Annual Sales of Electric Motorcycles and Scooters in North America Will Multiply Nearly Ten-Fold by 2018, Forecasts Navigant Research

BOULDER, CO – May 17, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The vast majority of electric motorcycles and scooters sold worldwide are sold in China. To date, little demand for these vehicles has existed outside Asia Pacific, with the exception of a few Western European countries such as Germany and Spain. According to a recent report from Navigant Research, that will begin to change in the next several years: sales of e-motorcycles and e-scooters in North America will grow from a little more than 4,000 in 2012 to more than 36,000 in 2018, a nearly ten-fold expansion, the study concludes.

“The market for e-motorcycles and e-scooters will grow as manufacturers provide more robust features, including longer range capability, better performance, and in the case of e-motorcycles, higher speeds,” says Dave Hurst, principal research analyst with Navigant Research. “The North American market is still very much in its infancy, but the United States will see strong growth, with a compound annual growth rate of greater than 50 percent through 2018.”

In Asia Pacific, scooters and low-powered motorcycles are widely used as everyday transportation. In North America, by contrast, motorcycles and scooters (including e-motorcycles and e-scooters) are more likely to be used for recreation than as a primary form of transportation. The interest in higher-powered and touring motorcycles is higher in North America than other regions, and so e-motorcycles and e-scooters are often purchased as complements to other forms of transportation.

The report, “Electric Motorcycles and Scooters”, provides a comprehensive examination of the market drivers and barriers, technology issues, governmental incentives and regulations, and key drivers of growth in the e-motorcycles and e-scooters industry. The report includes e-motorcycle and e-scooter sales forecasts through 2018, as well as detailed profiles of key industry players. The report also provides forecasts for lithium ion and lead-acid battery technologies used in e-scooters and e-motorcycles. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant (NYSE: NCI) is a specialized, global expert services firm dedicated to assisting clients in creating and protecting value in the face of critical business risks and opportunities. Through senior level engagement with clients, Navigant professionals combine technical expertise in Disputes and Investigations, Economics, Financial Advisory and Management Consulting, with business pragmatism in the highly regulated Construction, Energy, Financial Services and Healthcare industries to support clients in addressing their most critical business needs. More information about Navigant can be found at www.navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, “Electric Motorcycles and Scooters,” is a summary and reflects Navigant Research’s current expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Navigant Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.

Contacts

Navigant Research
Richard Martin, +1-303-493-5483
richard.martin@navigant.com
or
Laverne Murach, +1-202-481-7336
laverne.murach@navigant.com

####

European e-mobility leaders DBT and Matra showcase battery swapping station for electric bikes and scooters

Electric Vehicle Symposium 2012

LOS ANGELES, CA – May 7, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) - DBT CEV, one of the largest electric vehicle charging infrastructure firms in Europe, and Matra, a leading manufacturer of Light Electric Vehicles will introduce today at the Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS26) press conference a unique solution in e-mobility : the Bat’Lib system, an innovative battery swapping station for e-bikes and e-scooters.

The Bat’Lib station allows a user to exchange an empty battery for a full one in less than 10 seconds rather than waiting a few hours for the empty battery to recharge. This intuitive and simple-to-use system eliminates one of the major barriers to electric vehicle use—recharging time—and is ideally suited for electric bike and scooter commercial fleet owners, tour companies, and vehicle sharing programs. Bat’Lib also enables the development of a variety of new business models for renting or leasing batteries and charging services separately from the vehicle purchase.

The Bat’Lib swapping station features ten battery charging ports and its small footprint minimizes space requirements. One port is always kept open to accept a new empty battery while the remaining ports can simultaneously charge nine batteries. The system can be limited to registered users through an RFID system. Upon arrival, the driver removes the empty battery from the vehicle, swipes the RFID card, and inserts the empty battery into the open port. Upon receiving the empty battery, the Bat’Lib immediately opens the door for one of the fully-charged batteries which is ready for immediate use.

The Matra-designed battery pack is built by Chicago-based AllCell Technologies and utilizes AllCell’s proprietary passive thermal management technology, which increases energy density, enhances safety, and dramatically extends battery cycle life.

