One in five car buyers ready for an electric vehicle, latest research shows

Jan,14,2011
Nineteen percent of drivers surveyed by IBM's Institute for Business Value (IBV) said that they were either "very likely" or "likely" to consider purchasing an electric-only vehicle when shopping for a new car. This is notable, given that 42 percent of drivers know only "a little" about EVs or have "only heard of them.”

Thirty percent of drivers surveyed said that they would consider switching to an EV that got 100 miles or less per charge. Current EVs get about 50 to 100 miles per charge.

And 40 percent of drivers said they would pay up to 20 percent more for an electric-only vehicle compared with a similarly-featured gas-, diesel, or hybrid-powered vehicle, with 27 percent saying they would pay 10 percent more and 13 percent saying they would pay 20 percent more.

The results of this research bodes well for the emerging EV industry in the Bay Area. Most notable is Tesla Motors based in Palo Alto. Tesla is currently retrofitting a portion of the shuttered NUMMI plant in Fremont to manufacture it's upcoming Model S sedan. Other local companies involved in the burgeoning EV business include Santa Rosa's ZAP (manufacturer of small electric vehicles), CODA Automotive who has announced its intentions to assemble electric vehicles in Benicia, and Palo Alto's Better Place, an EV battery infrastructure solution provider.

Nevertheless, the price of a home charging installation often required to support an EV could pose an obstacle to EV adoption, according to the study. Only 13 percent of drivers said they would consider spending more than $1,000 to retrofit their residence to support recharging of an electric vehicle. According to industry estimates, retrofitting to a 240 volt outlet accessible to vehicles averages between $1,000 and $2,000.

In addition, two-thirds of consumers expect a price discount on their electricity for charging at home overnight. This expectation could place increasing focus on utilities for time-based pricing to encourage home charging, or more public charging will be required if an electricity discount is not available.

Home charging is considered important to the success of EVs. Of the drivers surveyed, 83 percent said they park their primary vehicle in the driveway or garage of their private residence, as opposed to in a parking lot, on the street, in a shared garage or some other location.

Perhaps a reflection of America's consumer culture, 62 percent of drivers surveyed said they most often parked in a mall or store parking lot when not at home or work. That's substantially higher than any other location – "on the street" was number two at 17 percent.

Gasoline prices in U.S. is likely to hit season high. Will lithium become the new oil?

Dec,22,2010
Crude oil prices closed above $90 a barrel for the first time in two years, raising the likelihood that U.S. gasoline prices will reach an average of $3 a gallon for the first Christmas ever.

California already far surpassed that point this season — the average pump price was $3.28 Wednesday, according to the U.S. Energy Department. Experts said it's heading for $4 and more in parts of the state.

A gasoline price spike now would be even worse than it was back in 2008," said Stephen Stone, a 48-year-old computer scientist from Norwalk, because "the economy was booming then and people could afford it more."

Stone has already curbed his use of fossil fuels. He uses a Zap Zebra electric car for trips around town, but it has only a 40-mile range before needing a recharge. He uses a 2006 Town and Country van for longer drives.

Gasoline prices in U.S. is likely to hit season high. Will lithium become the new oil?

Lithium is predicted to turn into the most sought – and fought over – commodity on the planet according to the world’s industry sectors. China, Chile, Australia, America and many more countries are all investing to support the demand for lithium metal, which is set to grow as car makers increasingly look to lithium as a fuel solution.

The Gravitational Pull of China

November 29, 2010

A recent report from iSuppli, an El Segundo technology research firm, predicts China will dominate nearly 72 percent of new photovoltaic manufacturing capacity this year.

Chinese companies hold seven of the positions on iSuppli’sT op 10 list, representing 6,445 megawatts of manufacturing capacity.

The back end of yet another green tech vehicle headed for manufacture in China.

 

Zap making big move into China

Nov.29

Jonway purchase would bring access to enormous Zheijang production plant

SANTA ROSA – Zap’s electric vehicles will most likely go into high-volume production in China.

The company’s pending 51 percent stake in Jonway Automobiles in the Zheijang Province of China will bring major changes to the 50-employee Santa Rosa pioneer of Zero Air Pollution vehicles, which got its start in Sonoma County in the 1970s.

