Electric vehicle maker ZAP is showing off some prototype electric vehicles at the San Francisco
International Auto Show in the hopes of generating enough consumer interest to warrant building commercial versions.
The enclosed Vogue cycle pictured here is a gasoline version based on a gasoline vehicle that is currently selling in Europe. According to ZAP chairman Gary Starr a hybrid version could get up to 150 miles per gallon, and he said the company would also consider an all-electric version if enough people inquire.
Starr believes that wheel-based motors (as opposed to centrally located motors) will drive many of the electric vehicles and hybrids to come. He said wheel-based motors are approaching 90 percent energy efficiency, and the lack of moving parts (belts, etc.) makes them more durable.
Today the company is manufacturing 2000 watt motors, but Starr envisions quickly ramping up to 5000-watt motors that would be sufficient to propel a small car. ZAP is currently selling the Zapino, a Vespa-like electric scooter for $4000.
