get into the business needs to think long and hard. This doesn't bode well for other start-ups. Thanks to Michael for the tip!

Gallery: Zap Alias in Red


[Source: Courier-Journal.com]

Integrity Manufacturing closes up, no Zaps coming from Kentucky originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliasbreakingintegritymanufacturinginczapzap aliaszap kentuckyZapAliasZapKentuckyFri, 06 Mar 2009 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Zap Alias prototype in action]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/27/video-zap-alias-prototype-in-action/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/27/video-zap-alias-prototype-in-action/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/27/video-zap-alias-prototype-in-action/#commentsFiled under: ,



In the last couple of years, Zap has become better known for questionable financial dealings 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, 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 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. Thanks to Mckinzie for the tip!

Gallery: Zap Alias in Red


[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Zap Alias prototype in action

VIDEO: Zap Alias prototype in action originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>videozap aliaszap alias in redZapAliasZapAliasInRedTue, 27 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video and pics of running Zap Alias prototype in New Orleans ]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/23/video-and-pics-of-running-zap-alias-prototype-in-new-orleans/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/23/video-and-pics-of-running-zap-alias-prototype-in-new-orleans/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/23/video-and-pics-of-running-zap-alias-prototype-in-new-orleans/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Zap Alias

Say what you want about Zap (and we have), at the very least the company has brought a rolling prototype of the Alias three-wheeled electric vehicle to New Orleans. Zap will be unveiling this vehicle and a new low-speed Shuttle van at the NADA expo there this weekend. How do we know the vehicle can move on its own power? By watching the 30-second video after the jump. One of the official pictures from Zap (above, and there are more in the gallery below) gives the impression that this car is moving at high speeds, but in the video the car is just crawling slowly in a loading dock area. Still, this is more progress we've seen on this vehicle than anything else since it was first talked about about 20 months ago. For more details on the Zap Alias, see this post.

Thanks to anonymous for the tip!

Gallery: Zap Alias in Red


[Source: Zap, YouTube]

Continue reading Video and pics of running Zap Alias prototype in New Orleans

Video and pics of running Zap Alias prototype in New Orleans originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliasnadazapzap aliasZapAliasFri, 23 Jan 2009 09:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Zap will bring red Alias prototype to New Orleans]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/21/zap-will-bring-red-alias-prototype-to-new-orleans/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/21/zap-will-bring-red-alias-prototype-to-new-orleans/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/21/zap-will-bring-red-alias-prototype-to-new-orleans/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Zap Alias

We mentioned earlier today that Zap will be showing off a new low-speed Shuttle van at the NADA expo this weekend in New Orleans. That post included a note that the Alias, which was a part of the ill-fated Kentucky plant groundbreaking, would also be on display. It was in mid-2007 that Zap first talked about the Alias, their new three-wheeled vehicle - Zap's Alex Campbell just sent us two new renderings of the red Alias that will be down in the Big Easy

The Zapworld website claims that deliveries of the Alias will take place in late 2009 with an "approximate MSRP" of under $35,000. That kind of money will apparently get you li-ion batteries, a range over 100 miles and a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. Since the three-wheeled Alias will be considered a motorcycle for crash test purposes, Zap will add "enhanced safety features" like seatbelts and a roll hoop. There are more Alias renderings and pictures from Zap after the jump.

Gallery: Zap Alias in Red


[Source: Zap]

Continue reading Zap will bring red Alias prototype to New Orleans

Zap will bring red Alias prototype to New Orleans originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliasnadazapzap aliasZapAliasWed, 21 Jan 2009 16:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Zap will unveil new Alias model, low-speed Shuttle van at NADA]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/21/zap-will-unveil-new-alias-model-low-speed-shuttle-van-at-nada/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/21/zap-will-unveil-new-alias-model-low-speed-shuttle-van-at-nada/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/21/zap-will-unveil-new-alias-model-low-speed-shuttle-van-at-nada/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to enlarge

Zap is coming to New Orleans for the annual National Automobile Dealers Association expo this weekend and is bringing a surprise vehicle with it. The company has announced it will debut a new five-passenger, low-speed electric van at the show. Unlike the Zap Xebra, the new Zap Shuttle has four wheels (like the Zap Truck XL) and 108 cubic feet of carrying space. The NEV can carry up to 900 pounds and costs $14,700. For a few extra bucks, you can add air conditioning, solar panels or a rapid charger to the package. The standard van can recharge in six hours from a 110 volt outlet and that'll be good enough to drive for 30 miles. Zap says it will also debut the Alias electric car at the NADA show. More details on that that when we get them.

The old standby, the Zap Xebra, hasn't been totally forgotten. It recently made an appearance on the TV show Monk; watch a video of that after the break.