Zap Jonway, as the new company will be called when the deal is finalized, will manufacture and sell both gasoline and electric vehicles.

ZAPJonway's Good Performance on Stock Market with providing Update on Jonway Acquisition

 Zap(BB) Stock Chart (ZAAP)

• Electric vehicle pioneer ZAP completed its initial down payment of US$10 million towards the 51% acquisition of Jonway Automobile. 
• Jonway Automobile plans to complete an audit of its financial statements by December 31, 2010 and thereafter, ZAP intends to finalize the acquisition with the payment of the US$19 million balance of the US$29 million purchase price.  
• Jonway Automobile plans to ramp up production of the A380 SUV electric vehicle (EV) in the first half of 2011 together with ZAP’s Alias EV by third quarter 2011 at their Sanmen, Zhejiang factory. 
•  Jonway Automobile reported sales of over 4,000 gasoline vehicles through the end of September 2010, and projects total sales of over 6,500 vehicles by December 31, 2010.
• Read more:http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ZAP-Provides-Update-on-Jonway-bw-2656306336.html?x=0&.v=1

Nov,22,2010

Auto X Prize Winner Splits Purse With Competitors

Published: October 18, 2010

An electric-car maker that edged out its competitors in a five-way tiebreaker to win the coveted Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize last month is sharing its $2.5 million award with its runners-up.

The margin of victory for Li-Ion Motors Corp. was less than two-tenths of a second in a 100-mile energy and performance run on a Michigan track in July. That was the tiebreaker used after all five entries achieved an average of at least 100 mpg or the equivalent (all were battery-electric vehicles).

But on the day of the tiebreaker, the leaders of four of the teams signed an agreement that whoever won would share the prize money.

"They all helped each other out," Automotive X Prize spokeswoman Carrie Fox said. "They all realized in helping each other out that it made sense to split the purse. It really speaks to the camaraderie of the competition."

Fox referred further questions to Li-Ion Motors leader Ron Cerven. Attempts to reach Cerven today were unsuccessful.

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ZAP Jonway Expects California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Bay Area Council Trade Mission to China Sept 11

HANGZHOU, CHINA-- 09/08/10 -- US-China electric vehicle and auto manufacturing venture ZAP Jonway plans to host a trade mission from the Bay Area Council in California at its research and development facilities in Hangzhou, China on Saturday, September 11, 2010. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to attend.

ZAP CEO and Al Yousuf COO Show Support for Kentucky Governor Signing Executive Order for 40 MPH Electric Car

Aug,6,2008
FRANKFORT, KY-- Steve Schneider, CEO for ZAP (OTC BB:ZAAP.OB) and Ashraf Saeed, COO of the Al Yousuf Group, stood by while Governor Steve Beshear yesterday signed an Executive Order directing the Transportation Cabinet to immediately develop and implement an emergency regulation authorizing the use of low-speed electric vehicles on Kentucky's roadways, including the Xebra, a 40 MPH electric car and truck. ZAP CEO Steve Schneider and Al Yousuf COO Ashraf Saeed (2nd and 3rd from right) witnessed Governor Steve Beshear signing an Executive Order allowing the 40 MPH Xebra electric car and truck on Kentucky roads. "Kentuckians, like all Americans, are hard hit by record-high gas prices," Gov. Beshear said at a news conference today announcing the order. "These tough times call for creative solutions, and I believe allowing Kentuckians the option of using an electric vehicle is one of those solutions. Electric vehicles may help ease the burden on the pocketbooks of hard-working Kentucky families, as well as reduce their carbon footprint."