The two-wheeler swapping station will support the proliferation of new urban mobility solutions in parallel to the current growing selection of electric and plug-in electric cars in the US. By tailoring new charging infrastructure to urban transportation needs, DBT and Matra have created a practical solution for users looking for an affordable and environmentally-friendly alternative for their transportation needs.

Hervé Borgoltz, President of DBT CEV, states: “After several successful collaborations within the field of innovative EV charging with Matra, we believe that we needed to address all electric mobility needs, not only focusing on charging solutions for the electric car driver but also for users willing to make a difference at the local level with smaller vehicles. Thanks to this joint project with Matra, DBT CEV is able to offer a truly comprehensive portfolio of innovative charging solutions.”

Jacques Bonneville, President of Matra MS, states: “The Light Electric Vehicle Market today is leading the global EV market. Two wheelers will continue to play a major role in solving city congestion in US and European markets for years to come. DBT’s expertise in EV charging and Matra’s advanced batteries and vehicles will allow efficient and affordable mobility solutions for fleets and resorts.”

In addition to the Bat’Lib swapping station for e-scooters and e-bikes, European EV charging leader DBT will be exhibiting a full set of innovative charging infrastructure solutions at booth #1246 during EVS26 from May 6th to May 9th 2012 in Los Angeles (CA).

About DBT: DBT is an engineering company specialized in Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure solutions. DBT has been designing, developing and manufacturing a wide range of EV charging stations since 1992, with six thousand charging points installed in more than twenty countries worldwide. A world-renown leader in e-mobility solutions, DBT has developed a portfolio of customized EV charging solutions for home, public and fleet applications. The company has recently been chosen by Japanese automaker Nissan to deploy a network of 400 Quick Chargers in Europe by 2012. For information about DBT, please visit www.dbtcev.com (Twitter: @dbtcev) or www.dbtus.com (Twitter: @dbtusa).

About Matra: Building upon significant accomplishments over forty years in the European automotive industry, namely in racing (1964-1974), sport utility vehicles (1964-1982) and minivans (1983-2003), Matra, a wholly-owned company of Group Lagardere, offers a comprehensive range of vehicles adapted for all short distance use, from two to four wheels, including bicycles, scooters and electric quadricycles. For information about Matra, please visit www.matra.com.

####

Zero Motorcycles, Jiangsu Xinri E-Vehicle Score Highest in New Pike Research Assessment of Electric Motorcycle and Scooter Manufacturers

BOULDER, CO – January 19, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – While the market for electric motorcycle and electric scooters is in its infancy in most regions of the world, there is one major exception: Asia Pacific. The vast majority of e-motorcycle and e-scooter sales in 2011 occurred in that region (17 million vehicles estimated for Asia Pacific, versus just over 30,000 for the rest of the world combined), but the market is on the verge of major competitive changes over the next couple of years. A few large vendors, including Honda and KTM, have entered the market, while competitors like Brammo, New Vetrix, and Current Motor Company have drastically revised their business plans or developed new products over the last two years. According to a new Pike Pulse report published by Pike Research, the two manufacturers who are best positioned to take advantage of the upcoming shifts in the market are Zero Motorcycles and Jiangsu Xinri E-Vehicle.

“Most e-motorcycle and e-scooters are still in their first or second generation,” says senior analyst Dave Hurst. “Business relationships, distribution and production strategies, and sustainable business models are still in formation. Because the market is still in its very early stages, most of the overall rankings in our Pike Pulse report are lower than one would expect in a mature or fully developed market.”

Zero Motorcycles achieved the highest ranking in this Pike Pulse thanks to a combination of strong strategic planning and good execution on that plan. With a product lineup well-suited to the less cost-conscious early adopter market, the company has put together a strong management team and continues to build a robust dealer network in the key regions of Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and North America.

Jiangsu Xinri E-Vehicle has a very different business plan than Zero. The company has been growing its market for e-scooters steadily by offering a wide variety of models to fit what consumers in China need today, and has found some success in exporting to Asia Pacific, North America, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America as well. The company plans to double production by raising funds through a stock initial public offering in early 2012.

