Stevens launch Zecar and Zevan
Mar 3rd, 2008 by Kelvin
One of our favourite ‘finger on the pulse’ sites Green Car Congress has this brief report on the new British EVs comming out of Wales shortly. Some of you will have read the extensive article in The Telegraph
Stevens Vehicles Ltd., a new UK manufacturer of electric city vehicles, has announced its two current products: the Zecar and the Zevan. Both are equipped with two brushless AC motors delivering 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque, powered by a sealed lead-acid gel battery pack.
Top speed for the Ze vehicles is 56 mph (90 kph), with a range of 56 miles (90 km). Acceleration from 0-40 mph takes 15 seconds. For drivers requiring greater range, Stevens offers a larger battery pack with 50% more range.
The Zecar is short (3m) and tall (1.8m), making it easy to park as well as easy to see, according to the company. The vehicle is built with a steel chassis and safety cage. Stevens says that it has commissioned the government’s Transport Research Laboratory to undertake research to prove that it will keep occupants safe in the toughest crash tests.
The company plans additional variants of the Ze line, including a long wheelbase van, a pickup and a taxi (Zecab). A “stylish leisure car†is also under consideration, a contemporary version of the Cipher concept car, first shown in 1980.
Stevens says that it is exploring the future incorporation of different battery technologies such a s lithium-ion to extend range, as well as options such as a range-extender architecture.
Base price for the Zecar is £15,000 (US$29,800), including VAT.