ZAP CEO Steve Schneider and Al Yousuf COO Ashraf Saeed (2nd and 3rd from right) attended the announcement

ZAP CEO Steve Schneider attended the press conference for the Governor's announcement as an invited guest by the State of Kentucky and officials with Integrity Manufacturing of Shepherdsville. Following the announcement Schneider and Governor Breshear got away from the press to talk and take a spin in a ZAP Xebra. Mr. Ashraf Saeed, Chief Operating Officer of the Al Yousuf Group, accompanied Schneider on the visit. A trading conglomerate based in Dubai, the Al Yousuf Group has provided nearly $15 million in capital over the past year to help ZAP increase its electric vehicle manufacturing, marketing and distribution. Schneider said both he and Saeed were very impressed by the visit and plan to explore ways of working with Kentucky to expand the use of electric vehicles. "Never have we received such hospitality and such overwhelming enthusiasm for electric vehicles as exhibited by the Governor and every single person we met while in Kentucky," said Schneider. "Seeing such a swift reaction by the Kentucky government in favor of ZAP affirms our belief that the time is now for electric transportation to play a greater role in society. We all want to build better transportation and it doesn't matter if you live in Kentucky or California, the dream is everywhere."

ZAP Delivers New 4-Wheel Electric Truck

November 25 2008

SANTA ROSA, CA-- - Electric car pioneer ZAP (OTCBB: ZAAP) is providing fleets with a better solution when it comes to 100 percent electric, plug-in transportation with the introduction of its four-wheel ZAP Truck XL. The new addition to ZAP's line offers an 800 pound payload. Electric trucks like ZAP's new XL fill a growing niche for fleets and small businesses that demand more flexibility and economy in their vehicle mix. The XL is a robust four-wheel truck with ample cab space and payload capacity making it ideal for industrial and utility fleet purposes. In the United States, it meets full DOT requirements for 25 MPH Low Speed Vehicles. As part of ZAP's global distribution strategy, the XL will be designed to meet or exceed government certifications for most of the world.

The ZAP Truck XL is able to drive up to thirty miles on a charge. From a standard 110 volt outlet the ZAP Truck XL recharges in about six hours and an 80 percent charge in just four hours. ZAP offers optional upgrades to 220 volt charging for faster charging. MSRP on the truck is $14,950. "We love it!" said Richard Ghilotti of Ghilotti Construction in Santa Rosa, California, which operates more than 100 vehicles in its fleet and is the first customer for the ZAP Truck XL. "Now we have an all-electric truck to run mail, parts and odd-jobs which don't require a big diesel or gas truck." Ghilotti has made a comprehensive effort to follow green practices and invest in renewable construction techniques and technologies. Recently Ghilotti opened a new green headquarters in Santa Rosa where the electric trucks will be used. Enhanced Capacity Gives Fleets a Heavier-Duty Alternative  The larger truck presents an opportunity for ZAP dealers to reach out to local fleets looking for larger payload electric vehicles that will help them save capital costs while helping protect the environment. The electric utility vehicle is also practical for consumers and small business owners. ZAP estimates the XL truck costs between one and three cents per mile to fuel. Fewer moving parts mean less overall maintenance than gas. Operating costs are about half that of a small gas truck over a three year period. Furthermore, a California Air Resources Board study shows electric vehicles can reduce emissions by more than 90 percent over gasoline, including the emissions from power plants. 

ZAP Enters China Electric Vehicle Market with Holley Group, the Global Leader in Electric Power Meters

December 16 2009

SANTA ROSA, California and HANGZHOU, China (December 16, 2009) -- Electric transportation pioneer ZAP (OTC BB: ZAAP) and Holley Group, the world's largest volume producer of electric power meters according to the Wenhui-Xinmin United Press Group, have established a joint venture company in China with backing from venture capital firm Better World International to target the electric vehicle market in China.

Named ZAP Hangzhou, the new company plans to design and manufacture electric vehicles and develop infrastructure technology for the Chinese market. ZAP, Holley Group and Better World have entered a joint venture agreement, and officials state that ZAP has funded its initial capital requirements under the agreement.

Holley Group is an established enterprise in China and is the parent of Holley Metering Limited. Over the past 30 years Holley Metering helped pioneer electric power meters in China. Last year, Holley Metering sold over 10 million units worldwide.

ZAP Hangzhou will combine ZAP's intellectual property, electric vehicle technology and know-how with Holley's experience in electric metering to develop electric vehicles and related technologies targeting the Chinese market. The companies plan to use their knowledge of the local Chinese market to target opportunities for electric vehicle growth within China’s vehicle fleets. As part of this relationship, ZAP Hangzhou plans to begin the installation of manufacturing operations at Holley’s Hangzhou facilities in the near future.