The “Pike Pulse Report: Electric Motorcycles and Scooters” evaluates 12 of the leading electric motorcycle and scooter manufacturers and rates them on 12 criteria for strategy and execution, including vision, go-to-market strategy, partnerships, product and production strategy, technology, geographic reach, market share, product quality and reliability, product features, pricing, and staying power. Using Pike Research’s proprietary Pike Pulse methodology, vendors are profiled, rated, and ranked with the goal of providing industry participants with an objective assessment of these companies’ relative strengths and weaknesses in the emerging electric motorcycle and scooter marketplace. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Grid, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. For more information, visit www.pikeresearch.com or call +1-303-997-7609.

####

Electrovaya and Hero Electric Showcase Electric Scooters for North American Market

Electrovaya’s Battery Technology to Power a New Line of Electric Scooters

TORONTO, ONTARIO – April 8, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) - Electrovaya Inc. (TSX:EFL) today announced further cooperation with Hero Electric, India’s leading producer of two-wheeled electric vehicles. Hero’s electric scooters, powered by Electrovaya’s Lithium Ion SuperPolymer batteries, will be showcased at the Toronto International Spring Motorcycle Show on April 9^th and 10^th. A trusted brand name with over 300 sales and service outlets across India, Hero Electric has been developing and testing its products in Europe and North America for the past two years. The Company has developed two electric scooter products uniquely suited for the North American market, the Zion and Optima Plus.

“Hero Electric is an established company with a solid brand reputation in an industry that will see its share within the transportation market grow as the price of oil continues to rise,” said Dr. Sankar Das Gupta, CEO of Electrovaya Inc. “Our Lithium Ion Super Polymer battery technology is an ideal fit for the two-wheel electric vehicle model because of its scalability, efficiency and green NMP-free production process.”

“We are extremely pleased to continue our existing partnership with Electrovaya to deliver lithium ion powered electric scooters to this growing market. We will offer both lead acid and lithium ion powered scooters in India and North America. Given the limitations of lead acid batteries, we expect lithium ion batteries to revolutionize the electric vehicle market,” noted Naveen Munjal, Managing Director of Hero Electric.

Hero Electric plans to start selling electric scooters fitted with Electrovaya’s lithium ion batteries in the Canadian market in the third quarter of 2011. “Initially the scooters will be marketed in the GTA and very soon thereafter the distribution network will be expanded to most of the critical markets in Canada.” said Sohinder Gill, CEO of Hero Electric.

About Electrovaya:

Electrovaya Inc. (TSX:EFL) designs, develops and manufactures proprietary Lithium Ion SuperPolymer® batteries, battery systems, and battery-related products for the clean electric transportation, Utility Scale Energy Storage and smart grid power, consumer and healthcare markets. The Company’s mission is to accelerate clean transportation as a commercial reality with its advanced power system for all classes of zero-emission electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The Company’s other mission is to deliver Utility Scale Energy Storage Systems for the highest efficiency in electricity storage, whether the electricity is generated from intermittent wind and solar power or from other sources. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Ontario, Canada, Electrovaya has production facilities in Canada as well as in the US, and customers around the globe. To learn more about how Electrovaya is powering mobility, please explore www.electrovaya.com.

About HERO Electric:

HERO Electric, a subsidiary of the HERO Group, is a pioneer in the Indian Electric Vehicle Industry. With a background of extensive research, HERO Electric entered the Electric vehicle segment with the single objective of providing eco-friendly, cost-effective mode of personalized transportation with its range of Electric Two-wheeler models. Over a short period of time, HERO Electric has been quick in establishing itself as an undisputed leader in the Electric Two-wheeler segment. The Hero Group is one of the world’s largest producers of two wheelers. To learn more about HERO Electric please visit www.heroelectric.in.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements that relate to, among other things, the Company’s objectives, goals, strategies, intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations and estimates, and can generally be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “likely”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “objective” and “continue” (or the negative thereof) and words and expressions of similar import. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include but are not limited to: general business and economic conditions (including but not limited to currency rates and creditworthiness of customers); Company liquidity and capital resources, including the availability of additional capital resources to fund its activities; level of competition; changes in laws and regulations; legal and regulatory proceedings; the ability to adapt products and services to the changing market; the ability to attract and retain key executives; and the ability to execute strategic plans. Additional information about material factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations and about material factors or assumptions applied in making forward-looking statements may be found in the Company’s most recent annual and interim Management’s Discussion and Analysis under “Risk and Uncertainties”, as well as in other public disclosure documents filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements contained in this document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE: Electrovaya Inc.