Gallery: Zap Shuttle NEV


[Source: Zap]

Continue reading Zap will unveil new Alias model, low-speed Shuttle van at NADA

Zap will unveil new Alias model, low-speed Shuttle van at NADA originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliaszapzap aliasZapAliasWed, 21 Jan 2009 12:13:00 EST<![CDATA[ZAP execs say bailout money should go to electric startups]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/19/zap-execs-say-bailout-money-should-go-to-electric-startups/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/19/zap-execs-say-bailout-money-should-go-to-electric-startups/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/19/zap-execs-say-bailout-money-should-go-to-electric-startups/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Tesla isn't the only electric-car company angling for some of the "bailout" billions. A couple of newly-hired execs over at ZAP! have opinions about who should get some of the money (Yeah, it came as a shock to us too) that Washington seems willing to dish out to Detroit auto makers. Rodger L. Cornish and H. Dennis Kammerer are two industry veterans who recently climbed aboard the ZAP! train to take care of the company's fleet and dealership customers. They believe that government should consider helping companies who are already building selling electric vehicles. Cornish succinctly states, "It will take years for the auto industry to move into electric cars when ZAP has the electric cars and trucks we want today. If ZAP has achieved this without Federal support, imagine what they could do with just a little?"

Company co-founder and former chairman Gary Starr, puts a finer point on it. "The federal government should ensure that small auto companies such as ZAP receive equal treatment for both the tax credit and from the loan program. I believe this is what Congress intended when they approved TARP. It seems wrong that ZAP's employees, dealers, customers and 15,000 shareholders, as tax payers, will be loaning money to the Big 3 to not build electric cars, while ZAP is actually building them. Why should the smaller electric car companies help finance their competition?" Press release after the break.

[Source: ZAP!]

Continue reading ZAP execs say bailout money should go to electric startups

ZAP execs say bailout money should go to electric startups originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bailoutH. Dennis KammererH.DennisKammererRodger L. CornishRodgerL.CornishTARPZAPFri, 19 Dec 2008 15:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Al Yousuf adds to Zap buy with shares of Altair Nanotechnologies]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/15/al-yousuf-adds-to-zap-buy-with-shares-of-altair-nanotechnologies/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/15/al-yousuf-adds-to-zap-buy-with-shares-of-altair-nanotechnologies/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/15/al-yousuf-adds-to-zap-buy-with-shares-of-altair-nanotechnologies/#commentsFiled under: ,


Al Yousuf, based in the United Arab Emirates, is a large company with holdings in the automotive, computer and boat industries. Late last week, the company announced it would expand its green car tech investments by buying 8 million shares of common stock of Altair Nanotechnologies Inc. Al Yousuf now owns about 21 percent of Altair, up from 14 percent before the purchase. In May, the Al Yousuf Group bought $475,000 of Zap's convertible debt, and Al Yousuf LLC's Eqbal Al Yousuf is chairman of the board at ZAP.

It is next to impossible to figure out exactly what is coming in the future from ZAP, but almost two years ago Altair said that it was talking to ZAP about using Altair's batteries in the ZAP-X (above). Even though the ZAP-X is nowhere to be found, the new connection to Altair at least provides good hope fodder for people who want to see Altair's batteries in ZAP vehicles like the Alias (below).

Gallery: ZAP Alias Prototype


[Source: Al Yousuf LLC]

Al Yousuf adds to Zap buy with shares of Altair Nanotechnologies originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al yousufal yousuf llcaltairaltair zapaltairnanoaltairnanotechnologiesAltairZapAlYousufAlYousufLlcyousufzapMon, 15 Dec 2008 15:09:00 EST<![CDATA[First test drive of the new '09 Zap Xebra]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/10/first-test-drive-of-the-new-09-zap-xebra/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/10/first-test-drive-of-the-new-09-zap-xebra/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/10/first-test-drive-of-the-new-09-zap-xebra/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As we reported early last month, Zap has finally updated its three-wheeled Xebra for 2009 with a new steel body and much more storage space through its new hatchback. While we're happy to hear that one of the few actual electric vehicles on the market and available today has seen vital upgrades, we've yet to run across a review of the newly-revised model... until today. Mark LaPedus over at EE Times hopped in a new '09 at the local dealership in San Jose, California, and he's shared his thoughts with the rest of the class, even comparing the Xebra with his 2008 Honda Accord. LaPedus seems to have liked the car, going so far as to suggest that he'd be willing to drive one on a regular basis.

The last page of ADL's review of the Xebra has a few quotes from Zap regarding the ongoing saga of loans to the Detroit 3. Click here to read the entire report.

