ZAP-X all electric vehicle shocks auto world

Zap and Lotus will join forces to turn the Lotus APX, or Aluminum Performance Crossover, into an electric vehicle called the ZAP-X. According to the companies the electric APX will offer a 350 mile range achieved with only a 10 minute charge, while an "auxillary power unit" will provide extra power on long trips. Additionally, the APX will achieve speeds of up to 155 mph with its 644 hps.

"Lotus Engineering's APX technology demonstrator vehicle is a perfect fit for our plans to introduce a full product portfolio of electric cars. Due to the initial design by Lotus, our cost and time to production will be significantly reduced. We believe that the ZAP-X will become the most advanced, most practical and most appealing flagship electric vehicle to date and will revolutionize the industry providing the driver with the enjoyment of a sports car and the practicality of an SUV," stated Zap CEO Steve Schneider via press release.

No word yet on costs, but I'm sure it will be expensive. Still, if achieved, the ZAP-X could steal some thunder from GM's Volt. Combined with developments of Tesla, however, not only will competition be created, but important, new technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries and lightweight materials, will be further researched and refined.