ZAP Alias Electric Car To Compete For The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE

Santa Rosa, CA - The Alias electric car from industry pioneer ZAP has been accepted to compete for the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE.

The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE (PIAXP) is a technology-neutral competition open to teams from around the world that can design and build production-capable 100 MPGe (miles per gallon energy equivalent) vehicles that are affordable and meet market needs for capability, safety and performance.

The ZAP Alias is a 100% plug-in 2-seater capable of freeway speeds that will compete in the alternative category of the PIAXP, which was formed to encourage creativity in vehicle designs. The alternative class requires only two seats and an effective cruising range of 100 miles.

More than 35 teams from around the world have been accepted as registered contenders for the PIAXP. In the coming months, the PIAXP will announce details of a dynamic stage competition in which vehicles will be tested and showcased in real world conditions. Winners will share the $10M prize purse, funded by Progressive Insurance. Registration closes February 28.

"The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is fostering innovation and competition in the auto industry," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. "As we were planning the Alias, we came across the X PRIZE Foundation and quickly decided that competing for this prize would be the best way to launch the vehicle. We acknowledge the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE will be a hotly contested competition, but car-buyers will be the ultimate winners."

"This competition will result in more choices of more fuel-efficient vehicles for drivers and will be a catalyst for moving this technology forward, faster," said Glenn Renwick, CEO of Progressive Insurance.

ZAP is negotiating with parts suppliers on final production of the Alias but plans to sell a limited number of handcrafted Signature Series models in 2009. Reservations are now being accepted for the Alias on ZAP's website at http://www.zapworld.com.

SOURCE: ZAP