Lotus APX Crossover to be built

[lightweight]

US based ZAP Automotive has announced today its plans to use Lotus Engineering’s advanced APX concept car as the platform for its new high performance electric ZAP-X crossover vehicle.

The ZAP version of the APX will combine the crossover’s lightweight aluminum architecture with a new efficient drivetrain and advanced battery management system, which is expected to provide a range of 350 miles, with a rapid 10-minute recharging time (note: it sounds too good to be true).An auxiliary power unit is planned to support longer distance journeys.

An electric motor in each wheel provides a combined output of 644hp in AWD mode, allowing the ZAP-X to reach a top speed of 155mph. The innovative placement of the power train leaves the space previously occupied by the conventional engine free for additional battery capacity and storage.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/c...ric-crossover/

[ScionDriver]

Interesting, but that sounds like all the technology will make it real expensive. On the bight side at least there won't be a crossover with a Lotus badge.

[lightweight]

Actually, what Lotus does is really clever.

They are developing their VVA chassis architecture and before implementing it on their products, they sell it to other companies (non competitive ones) in order to test it in real life.

Until now they sell their technology to Tesla and ZAP. Both of them are new companies without prior experience on the auto industry.

This business model is pretty revolutionary (no wonder both of these companies are US based). Tesla and ZAP buy the chassis just like they buy other parts of the car (wheels, mirrors etc) from an outside entity.

Seems like a new way of entering a rapidly growing market (niche electric cars). There is no competition, so they virtually have a monopoly. This business model is justified by Tesla's success: Tesla has sold ALL produced cars in a really short amount of time.

SO, both companies (Lotus and ZAP-Tesla) win from this business relationship. Lotus capitalises on their R&D on their revolutionary chassis and moreover they can develop it even more from the fees they charge. Tesla and ZAP can start up and conquer a new market with limited effort!

Sorry for the business lecture, but I am reading Jeremy Rifkin's "The Age Of Access" which covers such topics.

[Ingolstadt]

Hmmm imagine when VW bought Proton and thus own Lotus as well.....