The relationship with Holley is the next step in ZAP’s plan to deliver quality, cost effective electric vehicles to the fleet vehicle market, plans which began earlier this year with the investment by Cathaya Funds through its Better World affiliate. Priscilla M. Lu, Ph.D., Founder and General Partner of Cathaya Funds and a veteran technology executive with extensive international experience, agreed to join ZAP’s Board of Directors as Chairman in connection with the investment. Dr. Lu led this China initiative and helped ZAP execute on its international strategy, in particular its relationship with Holley and its market strategy for China.

"It is important to note that the purpose for my investment in ZAP earlier this year was to bring these companies together for the electric vehicle market opportunity in China," said Dr. Lu.

"We have had a long standing working relationship with Dr. Lu and have confidence that under her leadership and experience in the Chinese market, ZAP will be able to approach this market effectively and competitively with innovative EV product solutions," said Holley Chairman and CEO Richard Wong.

French Technology Exec to Chair Advisory Board for ZAP Electric Vehicles

September,17,2009

Electric vehicle pioneer ZAP (OTCBB: ZAAP) appointed French technology executive Georges Penalver to chair its advisory board, a move aligned with the U.S. Company's recent focus to expand operations in Europe and Asia.

Mr. Penalver is a 30-plus year management executive with broad international business experience in telecommunications strategy and marketing. Currently he is France Telecom Orange's Senior Executive Vice President, Group Strategy & Development and a member of the France Telecom's Group Management Committee.

ZAP appointed Mr. Penalver to lead the effort in establishing an advisory board to support its recent business expansion, backed in part by financier Jacques de Chateauvieux's Paris-based Jaccar Holdings. The intention is to bring a wide range of backgrounds, real-world experience, networking contacts, best practices and third-party objectivity.

"We are fortunate to have a wealth of world class talent interested in electric transportation and are honored that Georges has accepted a role in marshalling this talent," said Priscilla Lu, Chair for ZAP's board of directors. "Having worked with him I know he brings a great deal of experience, vision and international credentials to advise ZAP's management."

Before joining France Telecom in September 2005, Georges Penalver was Deputy General Manager of SAGEM Communication (SAFRAN group). From 2002 to 2005, he developed SAGEM'S Broadband Communications Business, overseeing the launch of new fixed and mobile product offers, industrial deployment in Tunisia, Asia and Eastern Europe, and the development of sales networks in Europe, China, Southeast Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. Appointed to serve on SAGEM's Management Board in 2001, he notably accompanied the mass development of mobile and Internet services.

Mr. Penalver is a graduate of the Ecole Nationale Superieure d'Arts et Metiers in Aix en Provence (gold medal, 1974) and the Ecole Nationale Superieure de Telecommunications in Paris (1980). He is also a Knight of the French Ordre National du Merite.

El Pollo Loco Rolls Out ZAP Electric Vehicles for Local Deliveries

24. Jul, 2008 by webmestre

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Jul 8, 2008 — As gas prices hit record levels again across the nation this week, restaurant chain El Pollo Loco is driving its marketing efforts in a new way — literally — through the rollout of two electric delivery vehicles from ZAP (OTC BB:ZAAP.OB).

  El Pollo Loco Rolls Out ZAP Electric Vehicles for Local Deliveries

El Pollo Loco, the nation’s leader in flame-grilled chicken, now employs a pair of three-wheel, sub compact electric cars covered in bumper-to-bumper brand messaging and emblazoned with scorching red flames against a purple background. With over 400 fast casual restaurants, El Pollo Loco was searching for a delivery vehicle that would act as a moving billboard for the restaurant’s new delivery and catering restaurant in the Beverly Hills and Century The electric cars were wrapped with El Pollo Loco’s branding.The electric cars were wrapped with El Pollo Loco’s branding.City areas, as well as contribute to the company’s environmental stewardship efforts. The unique electric cars make an eye-catching statement as they whirr quietly down the street with El Pollo Loco’s corporate branding wrap. Studies show electric vehicles produce 97 percent less emissions than a gas-powered vehicle. A single electric vehicle driven for 30 miles a day in place of a gas vehicle saves about 700 gallons of gas per year.