####

T3 Motion Fulfills Initial Shipment of T3′s on Three-year Contract with New York Police Department

The T3 Series Clean Energy, Electric Stand-up Vehicle Increases New York City Law Enforcement Officers Patrol Capabilities

COSTA MESA, CA – November 23, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – T3 Motion, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: TMMM) announces the first shipment on a multi-unit purchase order from the New York Police Department (N.Y.P.D.) for the iconic T3 Series Electric Stand-up Vehicle (ESV).  The contract award allows up to 90 units to be purchased over three fiscal years.  The N.Y.P.D. multi-unit order will enable the world’s largest police department to lower operating costs and increase patrol capabilities, especially in subways and crowded areas throughout their jurisdictions.  T3 Motion shipped six units of the T3 Series to the N.Y.P.D.

“We are incredibly honored to work with N.Y.P.D. and their revolutionary commitment to clean energy and public safety,” said Ki Nam, T3 Motion, Inc. C.E.O. “Being the world’s largest police force, N.Y.P.D. has a vast range of patrol requirements.  The electric T3 Series is designed as a cost-effective solution for exterior and interior police operations throughout the city.  With a nine-inch elevated platform, an officer on a T3 Series ESV has an elevated line of sight and has a command presence in crowds.”

Launched in 2006, the T3 Series and international version, T3 i-Series of Electric Stand-up Vehicle (ESV), captured the U.S. clean energy market with a revolutionary and economical ‘green’ solution.  The T3 Series are deployed extensively throughout the USA within the Law Enforcement, Government, Military, Private Industry and Security markets.  The T3 Series commands authority while reducing operating cost to 10 cents per (USD) day.

T3 Series Features

The cutting-edge ‘green’ technology provides a low cost of operation, at less than 10 cents per day, and two interchangeable and re-chargeable batteries, the T3 has 24/7 operation with unlimited range.

• Zero-degree turning radius
• Swap-able batteries
• Speeds up to 20 mph [25 km/h]
• 9-inch raised platform provides a superior vantage point

About T3 Motion, Inc.

T3 Motion, Inc. (OTC BB: TMMM) revolutionized the world of personal mobility with the introduction of their flagship electric T3 Series law enforcement vehicles at the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference held in October 2006.  Headquartered in Orange County, California, T3 Motion, Inc. is dedicated to raising the bar on environmental standards and law enforcement and security capabilities in personal mobility technology.

In June of this year, T3 Motion unveiled the GT3 plug-in electric consumer vehicle.  The proprietary rear-wheel design of the GT3 features a patent-pending, single, wide-stance wheel with two high-performance tires sharing one wheel.  The revolutionary two-tire design improves traction, stability, and handling, while the low rolling resistance and rounded profile of the rear tires increase energy efficiency.  The GT3 will incorporate the Apple® iPad™ into the sleek dashboard design.  Due to its three-wheeled design, the GT3 is classified as a motorcycle.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gt3-Electric-Vehicle/105625892815799

T3 Motion’s Motiontrak 300(SM) is a “black box” in-car video and data recording system (www.motiontrak.com).  Data monitored by Motiontrak 300(SM) include vehicle speed, location, and g-force shocks.  Built-in GPS capability is integrated with Google Maps to track precise location and provide a vehicle movement overview.  Sophisticated software enables the user to see video footage from the vehicle’s perspective, overhead Google Earth location display, and numeric as well as graphical data on a single screen.

