ZAP Jonway launches hybrid CNG SUV targeting alternative fuel markets

ZAP, an automotive company headquartered in Santa Rosa, Calif., and focused on electric vehicles, is adding to its product line. It introduced a hybrid compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle on March 27, 2013, as an additional product in its line of new energy vehicles. The vehicle is the Jonway Auto A 380 SUV.
The hybrid CNG engine in the CN 380 seamlessly allows the driver to utilize the regular gasoline engine when the CNG fuel is depleted, and also automatically uses gasoline as fuel to run the engine when it is in a cold-start state and the engine is warming up. The CNG tank capacity is the same as the gasoline tank, thus offering the driver double the amount of fuel available.
ZAP Jonway is leveraging the existing A380 SUV platform to offer two models for its CN 380, either a 1.6 L or 2.0 L for manual transmissions or a 1.8 L for both automatic as well as manual transmissions. There is a growing demand for alternative energy vehicles in many South American countries, especially with the escalating cost of gasoline fuel. The savings in fuel cost by going to CNG is estimated to be around 60 to 65%. China is also opening up the market for CNG in many of its southern provinces.
ZAP Jonway is now marketing and promoting this CNG product line for its international market, targeting South America initially where CNG fueling stations are popular, with the goal of addressing the U.S. market some time in the future when the vehicle is fully approved for the U.S.
ZAP Jonway, which stands for ZAP and its subsidiary company in China, Jonway Automobile, designs and manufactures quality, affordable gasoline and new energy electric vehicles (EVs).
Jonway Automobile has ISO 9000 manufacturing facilities, engineering, sales and customer services facilities located in Zhejiang province in China.
ZAP Jonway has a production capacity of up to 50,000 vehicles per year, and has a sales distribution network in China. ZAP, an early pioneer of EVs, brings to both companies a broad range of EV design experience that is applied to the new product lines.
(March 27, 2013)