“People stop in their tracks and can’t stop staring at these cars wrapped with the El Pollo Loco branding. Not only does it make a statement about driving electric vehicles, it acts like a green billboard for the restaurant,” says Karen Eadon, El Pollo Loco’s chief marketing officer. “One of our drivers arrived at an office recently where more than 20 people came out to take pictures of the car. The vehicle draws an incredible amount of attention.”

El Pollo Loco on the hood of a ZAP Xebra electric city carEl Pollo Loco on the hood of a ZAP Xebra electric city carAAA reported Monday that the national average price for a gallon of regular gas rose to an all-time high of $4.108, up slightly from the previous record of $4.107. Gas prices have soared more than 38% in the last year and are 3% higher than a month ago.

El Pollo Loco purchased the Xebra electric vehicles from Santa-Rosa-based ZAP, a company that offers a full line of electric and advanced technology vehicles. With a top speed of 40 miles per hour, the Xebra is 10 feet long, 5 feet wide, and slightly over 5 feet high with a carrying capacity of 1,000 pounds. It plugs into a 110-volt outlet for a full charge in up to six hours and a 50 percent charge in up to 1.5 hours. It comes in either a 4-door sedan or a pickup. The average range on a single charge is up to 25 miles. The cost to run a Xebra, which retails for about $12,000, is about three cents a mile, compared to 13.3 cents a mile for a gas vehicle that gets 30 miles per gallon at $4 a gallon. Maintenance costs are one-third that of gas vehicles due to the reduction of moving parts, less wear, and replacements.

El Pollo Loco ZAPs Gas Prices with Electric Delivery CarsEl Pollo Loco ZAPs Gas Prices with Electric Delivery CarsZAP says the demand for its electric vehicles has skyrocketed with record gas prices. In April, ZAP reported it had delivered over 700 units in the United States and in May they reported a $6.8 million backlog for the Xebra, more than the Company’s sales for all of last year. ZAP officials say orders have even surpassed their own projections. Most of the demand initially has been from consumers, but recent gas prices are causing many corporate and government fleet buyers to start exploring the use of electric vehicles.

“We would like to congratulate El Pollo Loco for its environmental leadership,” said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. “With gas at record high prices, we offer companies the chance to lead the way in energy conservation. Not only do the electric vehicles send a green message, our technologies have the potential to significantly impact a company’s bottom line and impact the economy as a whole,” says ZAP CEO Steve Schneider.

El Pollo Loco recently expanded into New England, where it celebrated its 400th location in the Boston area in May. Throughout 2008, El Pollo Loco is continuing expansion into other markets around the country, including California, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey and Virginia.

About ZAP

ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 100,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. At the forefront of fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, electric, hybrid and other innovative power systems, ZAP has a joint venture called Detroit Electric to manufacture electric and hybrid vehicles with Youngman Automotive Group. Detroit Electric is developing a freeway capable electric vehicle called the ZAP Alias. ZAP is also developing a new generation of vehicles using lithium batteries. The Company recently announced a strategic partnership with Dubai-based Al Yousuf Group to expand its international vehicle distribution. ZAP also makes an innovative, new portable energy technology that manages power for mobile electronics from cell phones to laptops. For product, dealer and investor information, visit http://www.zapworld.com.

Obvio!, Lotus to create multifuel, microsports cars

By Chris Tutor   Date Dec,26,2006

 

It's really easy to get excited when you hear Lotus is teaming up with a Brazilian carmaker to produce a small (89" wheelbase), light (1,648 lbs), three-seat sportscar called the 012. Then to hear it gets 40 mpg on the highway from its 1.6L 4 cylinder and offers a choice of paddle-shifted CVT or 6-speed manual and it's starts to sound very interesting especially when the list base price is only $28,000! And there's more? Sportier models offer 170 hp, and 250 hp Tritec engines. With that power to weight ratio, you'll be the Autocross king! My god, that's better than the GT3, the Sport Exige and even better than the Caterham

R400! Those numbers, according Obvio, the company planning the 012, are attained while running ethanol or compressed natural gas. Pump good old gasoline into the tank and see a 10% boost!