Gallery: Zap Xebra PK


[Source: EE Times]

First test drive of the new '09 Zap Xebra originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 zap xebra2009 zap xebra review2009ZapXebra2009ZapXebraReviewzapzap xebraZapXebraWed, 10 Dec 2008 15:23:00 EST<![CDATA[GE Capital: Kentucky Zap deal? What Kentucky Zap deal?]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/26/ge-capital-kentucky-zap-deal-what-kentucky-zap-deal/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/26/ge-capital-kentucky-zap-deal-what-kentucky-zap-deal/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/26/ge-capital-kentucky-zap-deal-what-kentucky-zap-deal/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Click on image above for a high-res gallery of the Zap Xebra PK

A little addendum to lasts week's post about Zap's setback with its Kentucky plant. It had been reported that one problem with getting that plant started was that GE Capital withdrew its offer to buy $125 million in bonds for the factory. Instead, it seems that GE Capital never made such a promise, as both Manufacturing.net and the Louisville Courier-Journal are now reporting. This goes against the statements by Integrity Manufacturing CEO Randall Waldman that there had been a "verbal commitment" from GE. Integrity was to build the plant and produce Zap Xebras - and more, including the Alias - there. When the plant had its groundbreaking in September, Zap was bullish that the factory would "begin producing electric vehicles within 12 months and employ up to 1,000 people initially with the possibility of more in the future." There are still 10 months to go to figure this out and prove Zap right.

Gallery: Zap Alias EV in Kentucky


[Source: Manufacturing.net, Courier-Journal]

GE Capital: Kentucky Zap deal? What Kentucky Zap deal? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliasxebrazapWed, 26 Nov 2008 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Zap! runs out of juice in Kentucky]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/20/zap-runs-out-of-juice-in-kentucky/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/20/zap-runs-out-of-juice-in-kentucky/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/20/zap-runs-out-of-juice-in-kentucky/#commentsFiled under: ,



Zap's plans to build a factory in Kentucky have once again run into the harsh light of reality as the cost escalated and money has become scarce. The plant, originally projected to cost $84 million now has a price tag of up to $200 million. The state of Kentucky originally put up $48 million in tax breaks, but one of the main investors in Integrity Manufacturing, as the joint venture is known, has bailed out of the project. GE Capital had previously agreed to buy $125 million in bonds for the factory but has now withdrawn that offer. The joint venture is now hoping to tap into federal money from a DOE fund for alternative energy projects. CEO Randall Waldman is now looking at other options such as building elsewhere if someone will provide funds or else scaling back and building a smaller factory and expanding in stages over time. Thanks to Michael for the tip!

[Source: Lexington News]

Zap! runs out of juice in Kentucky originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kentuckyzapzap kentuckyZapKentuckyThu, 20 Nov 2008 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[ZAP report 52% revenue increase for third quarter of '08]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/19/zap-report-52-revenue-increase-for-third-quarter/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/19/zap-report-52-revenue-increase-for-third-quarter/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/19/zap-report-52-revenue-increase-for-third-quarter/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click on image above for a complete gallery of the Zap Xebra PK

Zaps seems to have found a piece of good news in the sales increase reported for third quarter: The accounting department reports a 180 percent increase in revenue: $2.2 million compared to $0.8 million last year. This still means that Zap is in the red: the company reported a net loss of $2.5 million, or $0.04 per share, which is less than last year's $3.7 million loss. Zap also refers to an additional $0.53 million for car outlet revenue, as well as $0.4 million in electronic goods revenue. These are more reasonable figures than the $79 million sale that was announced last year. Even ZAP CEO Steven Schneider is sounding prudent: "We are pleased to report that electric vehicle sales accelerated in the third quarter as we increased our manufacturing capabilities and the recent $10 million working capital credit line accelerated production and assembly operations," he said in a statement.

Gallery: Zap Xebra PK


[Source: Zap]

ZAP report 52% revenue increase for third quarter of '08 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>xebrazapWed, 19 Nov 2008 09:44:00 EST<![CDATA[ZAP Xebra finally gets some upgrades]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/08/zap-xebra-finally-gets-some-upgrades/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/08/zap-xebra-finally-gets-some-upgrades/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/08/zap-xebra-finally-gets-some-upgrades/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The often-maligned three-wheeled Zap Xebra is getting some upgrades, after shipping a record number of vehicles last quarter, that could make it a much better vehicle overall. We don't think that anything has been changed that would potentially give the Xebra more range or more power, but an all-steel body definitely is an improvement over the old model's fiberglass unit. Another big change is the addition of a hatchback at the rear of the vehicle, which will make loading objects into the vehicle quite a bit easier. To go along with the hatch, the rear set of seats now folds flat so bigger items can be loaded inside. The interior also sees a bit of freshening and now includes power door locks and reclining seats.

Also new is the Zapino electric scooter, boasting a top speed of 30 miles per hour and a range of 30 miles. We've pasted a video detailing the upgrades to the Xebra along with the introduction of the Zapino for your viewing pleasure after the jump.

[Source: ZAP]

Continue reading ZAP Xebra finally gets some upgrades

ZAP Xebra finally gets some upgrades originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 zap xebra2009ZapXebraelectric carelectric carselectric trikeElectricCarElectricCarsElectricTrikezapzap xebrazap zapinozapino scooterZapinoScooterZapXebraZapZapinoSat, 08 Nov 2008 20:03:00 EST