June 02, 2008: 06:00 AM EST
Electric transportation pioneer ZAP (OTCBB: ZAAP) announced today that
it has acquired an ownership interest in an electric motor company to
develop and manufacture a new line of wheel motors for future vehicle
developments and global distribution.
Under the agreement, ZAP is collaborating and investing in the
development of a line of wheel motors for various types of electric
vehicles, from an electric bike or scooter to an electric car. ZAP and
its partner have also agreed to work together on the optimum process
for manufacturing all motors and controllers. ZAP has been granted
exclusive rights to the wheel motors under the agreement for
international distribution.
"So many have focused on batteries as a way to improve the performance
of electric vehicles, but wheel motors are truly a giant leap
forward," said Gary Starr, who manages product development for ZAP.
"Today's ZAP wheel motor vehicles can nearly double the range of
similar vehicles we brought to market ten years ago."
ZAP and their partner expect to increase the power, performance and
efficiency of wheel motors through the use of a proprietary,
brushless, multi-pole wheel-motor technology. ZAP is developing a 7000-
watt wheel motor for larger vehicle applications.
ZAP was one of the first electric vehicle companies to market wheel
motor powered vehicles with its ZAPPY3 electric scooter, which uses a
350-watt motor. Last year, ZAP introduced the Zapino scooter with its
3000-watt wheel motor, which ZAP says is one of the most powerful
systems available on the market today.
Wheel motors can significantly increase the power-to-weight ratio of
electric drivetrains. Having motors built into the wheels decreases
the weight, eliminates the transmission, and saves space inside the
vehicle for more battery capacity and features. Eliminating a chain or
belt transmission increases the efficiency and can result in less
noise, vibration and overall maintenance.
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