ZAP All-Electric Taxi Unveiled in Beijing

U.S. electric-vehicle maker ZAP unveils its all-electric Taxi model, initially set for the Asian fleet market, at the Beijing auto show today.

Already in pilot production at ZAP’s Hangzhou, China, joint venture with electric-meter manufacturer the Holley Group, the ZAP Taxi can hold five passengers plus “considerable” cargo and run for less than $0.03 per mile (RMB12 per km), ZAP says.

The figure is based on current Chinese electricity rates, says ZAP CEO Steve Schneider in a statement.

The ZAP Taxi is based on Chinese auto maker Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co. Ltd.’s A-380 SUV model. The vehicle’s top speed is 70 mph (113 km/h) and it has a 186-mile (300-km) range, the company says.

The ZAP Taxi initially will be marketed not only to taxi fleets in Asia but also as a vehicle suitable for traversing large corporate, government, military or university campuses.

“The vehicle integrates the latest AC electric-drivetrain and lithium-battery-system technologies in a freeway-capable EV designed for specific fleet uses,” Schneider says, noting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data shows an idling engine, such as a taxi’s, is 20 times more polluting than one running at 32 mph (51 km/h).

ZAP also planned to show its Alias prototype sports car at the Beijing show.

ZAP Taxi based on Jonway A-380 SUV.