ZAP Alias Electric Car Qualifies for Shakedown Stage of Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE

LANSING, Mich., April 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Alias, a prototype electric sports car from ZAP (OTC Bulletin Board: ZAAP), has qualified for the Shakedown stage of the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE (PIAXP) competition for 100 MPG equivalent and above cars now underway at Michigan International Speedway (MIS).  The innovative all-electric ZAP Alias will appear this Thursday, April 29th, during kick-off ceremonies for the PIAXP at the Michigan state capitol in Lansing.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100427/SF93885)

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The Alias team is one of 28 competing for $10 million prizes, down from 43 teams last year.  In the Shakedown stage, vehicles will be tested on braking speed, lane change ability, acceleration and refueling/recharging time, among other elements.  ZAP's shakedown will occur May 2-8 at MIS.  This is a non-elimination event ahead of a Knock-Out Stage taking place in June.

"As an electric vehicle company founded on creating energy efficient transportation, we are delighted to be taking part in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE," said Steve Schneider, ZAP CEO.  "Competitions like this will further the advancement of eco-friendly electric vehicles in the U.S. market.  It is an opportunity for researchers to showcase the capabilities of electric vehicles and push the frontier on what may be possible as we look for new ways to reduce dependency on petroleum, reduce CO2 emissions and enhance sustainable mobility.  It's also a good opportunity for government and the investment community to see the potential of these new designs."

"This competition will help level the playing field and capture entrepreneurial, scientific and technical energy to bring about viable, super-efficient cars that consumers want to buy," said Dr. Peter H. Diamandis, Chairman and CEO, X PRIZE Foundation. "We are at a pivotal moment in time when promising new technologies, growing consumer demand, and global politics make it ripe for a radical breakthrough in the cars we drive."

The cost-effective, powerful Alias will travel at freeway speeds with a range of 100 miles.  Built using a NASCAR-type construction, the Alias has a tubular frame and composite body.  Power is supplied to the three-wheeled, front wheel drive roadster by a lithium battery pack.  The Alias features sleek styling, aerodynamic contours, a low profile, and wide stance with double-wishbone suspension.  It can be re-charged with any 110V or 220V outlet.

Fans have several ways to follow the competition online through social media, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Blogs as well as through the competition website http://progressiveautoxprize.org.  The ZAP Alias Team Blog is http://zapalias.wordpress.com.

Teams and their vehicles will compete in one of three categories:  a class for tandem seating, a class for side-by-side seating and a third class for mainstream designs.  The Shakedown phase of the PIAXP is already underway broken into two week-long events.  

The goal of the PIAXP is to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel-efficient vehicles that offer more consumer choices. Ten million dollars in prizes will be awarded to the teams that win a stage competition for clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 Miles per gallon or energy equivalent (MPGe). The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE will place a major focus on efficiency, safety, affordability and performance.

An earlier prototype of the ZAP Alias is on display this week at the Beijing Motor Show as part of an introduction for ZAP's new electric vehicle venture in the China fleet market.

About ZAP

ZAP is one of the world's oldest electric vehicle providers, having delivered more than 117,000 of a broad range of vehicles to more than 75 countries since 1994.  ZAP supplies electric trucks and vans to military, government and corporate fleets and is an innovator of electric motor cycles, scooters and ATVs.  The Santa Rosa, California based company offers some of the only electric city-speed cars and trucks in production today.  Further news and information is available at http://zapglobal.wordpress.com.

INFO: Credentials for both events are required and available through the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE media department.  Please email: [email protected].

SOURCE ZAP