ZAP Unveils Electric Taxi for Asian Fleets at Beijing Motor Show
US firm ZAP has introduced a freeway-capable electric taxi at the Beijing Motor Show, targeting Asian taxi fleets and corporate campuses through its Hangzhou joint venture.
ZAP, the American electric vehicle specialist, presented its new all-electric taxi at the Beijing Motor Show in April 2010, setting out plans to supply Asian taxi fleets and large campuses through its joint venture in Hangzhou. Pilot production of the ZAP Taxi had already started at the ZAP Hangzhou facility, operated with Chinese partner Holley Group, a producer of electric power meters.
Focus on Asian Taxi and Campus Fleets
ZAP’s electric taxi is designed for intensive fleet use, with the initial focus on Asian markets where taxi operations and intra-campus shuttles are common. The company highlighted the environmental benefits of electric taxis, pointing to studies showing that idling internal combustion engines in taxis contribute disproportionately to urban pollution. Electric drivetrains, in contrast, eliminate tailpipe emissions during idle and operation, an advantage in cities with dense traffic and air quality concerns.
The ZAP Taxi incorporates an AC electric drivetrain and a lithium battery system. The vehicle is based on the Jonway A-380 5-door SUV platform, adapted for electric propulsion. According to ZAP, the taxi can reach motorway speeds of up to 70 mph (113 km/h) and offers a range of up to 300 kilometres per charge, depending on battery configuration and use case. These figures position it as a practical option for daily fleet duty, though actual range will depend on customer specification and operational conditions.
Production Plans and Partnerships
The taxi is being assembled at ZAP’s joint venture facility in Hangzhou, established with Holley Group. The partnership leverages Holley’s manufacturing expertise and ZAP’s electric vehicle technology. Initial production is focused on pilot units for fleet evaluation, with the aim of scaling up supply for taxi operators and campus transport providers across Asia. ZAP did not announce specific production targets or delivery dates at the show.
The company also emphasised the flexibility of the platform for different fleet needs, including government and military campuses as well as universities. The electric taxi’s suitability for stop-start city driving and its potential to reduce urban emissions were central to ZAP’s pitch to Chinese authorities and fleet customers.
Technical Overview: ZAP Taxi Specifications
| Drivetrain | AC electric motor |
|---|---|
| Battery | Lithium battery system |
| Platform | Jonway A-380 5-door SUV (electric conversion) |
| Top speed | 70 mph (113 km/h) |
| Range (claimed) | Up to 300 km per charge |
| Production site | Hangzhou, China (ZAP/Holley JV) |
Context: Electric Vehicles at Beijing Motor Show
The 2010 Beijing Motor Show saw a strong emphasis on electric and hybrid vehicles, with several manufacturers unveiling new models and concepts for the Chinese market. ZAP’s electric taxi was positioned as a working solution for urban fleets rather than a concept, reflecting the growing demand for practical zero-emission vehicles in China’s major cities. The move followed similar announcements from established brands and local manufacturers, all seeking a share of the rapidly expanding electric vehicle segment in Asia.