If only you didn't live in the lawsuit-happy U.S.A . With luck, you'll get to drive it on your vacation to Brazil next summer.

Cancel the trip, because ZAP!, the company importing the first Smart cars into the States, has signed a contract with Obvio to buy 50,000 of their little funcars over three years beginning in 2008. There will also be an electric plug-in version of the car, with 0-60 times in the 4.5 second range, a top speed of 120 mph and a starting price of $59,000.

If you like your sporty economy cars to look more econ than sport, check out the Obvio 828 and more details on both models after the jump.

Smart car to U.S.? Still a maybe ...... but Zap's still on the case

2006

DaimlerChrySler stillhasn't decided whether Smart will come to the United States despite promises that an announcement would be made at the Geneva auto show. But it seems to be leaning toward yes.

Said Ulrich Walker, head of Smart: "We are close. ...We will decide within the next weeks."

But Walker pointed to a comment DaimlerChrysler CEODieter Zetsche made to a German reporter last week: "It is now more likely that we will decide in favor of rather than against (entering) the U.S."

 

Zetsche also said DaimlerChrysler still is entertaining offers of joint cooperation and even the outright sale of Smart, but he wouldn't say which companies have expressed an interest.

U.S. distribution would be a thorny issue. Mercedes-Benz disbanded its project to name dealers in the United States after DaimlerChrysler's previous management decided against U.S. Smart sales. Mercedes now is considering whether Smart should be sold only in areas of the country where the tiny car would be popular, a spokesman said recently.

Wannabe small-car importer Zap is making waves again.

Last spring the company placed an out-of-the blue order with DalmlerChrysler for $1 billion worth of Smart cars. But it was stiff-armed by the automaker, which said it had doubts about Zap's ability to pay. Zap, deeply offended, smacked DaimlerChrysler with a $500 million lawsuit last fall.

Although Smart says it wants nothing to do with Zap, the California company says it's doing an end run around the auto giant by procuring Smart cars from thirdparty brokers it wouldn't identify. Zap said last week that it has delivered 85 Smart cars to U.S.dealers, and CEOSteve Schneider said the company has 250 it's preparing to deliver this month.

Zap spokesman AlexCampbell says the company has" about a dozen" dealers, but he said he didn't know the exact number.

At least one of them - Sue McFarland of McFarland Ford in Exeter, N.H.- is a new-vehicle dealer. She said she sold the one Smart that Zap provided last summer and iswillingto take fivemore.

ZAP Receives Order for 100 New Electric SUVs from Samyang Optics

February,24,2010

Electric vehicle pioneer ZAP (OTC Bulletin Board:ZAAP.ob - News) has accepted a
purchase order from Samyang Optics Co. Ltd. (KSE: 008080.KS) of Korea for 100 electric SUVs to be built through a partnership with China auto manufacturer Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co. Ltd.

ZAP's design of the electric version of Jonway's A380 5-door SUV, targeting the fleet market,would conform to Korean motor vehicle regulations and be capable of 70 MPH with a range of 100 miles per charge. The target market in Korea is intra-campus transportation for large government, military, corporate and university campuses. ZAP has 15 years experience in electric vehicle systems integration and sees a growing market for conversions of gas fleet vehicles. A video of ZAP's road testing in Santa Rosa, California is available at http://zapglobal.wordpress.com.

"The electric Vehicle market is a key new strategic focus of Samyang, and we are committed to our partnership with ZAP in developing the market for Korea," said Samyang co-CEO Christopher Kang, MD. "This initial purchase order is phase one of our business plan in introducing ZAP's electric vehicles to Korea."

Samyang, widely known for its camera lenses, is expanding into cleantech business opportunities in Korea, focusing on the electric vehicle market, an area supported by the Korean government. Korea has announced an investment of 400bn won (US$342.6m) by 2014 for electric vehicle market development. ZAP and Samyang officials have held meetings with representatives of the Korean government to start the process of gaining government approval to import and eventually manufacture the electric SUVs domestically. Samyang's website is http://www.syopt.co.kr.

