In a previous SMASHgods post, we discussed the stylish and decidedly quick Zap Alias. When surfing around I’ve found that there isn’t too much in the way of media (videos specifically) regarding the upcoming all-electric sports car, and most of the information has been conjecture on the part of Alias followers and supporters.

Today I had a chance to visit the Zap showroom in downtown Santa Rosa and record a video of the Alias (on my cell): the chassis, the engine(s) (there are two), the suspension system and a little of the showroom floor can all be seen in the footage.

The car is still deemed a “prototype”, according to the gentleman who let me in, but in an effort to lay any claims to rest regarding the car’s authenticity or its viability as a conveyance, Zap has the Alias’ innards laid out to bare (next to the outer body), and it’s certainly a simple, yet smart design. What you see in the video is the real deal, and the whole package — yet split apart for all to see.

I also picked up an official Zap Alias pamphlet detailing Read the rest of this entry »

Have you had a look at Zap’s website lately? No? Who’s Zap? Zap stands for Zero Air Pollution.

The forward-thinking folks at Zap are currently taking reservations for their latest (and perhaps greatest) all-electric zap-mobile: the Alias.

Headquartered in Santa Rosa, CA, this developer of ingenious, high-efficiency cars, scooters, cycles and boat engines (yes) hasn’t been asleep at the wheel lately. They’ve come up with quite an assorted selection of alternative energy conveyances that surely fit the needs and driving styles of many consumers.

Here are a few specs on the Alias from the company’s website: Read the rest of this entry »

This past June, Google.org launched RechargeIT, a philanthropic investment and research program aimed to expedite the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles. Today it was discovered that two companies have made the investment list, and are in store for some serious Google “help” ($2.75 mil) to get their products up and running sooner than later.

The Two RechargeIT investment recipients:

Aptera Motors is building ultra-high efficiency vehicles based on improved aerodynamics and composite materials. Aptera’s first prototype achieved over Read the rest of this entry »

The cash in question is a cool $5000. That would be the deposit, in case (God forbid) something were to happen while you test drive the all-new Tesla Roadster, the ultimate electric-powered sports car. Tesla Motors, based in San Carlos, Ca, opened its second showroom this morning just down the road on 101, on 300 El Camino Real in Menlo Park. (The first showroom opened in Santa Monica in May.)

The showroom, which replaces an old Chevrolet dealership on a busy block of shuttered car lots saw curious on-lookers and some serious potential buyers today. Except that you can’t really walk in, buy it, and then drive it out the door, like in most other places. If you do manage to fall head over heels in love, Tesla is happy to take a similar deposit and apply it to their current $109,000 MSRP.

And if you just want to take it out on 280 (take Santa Cruz Avenue west, then slight left on Alameda de las Pulgas, then right on Sand Hill) or join the Read the rest of this entry »

Steve Fambro of Aptera sent out a recent e-mail to Aptera reservation holders reinstating that the goal to start production of the three-wheeled, typ-1 all-electric model is the end of 2008.
Additionally, it was noted that reservations for the two models (hybrid & all-electric) are now being split into two lists (with option to change models):

…I also want to announce a change to the numbered reservation system that will make timing and delivery much clearer to all of you. Right now you have a reservation number based on reservations for both all-electric and plug-in hybrid as we receive them. We think it will be much clearer if we separate these reservations into two lists simply because the two variants have different manufacturing start and vehicle delivery dates.

Before this change goes into effect, we want to give you the opportunity to switch to the all-electric and potentially be driving an Aptera a year earlier than you would otherwise. Our plan is to separate the two lists on July 31, 2008 to give you plenty of time to make a choice. After that you will receive a new Read the rest of this entry »