Zap introduces zero-emissions, all-electric van:

Link (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10150587-1.html)

Pretty scathing comment following that article, Jason. I can't say I disagree with what what the commenter wrote.

"It's meant to replace small shuttle vans that you see going from airport terminals to rental lots and around other short-range areas such as corporate headquarters, college campuses, indoor warehouses, and sports arenas. "

I don't see how it could possibly be pressed into service in any of it's target markets. These may be short haul routes but they are in a continuous loop.

altazi / misslexi,

You both (linked article poster also included) raise good points.

Zap has been selling to UPS and others for similar applications, so perhaps we haven't been given the right specs, or there are some applications (beyond our comprehension / belief) for this vehicle. I dunno, just relaying the article.

For the price of a nicely equipped Hyundai, you can buy one of these Chinese pieces of crap that can go 30 miles, take all day to charge, restricted to maybe 30-40% of American roads, have little to no warranty and then put your whole family in it, get broadsided in an intersection and kill the whole lot. No thanks. This is everything that is wrong with most EVs.

What I find ironic is that the ordinary micro van like this that is very common in all parts of Asia, when fitted with it's normal gasoline engine, is not legal for on road use anywhere in America. Swap that gas motor for electric one and it's OK on some.:rolleyes:

Can't use anything that can't go beyond 35 mph. Surrounded by roads that are 45 mph! And the actual traffic minimum speed on the freeway part of my way to work is 75 mph.

I can't understand why there are still stooges buying these golf carts and use them on the public roads. Use these on golf courses or parking lots or senior villages. These are not meant for transporting average working people.

The only thing I could possibly imagine using something like this for would be a business with a big, restricted area that needs to move stuff around.

Either a giant warehouse or giant fenced in construction / manufacturing area. Then I could see it. I wouldn't put my kids in that thing if it was parked in a garage much less rolling down the road with other traffic.

Still, if you're a business, its $14k. And if you get the $7500 discount for an EV, its not much more expensive than a segway and it can haul a reasonable amount of junk.

As a vehicle for moving people down the road???? Yikes!

That's what I love about something like the Volt. Its fully functional within the normal use of an ICE. 75 mph is no problem. 300 mile range when needed. It would easily replace my Civic as a commuter car while still being able to go on the occasional long trip.

Everytime I look at an alternative to the Volt, it seems the Volt looks better.

2011 can't come soon enough for me!