The initial order is expected to be assembled in China at ZAP Hangzhou, a joint venture recently formed with Holley Group, a global supplier of electric power meters based in Hangzhou, and Better World International Limited, funded by Cathaya Funds.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation,continued acceptance of ZAP's products, increased levels of competition, new products and technological changes, ZAP's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time to time in the ZAP's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ZAP licenses Smart Charger Controller from Battelle

April,16,2010

Electric car maker/modifier Zap has been busy lately. At the end of February, they took an order for 100 electric SUVs from Korean company Samyang, who also happens to be its strategic investor and distribution partner. Now, they've announced an agreement with Battelle, an international science and technology company that manages Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, to license PNNL's Smart Charger
Controller. The controller allows owners of plugins to minimize the cost of charging their vehicles by automatically charging when electricity prices are at their lowest. Zap also secured the rights to sub-license the Smart Charger Controller technology to Zap Hanzhou, Zap's Chinese arm.

Pacific Northwest Laboratory publicly announced the Smart Charger Controller technology last year after completing an earlier assessment that showed America's existing power grid could meet the needs of about 158 million vehicles, or 70 percent of all U.S. light-duty vehicles, if battery charging was managed to avoid new peaks in electricity demand. "If a million owners plug in their electric vehicles to recharge after work, it could cause a major strain on the grid,"said PNNL engineer Michael Kintner-Meyer. "The Smart Charger Controller technology could prevent those peaks in demand from plug-in vehicles and enable our existing grid to be used more evenly."

Owners of the Smart Charger program the controller to charge at a set time, day or night, or at a set price point. The controller communicates with the electric grid wirelessly to determine the best and cheapest time to recharge vehicles. Besides helping consumers save at the plug, the controller can also help avoid brown-outs by disconnecting from the grid temporarily at times of peak load. Zap intends to use the technology for its electric cars and charge stations in the U.S.,Korea and through Zap Hangzhou later in 2010.

PRESS RELEASE
ZAP Licenses Electric Car Smart Charger Controller Technology from Battelle
Consumers get economic benefits; grid is protected and uses cleaner cheaper energy when charging during off-peak hours SANTA ROSA, Calif. and RICHLAND, Wash. - April 14, 2010 - To make electric car charging cleaner and less expensive, industry pioneer ZAP (OTC BB: ZAAP) has licensed the Smart Charger Controller technology developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The technology allows customers to minimize the cost of charging electric vehicles by automatically
recharging a vehicle's battery at times of least demand on the grid and subsequently, least cost to the consumer.

Battelle, an international science and technology organization that manages and operates PNNL for the U.S. Department of Energy, also has granted ZAP the right to sublicense the technology to ZAP Hangzhou. ZAP plans to distribute the new technology as part of its electric vehicle business plan, including through its strategic investor and distribution partner Samyang Optics (008080.KS) of Korea.

How it Works: ZAP Licenses Electric Car Smart Charger Control Technology from Battelle "We believe this will put us at the cutting edge of charging station technology," said Samyang Optics CEO, Christopher Kang. "I feel that this technology is one of the most critical pieces to make electric cars viable on a large scale."
"ZAP believes the patented smart electric car charging technology is an important feature to ensure the environmental viability of electric cars," said ZAP Founder and Director of Business Development, Gary Starr.

PNNL publicly announced the Smart Charger Controller technology last year after completing an earlier assessment that showed America's existing power grid could meet the needs of about 158 million vehicles, or 70 percent of all U.S. light-duty vehicles, if battery charging was managed to avoid new peaks in electricity demand.
"If a million owners plug in their electric vehicles to recharge after work, it could cause a major strain on the grid," said PNNL engineer Michael Kintner-Meyer. "The Smart Charger Controller technology could prevent those peaks in demand from plug-in vehicles and enable our existing grid to be used more evenly."

Owners program the controller to charge at a specific time of day or night or at a set price point.The controller uses a low-range wireless technology to communicate with the power grid anddetermine the best and cheapest time to recharge vehicles. By charging vehicles during off-peak times, the controller saves consumers money and helps maximize the capacity of the electrical grid during periods of peak demand.