For more information on T3 Motion, Inc. and the company’s signature T3 Series line of electric personal mobility vehicles, the electric CT Series Micro Car, and the upcoming GT3 consumer vehicle, visit www.t3motion.com, email sales@t3motion.com or call 714-619-3600.

“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding T3 Motion’s business, which are not historical facts, are “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties.  For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.

Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, are trademarks of Apple.

SOURCE: T3 Motion, Inc.

####

ZAP Acquires Majority Stake in China’s Jonway Auto

New Company Combines EV Expertise with Mass Auto Manufacturing in China

SANTA ROSA, CA  and ZHEJIANG, CHINA – July 8, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -

• Agreement is US$29 Million in Cash for 51 Percent
• Debt-Free Jonway Boosts ZAP’s Shareholder Value
• ISO 9000 Certified Modern Factory
• ZAP Jonway – a New International Automobile Company with Extensive EV Experience
• 141 Acres, 3.6 Million Sq. Feet Factory Opened in 2009, Capacity of 30,000 Vehicles per Year
• Jonway 2009: US$40 Million Annual Revenues; Jonway Q1 2010: US$20 Million Revenues
• 850 Employees Quality, Technology Focused
• 80 Factory-Direct and Hundreds of Factory Authorized Dealers in China
• China Auto Manufacturer Meets EU Standards
• ZAP Jonway EV is Exclusive Provider of EVs for the U.S. Pavilion at Shanghai Expo (World Fair)

ZAP (OTC Bulletin Board: ZAAP) and Jonway Group today announced they have signed definitive agreements according to which ZAP will acquire 51 percent of Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co. Ltd. as part of a strategy to capitalize on the growing automotive and electric vehicle (EV) market in China.  ZAP is a 15-year-old California EV company and Jonway Auto is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jonway Group, a 20-year-old Chinese vehicle manufacturer. According to the terms of the definitive agreements, ZAP will acquire 51% of Jonway Auto for US$29.03 million in cash. The boards of directors for ZAP and Jonway Auto approved and signed the merger agreement on July 2, 2010.

Jonway Auto reported annual revenues of approximately US$40 million in 2009 and approximately US$20 million for the first quarter of 2010.  According to the terms of the transaction, Jonway Auto will be debt-free upon the closing of the transaction.

According to the terms of the definitive agreements, ZAP has the right to acquire the remaining 49% of Jonway Auto at the same valuation by March 30, 2011 or at a then current valuation after that date.  ZAP and Jonway intend this transaction to be phase one of a two-phase acquisition, whereby the two companies will combine their complementary expertise, leveraging ZAP’s EV technology and Jonway Auto’s quality ISO 9000 certified mass production capabilities to address the new alternative energy vehicle market. ZAP intends to acquire the remaining 49 percent of Jonway Automobile following completion of the first phase and following final regulatory approval.

The ZAP Jonway merger accelerates cost-effective manufacturing of ZAP’s electric vehicles and gives ZAP access to the Chinese market through Jonway’s distribution channels of more than 80 factory direct dealerships that feed into hundreds of factory authorized dealers.  Jonway’s volume manufacturing capacity gives ZAP a strong manufacturing base with the means of commercializing its innovative EV technologies.

“By combining ZAP’s experienced team of EV engineers with Jonway’s manufacturing capabilities, the combined ZAP Jonway will be able to scale up with the fast-growing worldwide market for affordable electric and fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Steve Schneider, CEO of ZAP Jonway. “The new entity will leverage ZAP’s extensive intellectual property and international market access with Jonway’s current China distribution channels and revenue base, for enhanced shareholder value. The new company creates an integrated worldwide sales and manufacturing operation.”

According to Dr. Priscilla Lu, ZAP Board Chair: “As originally planned when I joined ZAP in connection with the Cathaya Funds’ investment in the company, the Jonway transaction was formulated to give ZAP the complementary facilities and automotive manufacturing expertise to position itself as a worldwide EV and automobile manufacturer. Jonway’s management continues to lead and expand its product line of traditional vehicles and will begin to build the production line for ZAP’s EVs in the coming quarters. ZAP will enhance its operations management team to focus on delivering the opportunities at hand.”

