Remy Electric Motors LLC has been named the new electric motor supplier to ZAP. ZAP founder Gary Starr and Remy Electric Motors general manager Kevin Quinn told an audience of exhibitors and participants at this year's World Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS) in Shenzhen, China, that the two companies have signed a long-term motor supply and development agreement. Remy HVH 250 electric motors will now be used globally in ZAP's cars and sports utility vehicles. Additionally, ZAP is developing a drivetrain with the Remy motor for use in automotive platforms of ZAP and those of several Chinese vehicles.
U.S.-based ZAP acquired 51 percent of Chinese auto manufacturer Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Company Ltd. this year. This merger has given ZAP access to the Chinese market through Jonway Auto's distribution channels of more than 80 factory direct dealerships that feed into hundreds of factory authorized dealers. The new supply and development agreement signed by ZAP and Remy provides Remy with a strategic partner in the Chinese electric vehicle market.
Remy's Quinn stated, "This new agreement with ZAP recognizes the superior performance and proven reliability of Remy's electric motors. We are proud to partner with ZAP as they develop global markets with their line of innovative electric vehicles."
Innovation is a hallmark of ZAP. One of their newest development projects, the Alias electric car, participated this year in the $10 million Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a competition for 100 MPG or energy equivalent vehicles. ZAP's Alias placed among the top seven finalists from the original 115 teams and was recognized as the most practical and the most wanted design in the competition.
ZAP’s Starr said, "Remy has proven to be a great partner. We are convinced their electric motor is the best on the market. ZAP is continually advancing our products to ensure industry leading performance and reliability. Switching to Remy electric motors for our entire line of vehicles is going to provide our customers with even more power and efficiency. This partnership is definitely a win-win for everyone involved."
A worldwide audience became acquainted with ZAP's electric vehicles in 2010 when ZAP's Electric SUV Taxis were featured during the Shanghai World Fair. ZAP and Jonway Auto shuttled officials and VIPs during the exposition. These same vehicles will now be made available globally using the Remy HVH 250 electric motor.
This is not the first time ZAP and Remy have partnered. Remy Electric Motors joined forces with ZAP in the development of an electric postal delivery vehicle for the United States Postal Service (USPS). This vehicle was chosen as one of the five approved vehicle participants in a year-long trial by the USPS.
Remy's patented High Voltage Hairpin (HVH) technology's world-class torque and power density deliver added speed and range to ZAP's electric vehicles. Brands like AMP Electric Vehicles, GM, Mercedes, BMW, Aptera and Allison Transmission use the Remy HVH electric motor for its superior technology, reliability and the speed to market that come with Remy's existing global production capacity.