Volvo: PML FlightLink is working "exclusively" with us (Zap-X delayed?)
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Volvo, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Zap
In an interview, Ichiro Sugioka, project leader of Volvo's Recharge electric car concept, says PML FlightLink is "currently working exclusively for us." If that was not clear enough, Ichiro adds "all their efforts is going into our projects." The interviewer presses for more information, even mentioning PML's relationship with Lotus, but Ichiro is very clear. You can see this exchange three minutes into the video below the fold.
Why is this notable? Green car fans will recall the PML's in-wheel motors were going to be a key part of the Zap-X. I guess we should have noticed the relationship was probably over because Zap said it had some exclusive rights with PML and then PML started to work with Volvo. Companies don't write press release saying relationships have fallen apart. So, what does this mean for the release date for the Zap-X, the Lotus-designed, affordable, electric car?
Zap never made an exact release date for the Zap-X public, so it's hard to say the date has slipped. I would assume the internal date must have slipped a little bit. While Zap makes great products, they are probably one of the more out-sourced electric vehicle companies. I always imagined Zap, Miles or Tesla would be bought out sooner or later by a large automaker trying to catch up.
This little soap opera makes me think the top automakers just might bypass the middle man and work with the smaller technology companies instead.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-22-2008 @ 3:25PM
ug said...
This guy gets on my nerves. He says that it will be at least A DECADE until a car like this is sold. So this project is nothing but irrelevant greenwashing.
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1-22-2008 @ 3:46PM
Kardax said...
Lascelles Linton, explain to me why would anyone want to buy-out ZAP or Miles? They outsource absolutely everything. There's nothing to "buy".
If you wanted to "cut out the middle-man", you'd go straight to ZAP's/Miles's suppliers and forget the company that puts the logo on it.
Actually... this is exactly what Volvo is doing. ZAP claimed that they were working with PML on the wheel motors, so Volvo went straight to PML.
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1-22-2008 @ 4:29PM
Mort said...
The Japanese are clearly in bed with the U.S. PTB, but it is just as clear that they have the quality minded engineers that will be required for an EV to be successful. I have a great deal of hopes pinned on Japan. The wind infrastructure is coming together over here, now all we need is a bad assed EV.
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1-22-2008 @ 5:10PM
Domenick said...
Speaking of bad ass ev's, wasn't the Lightning supposed to have PML Flightlink wheels? I haven't heard a word from them since their initial announcement.
It's good to hear PML is still a going concern though. Their website hasn't been updated in a while. I wanted to hear how the Mini was working out but I guess the Volvo news is good news.
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1-22-2008 @ 6:03PM
Chris M said...
"wasn't the Lightning supposed to have PML Flightlink wheels?"
And a few others, Including the Hybrid Technology "E-Mini". Maybe it is a "limited exclusive", covering only production plug-in hybrids, and not covering EVs or prototypes.
Or it could be that Volvo is going exclusively with PML Flightlink motors, not the other way around?
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1-22-2008 @ 7:44PM
GeorgeBush said...
ZAP is a vaporware/stock-scam company. No surprise here.
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1-22-2008 @ 11:56PM
driller said...
Here is the reaL INTERVIEW WITH Ichiro Sugioka.
There is no word about exclusive rights!They work together!
Of course it is easier and cheaper to cut ZAP and the other EV companies from their supplier.
ZAP is the only one with strong partners like Youngman and Lotus. They already use wheel motors for their scooters!
http://www.carlist.com/blog/?p=753
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1-23-2008 @ 12:03AM
driller said...
ZAP has "exclusive rights" to PML technology for 3 wheel vehicles and "non-exclusive" rights for 4 wheel vehicles:
http://www.secinfo.com/d1znFa.u1V3.a.htm
Reply
1-23-2008 @ 7:44AM
Lascelles Linton said...
Kardax, You ask me something that I conclude in the article, a conclusion I am sure you read because you quote it. A little confusing. Anyway, to defend the company a bit here, the smaller EV companies don't just call someone and say stick my logo on the car. They have things; contracts, relationships and even if they have nothing, they have brand. The reason bigger companies buy small companies is not because they can't do what they are doing, it's because they would rather not waste the time and the risk of failing. In the dot com days, you could even argue the bigger companies had to buy because when they tried they just "didn't get it." That's actually the main reason I predict a sale. I don't think all these dot com people making electric cars are in this for charity. I think they think, GM is the new IBM.
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1-23-2008 @ 3:14PM
Michael said...
I'm pretty sure that ZAP has never actually intended to build/sell/deliver the ZAP-X. Although they at one time had modified their web site to allow for people to place deposits for this vehicle, they never got that option to work and never responded to me when I notified them that I was unable to place a deposit.
Reply
2-16-2008 @ 10:26PM
NO OIL said...
You guys dont care about the truth you only care about where you are in your postings. It's how you get paid.
Volvo is working exclusively with PML (meaning they are not testing any other wheel hub motor) PML is not working exclusively with Volvo. (meaning they may sell to others) I know I know, its a very hard concept to understand and it doesnt create enough controversy when you say it that way. ZAP only has exclusive for the 3wheel vehicles markets and non exclusive with 4wheel markets. If you do a quick search you may also find out that there is a bit of a race with battery manufactures and a bit of a race with wheel hub motors and almost every other technology that goes into and electric car. The question is not who will be using toshiba or GBT batteries or PML hubmotors or UQM hubmotors (all claiming the same crap) the question is that who will build a real car and get it to market. That is the only question.
By the way PML hasnt had a single vehicle even work with their motor yet. Just call them!
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