Jonway Automobile, with approximately 800 employees, is currently manufacturing approximately 1,000 vehicles per month and has a capacity to produce up to 30,000 vehicles per year at its modern, 3.6 million square foot plant in Sanmen on approximately 141 acres of land.  Focused on quality, Jonway is ISO 9000 and China Compulsory Certification (CCC) certified. Jonway distributes through a nationwide network of auto dealerships in China and distribution partners in Europe and Egypt. Jonway’s 3-door SUV has been CE approved in Italy by its European partner for the European market.

“ZAP’s engineering enables us to expand into the EV market and position our company to be one of the leaders in China’s EV market,” said Alex Wang, CEO of Jonway Automobile. “The ZAP team also brings us international market access and automotive distribution channels for the new models that we are designing, and ZAP will help us meet the required international standards for these new markets.”

Earlier this year, ZAP integrated electric drive systems into several Jonway vehicles through its joint venture ZAP Hangzhou.  These vehicles are now being showcased and used as electric taxis at the Shanghai Expo.  Jonway has also agreed to produce the ZAP Alias electric car, which is now one of the remaining 15 finalists in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE competition. ZAP is also one of the five companies selected by the United States Postal Service to engineer and retrofit a gas powered delivery van with a 100 percent electric power train.

Dr. Priscilla Lu added, “The new ZAP Jonway combined company enhances the complementary strengths of each, and uniquely positions the company in the EV market. Jonway Automobile has quality mass production manufacturing as well as access to the Chinese automobile market. ZAP can now apply its in-depth experience in EV technologies and engineering integration know-how to produce a new line of EV models for Jonway Automobile and provide access to worldwide international distribution channels.  Jonway, with physical asset value assessed at around US$60 million in land, buildings and modern manufacturing facilities, is cash flow positive, debt-free, has growing revenues, and offers shareholder value for ZAP. ZAP Jonway has now become a significant automotive manufacturer/distributor worldwide”.

About ZAP

ZAP is one of the world’s oldest and most experienced electric vehicle providers, having delivered over 117,000 of a broad range of electric vehicles to more than 75 countries since 1994. ZAP supplies electric trucks and vans to military, government and corporate fleets and is an innovator of electric motorcycles, scooters and ATVs. The Santa Rosa, California based company offers some of the only electric city-speed cars and trucks in production today and is leveraging its accrued technology know-how in developing a cost effective high-speed electric car called the ZAP Alias. Further information is available at http://www.zapworld.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of ZAP’s products, increased levels of competition, new products and technological changes, ZAP’s dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time to time in the ZAP’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE: ZAP

####

Honda to lease electric scooters

WAKO, Japan, – April 14, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Honda Motor Company (NYSE: HMC) is jumping into the electric scooter business.

This week the company displayed its all-electric, zero emission, EV-Neo scooter in Tokyo, Japan.  The EV-Neo is the equivalent of a 50cc gasoline-powered motorcycle, and has driving range of 19 miles (30 kilometers) in one charge.

The scooter can be fully charged in four hours when plugged into an ordinary house outlet.  However, the vehicle can be recharged in 20 minutes when connected to a special charging device.

Honda is planning to begin leasing the scooter domestically in Japan in December.  Plans to lease the electric scooter overseas have yet to be determined.

The company says the EV-Neo represents an opportunity for it to enter the electric vehicle market — a market Honda has not pursued as aggressively as its competitors such as Nissan and Mitsubishi.

When the EV-Neo is released, it will be marketed to companies that make deliveries such as newspapers, couriers, and pizzerias.  The leasing price for the EV-Neo will be between US$6,000 and US$8,000.

Honda is premier brand in the motorcycle business, which is one of the reasons the company choose to develop an electric scooter.  “The motorcycle is a more nimble business, and it allows us to try out more things,” said Honda General Manager Toshiuki Inuma.

Read the full story at CNBC:  Honda to lease electric scooters from December

####