ZENN
| ZENN | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | ZENN Motor Company of Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Also called | Feel Good Cars |
| Production | 2006–2010 |
| Assembly | Saint-Jérôme, Quebec |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | NEV/LSV |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 3,100 mm (122.0 in) |
| Width | 1,600 mm (63.0 in) |
| Height | 1,400 mm (55.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,200 lb (544 kg) |
ZENN (Zero Emission, No Noise) is a two-seat battery electric vehicle that was built by ZENN Motor Company of Canada from 2006 to 2010, designed to qualify as a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV). It has a range of up to 40 mi (64 km) and is speed-limited to 25 mph (40 km/h). On earlier production models, there was an option of a 'Discovery Pack' which increased the ZENN's range a few miles. In later models it was standard.
In September 2009 CEO Ian Clifford announced that ZENN was ceasing car production to concentrate on selling its drive-train technology to other manufacturers. The company had only sold a total of 500 vehicles and cited slow sales as a reason for the decision. Production of the ZENN LSV ceased on March 2010, and service support and provision of parts ended on June 30, 2013.
The vehicle is based on the Microcar MC2,in production in France since the early 2000s, and produced under license from Microcar's parent company Bénéteau. The Microcar MC2, and the short wheelbase MC1, are sold in Europe with 500cc diesel engines, and are considered "Quadricycles" there.
Electric power is stored in six 12V lead-acid gel batteries, which has a recharge cycle of 8 hours. Valve regulated (low maintenance) lead-acid AGM cells were available at extra cost initially, then included as standard equipment in later models.
Also optional were a retractable fabric sunroof, air conditioning, floor mats, and audio entertainment center. The vehicle originally was built with a DC motor and GE controller, and in 2008 was modified with an AC motor and Curtis controller. The AC motor was stated to be better for hill climbing, initial acceleration, and overall performance.
On January 16, 2007 EEStor, Inc. announced plans to ship 15 kilowatt-hour Electrical Energy Storage Units (EESU) to ZENN Motor Company by end of 2007 for use in the ZENN electric vehicles. In a July 2009 interview, CEO Ian Clifford stated that EEStor anticipate "deliver of production prototype EESU to us by the end of 2009".
ZMC entered into an agreement with EEStor dated August 24, 2004 (with subsequent amendments dated November 26, 2004, September 30, 2005, August 8, 2006 and January 22, 2007) to acquire stock in EEStor and exclusive rights to use EEStor's capacitors. Since 2007, ZMC paid $10 million to EEStor for rights and 10.7% ownership, but has not yet received a prototype from EEStor.
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