Previous PNNL studies with household appliances show that "smart" technologies also save the grid from brown-outs with little impact to the consumer. Grid Friendly™ technology inside the Smart Charger Controller senses stress conditions on the grid. When the grid says more power is needed, the controller can temporarily stop charging the vehicle until the stress subsides.

This instant reduction in charging load, multiplied on a large scale with many vehicles, could serve as a shock absorber for the grid and help to incorporate renewable energy like wind and solar. The technology could relieve load instantly and give grid operators time to bring new power generation sources on line to stabilize the grid - a process that usually takes several
minutes.

ZAP intends to use the technology for its electric cars and charge stations in the USA, Korea and through its JV in China, ZAP Hangzhou later in 2010.

ZAP Electric Taxi on Bay Area Television News

May,14,2010

KGO Television News reporter Heather Ishimaru visited ZAP last week from the San Francisco ABC affiliate to learn more about its project in China to supply electric taxis to the fleet market. ZAP has partnered with Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co. Ltd. to start pilot assembly of A380 SUVs with ZAP’s proprietary drivetrain at a new facility in Hangzhou. Chairwoman Priscilla Lu spoke to KGO as well as new Chief Operating Officer David Jones. The ZAP Alias,which is competing in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, also appears.

For the complete article, visit KGO ABC News – San Francisco:
SANTA ROSA, CA (KGO) — A Santa Rosa electric car company is set to marry its tech knowhow with China’s emerging industrial power. The goal is to break into the car market in China, which is expected to become the biggest in the world. ZAP car, or the Zero Air Pollution car, just signed a deal to mass produce its SUV taxi.

The ZAP car and all-electric SUV sits in Zap’s Santa Rosa showroom. Right now, only a handful of them exist, but ZAP Chairman Priscilla Lu hopes that someday soon there will be thousands of them rolling through the streets of China’s biggest cities as taxis.

“Not all of them will convert immediately, but the government is committed in order to reduce pollution, to have as many of these taxis become electric vehicles,” says Lu.And she says the government is backing that commitment with subsidies.

“There is not only subsidies for manufacturers to deliver these vehicles, but also the city government who actually owns the taxi business, if you will, is committed to make this happen because it has the support of the central government,” says Lu.

Lu wants ZAP to be first in line for those subsidies; it just signed a deal for mass production with Chinese automaker Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Ltd.
“Right now, the particular partner that we have is capable of producing 4,000 vehicles per month and scaling up to 6,000,” says Lu.

The SUV taxi runs on 117 lithium batteries. It can go about 180 miles before recharging. The batteries are positioned underneath the car, so cargo and passenger space are preserved. The sales price will be between $20,000 and $30,000. The ZAP sports car, Alias, was just shown at the Beijing auto show. It will also eventually be produced at the China plant and someday maybe in the U.S.

“We’ll be filing with the D.O.E. for grant money to have a manufacturing plant here in Santa Rosa as well as possibly in Kentucky,” says ZAP CEO Dave Jones.
It remains to be seen how many taxis they can sell. Lu says so far they have an order for 400 from Korea and it’s working on pricing and orders for China.
The first ZAP taxi could be rolling off the Chinese assembly line at the end of this year.

AFVI 2010: Zap Dude is not an urban achiever

By Sebastian Blanco Date:May 12th 2010

Last month, Zap introduced the all-electric Dude, an off-road ATV. The company has sold a half-dozen of the $5,495 units and has "a warehouse full" of them ready to go out the door to a good home, according to Zap regional manager Dennis Vickery, who we talked to here at the AFVI Expo in Las Vegas. In this case, a good home means parks or other natural settings,because the Dude can only be used in off-road settings. The Dude (and yes, we want to make countless Lebowski references, too) can go up to 25 miles per hour and has a range of 25 miles.

ZAP Dude

Apparently, the Dude can carry a rider up to 290 pounds and tow up to 650 pounds using a 48V permanent-magnet rush DC motor and standard 65aH absorbed glass matt (AGM) lead acid batteries that recharge in around 4-6 hours.

If you're thinking that electric vehicles might have trouble meeting stated range estimates on paved roads, Zap is with you and has included a very clear statement attached to the ATV's webpage: "Range will vary significantly depending on hill grade, speed, and rider weight." You've been warned.