The PIAXP will award $10 million in prizes to teams that win the “alternative” category of the PIAXP, which targets vehicles that can accommodate two passengers and offer a minimum driving range of 100 miles per charge.
The ZAP Alias uses the new Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500 tire, designed with a shallow tread depth for maximum traction capability and reduced rolling resistance.
"As we made plans for the Automotive X PRIZE competition with Al Unser Jr. behind the wheel, he insisted that he wanted Firestone brand tires on the car," said Gary Starr, Founder and Director of Business Development, ZAP. "Al brings a lifetime of driving experience to the ZAP team along with a wealth of auto industry contacts. He helped introduce Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations and its Firestone brand to the ZAP Alias, and the tires have been working very well for us."
The ZAP Alias car is a three-wheel electric vehicle (it uses two front wheels and one rear wheel architecture), which is powered by three wheel-mounted electric motors. The car needs 7.8 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint, can reach a top speed of 105 mph (170 km/h) and offers a driving range of 100 miles (162 km) per charge.
According to the manufacturer, the EV is expected to have a retail price of under $35,000 when it enters the market.
Google News