Above is ZAP’s (Zero Air Pollution) very cool looking electric vehicle: the Alias, which they’ve promise will be sold in the 2nd quarter of 2009 (I’m going to hold you to that ZAP!). It will be the first product under the newly acquired Detroit Electric brand.

It looks like ZAP is finally focusing their efforts on bringing out what people really want today: a freeway capable vehicle. Unfortunately, it’s still over-priced for the average person, but there is definately a market for such a unique and powerful vehicle.

Albert Lam, former CEO of Lotus Engineering and chairman of the joint venture developing the Alias had this to say: “Looking at our initial project-development plan and our discussion with a number of key engineering and technology partners, I believe we can go into production by the second quarter of 2009,” ZAP says that Youngman Automotive Group would build the car.

On paper, the Alias looks very cool. Plans call for two in-wheel motors that provide 320 horsepower and a top speed approaching 120 mph. ZAP says the Alias will do zero-to-60 in 5.7 seconds. ZAP is considering in-wheel motors from the same company that they’ve had 5 years of successful experience with on their Zappy 3 scooters - but with larger motors of course.

They are currently testing lithium-ion batteries with a proprietary management systems which should give a range of 150 miles. “This would allow us to get a freeway-capable EV to market faster, for less money,” he said. “Three-wheeled vehicles are also fairly uncommon in the U.S. marketplace and will give us some market differentiation.”

My take: It looks like ZAP is finally getting it’s act together… and it’s about time. It has formed important alliances and a nationwide dealer network. All they need to do now is STAY FOCUSED! WORK NIGHT AND DAY to meet the second quarter 2009 launch date (AS THEY PROMISED!). I certainly hope they WOW us with this one, because the competition is going to be fierce next year and ZAP needs to “hit a home run”!

In my opinion, they should have a back-up plan in case the two (in-wheel) motor version doesn’t work as planned… (I fear alignment problems)… So, I would make a “communter” version with only one single rear in-wheel motor (even if it’s not an in-wheel type). That way, they can have the time necessary to get all the bugs out of the “High Performance” model! The commuter model should be a set at a GREAT introductory price - Say $19.995! like GreenVehicles is doing with the TRIAC. This would give the Alias SO MUCH FREE ADVERTISING… that it would be worth it - “the first 1000 Alias’s at a $12,000 discount!” - Then offer a $4.995 range-extender-generator as an upgrade option… well, that’s what I would do.