A new electric vehicle is to be produced in Italy under the name Tazzari Zero. By the beginning of 2010 these cars will have begun their import journey into North America through a company called Verdek-EV. Verdek-EV was appointed as the sole distributor for the North America, Mexico and the Caribbean islands region. The Tazzari brand is situated in Italy within the same region as Ferrari and Lamborghini, but unlike those exotics it will concentrate on small electric vehicles.
The lithium-ion battery-powered Tazzari Zero has been tested to return a range of about 88 miles (142km) before a recharge which can take 6.5 hours on a 220 volt power supply unit. It has a rear-wheel-drive motor with peak torque of 150Nm. Tazzari says the Zero produces no emissions and has a top speed of 56mph but it can be limited to between 25mph and 45mph if required.
Measured dimensions for the two-door mini car are 2.88 metres for length, 1.55 metres width and 1.4 metres height.
For interior comfort features that are included are a radio/CD/MP3 player, leather steering wheel, air conditioning, fog lamps, LED tail lights, a removable sunroof and 15-inch custom coloured wheels.
The car's first public showing will be at the Bologna International Motor Show in December. The estimated launch price should be less than €20,000 a pop.
VERDEK-EV TO BE EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR OF TAZZARI ZERO
- "Made in Italy"
- Electric Vehicle Has Range of Nearly 90 Miles
Barely one year ago VERDEK was formed by Gaetano "Guy" Mannino, president and CEO, to create value for U.S. and foreign companies planning to expand their businesses into new market arenas, especially "Green and Clean Technology." With a worldwide auto industry struggling to succeed with marginally acceptable products in a state of economic crisis, Mannino may prove to be a visionary.
In celebration of the company's first anniversary, Mannino announced today that VERDEK-EV has signed an agreement to be the exclusive distributor for the Italian- manufactured Tazzari ZERO, a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) with lithium-ion batteries that provide a range of 88 miles before recharging at a cost of less than $2. VERDEK-EV's distribution rights include North America, Mexico and the Caribbean islands.
Along with battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and other alternate-fueled vehicles, NEVs are a growing and critical niche within the future of worldwide transportation. With 40% of the world driving less than 40 miles per day, NEVs are optimally suited to satisfy much of the local transportation demands.
The Tazzari ZERO is not another "Made in China" vehicle. Based in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, the home of exotic sports cars like Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati, the Tazzari Group plans to manufacture an innovative, stylish and upscale micro-car for the environmentally concerned urban enthusiast. Tazzari believes that "Made in Italy" will stand for "Best in Class" in the EV market as well.
The sporty, aluminum-bodied Tazzari ZERO delivers zero emissions, has a top speed of 56 mph that will be electronically limited to a maximum speed of 25-45 mph (depending on State regulations) and a number of creature features, such as a removable sunroof, heating and air conditioning, stereo radio with MP3 and CD player, 15" custom colored wheels, performance disc brakes at each corner, fog lamps, leather steering wheel and seats, even cup holders.
The micro-car has a payload of 430 pounds and has a luggage capacity of nearly six cu. ft. Using state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries fairly unique to NEVs, the batteries have an estimated life of 50,000 miles and can be recharged in 9 hours (110 volts), 6.5 hours (220 volts) or 50 minutes (at 80% of the full charge) with optional Super-fast battery charger.
The Tazzari ZERO will be introduced in December 2009 at the Bologna International Motor Show and will be imported to North America immediately thereafter. The Tazzari ZERO - Ecologic, Electric and Dynamic -- is an exciting response to the congested and polluted urban centers.
In the near future, VERDEK-EV and the Tazzari Group also plan to investigate the potential of certifying the Tazzari ZERO as a battery electric vehicle, thereby allowing customers to enjoy the full capability and performance of this exciting micro-car.
VERDEK-EV is currently accepting applications from appropriate dealers for the sale of the Tazzari ZERO throughout the US, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands. For more information, such as downloading a Tazzari ZERO brochure, reserving a vehicle or applying to become a dealer, please visit our web site at www.VERDEK-EV.com .
STANDARD & OPTIONAL FEATURES
- 15" alloy wheels - available in 3 colours:
- anthracite (standard) - white (optional) - black (optional)
- Electronic anti-theft device with remote control and immobilizer
- Window raiser - antipanic device - disconnectable siren (optional)
- Radio stereo RDS with mp3 and CD player
- Removable, venting ultraview sunroof
- Eco-leather seats
- LED tail lights
- Rear fog lamp
- Reversing light
- Standard battery charger (standard) - charge time: 9 hrs. (single-phase power supply)
- Multifast battery charger (optional) - charge time: 6 hrs. (single-phase power supply)
- Superfast battery charger (optional) - charge time: 80% in 50 mins. (3-phase power supply)
- Cup holders
- 12V outlet for phone recharge - Max 50W
PRICE
- MSRP less than € 20,000.00
*All features and specifications are subject to change without notice prior to the scheduled
date of production.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS*
- Body type 2-door
- Length 2884 mm / 113,5"
- Width 1550 mm / 61"
- Height 1400 mm / 55"
- Ground clearance 180 mm / 7"
- Weight w/o batteries 400 kg / 882 lb
- Weight w/batteries 542 kg / 1195 lb
- Payload 195 kg / 430 lb
- Maximum speed (electronically limited*) 80* (50) km/h / 56* (56) mph
- Acceleration 0-31 mph < 5 seconds
- Luggage capacity (litres) 2 luggage areas with 160 litre capacity
- Estimated range / Economy drive 140 km / 88 miles
- Tyres and wheels 175/55 R15
BATTERY SYSTEM
- Type Li-ion Fe
- Charging time 9 / 6,5 h - 80% in 50 min. (with 3-phase power supply)
MOTOR
- Type Rear-wheel drive 3-phase asynch. motor
- Maximum torque peak(Nm) 150
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