Roadblocks keep ZENN off streets

http://www.canada.com/theprovince/cars/story.html?id=6af43447-ebe6-442c-add1-9efc6129948f&p=2
Its obvious virtues aren't enough to satisfy government standards
Julie Beun-Chown, For Canwest News Service
Published: Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Dynasty vehicles failed the crash test in 2003. Until such tests are completed on ZENN vehicles, most provinces, with the exception of B.C., will hold off passing legislation permitting their use.

Such roadblocks haven't slowed manufacturers like Mitsubishi, Renault, Volvo and GM from announcing the pending arrival in 2009 and 2010 of next-generation parallel hybrids, which run on either gas or electricity, and series hybrids, which use a motor-fed generator to power the electric drive train. In 2009, ZENN will also launch a highway-certified vehicle capable of speeds up to 125 km/h. Still largely under wraps, the cityZENN will be powered by an innovative glass and aluminum-coated ceramic battery designed by Texas-based company, Eestor.

Capable of travelling 804 kilometres on stored power, it will take just five minutes to charge, but only at purpose-built recharging stations, not unlike gas stations.


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Font:****According to Curran Crawford, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Victoria, it's a disruptive technology that will change the game, although he predicts diesel or gas hybrids will dominate eco-car technology for at least a decade.

In the meantime, Clifford concedes that his dream of replacing his Henney with a ZENN two-seater is remote. "We have thousands and thousands of Canadians interested in electric vehicles. Canadians really want some options," says Clifford.

Its obvious virtues aren't enough to satisfy government standards
Julie Beun-Chown, For Canwest News Service
Published: Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Dynasty vehicles failed the crash test in 2003. Until such tests are completed on ZENN vehicles, most provinces, with the exception of B.C., will hold off passing legislation permitting their use.

Such roadblocks haven't slowed manufacturers like Mitsubishi, Renault, Volvo and GM from announcing the pending arrival in 2009 and 2010 of next-generation parallel hybrids, which run on either gas or electricity, and series hybrids, which use a motor-fed generator to power the electric drive train. In 2009, ZENN will also launch a highway-certified vehicle capable of speeds up to 125 km/h. Still largely under wraps, the cityZENN will be powered by an innovative glass and aluminum-coated ceramic battery designed by Texas-based company, Eestor.

Capable of travelling 804 kilometres on stored power, it will take just five minutes to charge, but only at purpose-built recharging stations, not unlike gas stations.


Email to a friend

Printer friendly
Font:****According to Curran Crawford, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Victoria, it's a disruptive technology that will change the game, although he predicts diesel or gas hybrids will dominate eco-car technology for at least a decade.

In the meantime, Clifford concedes that his dream of replacing his Henney with a ZENN two-seater is remote. "We have thousands and thousands of Canadians interested in electric vehicles. Canadians really want some options," says Clifford.

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