It's speculation time again. Zap has announced that they will be making an announcement next month about another proposed electric vehicle. Based on what we know about Zap, what kind of vehicle might this be? With the $30,000 price target and Zap's limited resources to develop a vehicle, it will almost assuredly be based on something that already exists, much like the Zap-X is supposed to be based on the Lotus APX concept.

That brings up the question of what platform might be available for Zap to use? Based on Zap's history so far and those limited resources the company is likely to lean toward a three wheeler. As Zap's Alex Campbell explained in a video with Matt Kelly of the Next Gear, they like the three wheel configuration because it's classed as a motorcycle and doesn't have to be crashed tested or meet any crash standards.

Continue reading about what might be after the jump.

Click on the image for a gallery of 29 images of the VentureOne concept and the Carver three-wheeler.

This is the second part in an interview with Ian Bruce, founder of Venture Vehicles, where he talks about safety aspects of the VentureOne concept, and projected sales growth. In the first part of the interview, Ian shared with us his background with Venture Vehicles, and comments on the design of the VentureOne. Click here to go to part one of the interview.

If you haven't already, be sure to read our guide to the VentureOne first as background to this insightful interview.

ABG: Is the small internal combustion engine used in the hybrid variant taken straight out of a motorbike? What flex-fuel capabilities does it have?

IB: The genset is the other main component in our series-hybrid configuration, and we have a great deal of flexibility in choosing the final configuration. The principal requirement is that it run efficiently while generating a sustained 15kW using standard gasoline, E100, or any blend in between. We only require a small sensor in the fuel system that can detect the relative percentage of ethanol in the fuel and adjust the injection volumes to suit. We plan to use the airflow from the battery cooling system to keep the fuel lines and engine at a minimum temperature, and avoid any cold weather start-up problems associated with E100.

Interview continues after the jump.

Click on the image for a gallery of 29 images of the VentureOne concept and the Carver three-wheeler.

It is my pleasure to bring you a comprehensive interview with Ian Bruce, founder of Venture Vehicles and their EVP Design & Engineering. Venture Vehicles are creating the VentureOne, a new, greener version of the Carver three-wheeler to be designed and built in California. The Carver pioneered an innovative take on personal transport, combining aspects of both motorcycles and cars to create a fun and efficient way to cruise around. The VentureOne will build upon this platform with updates for safety, performance, improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

If you haven't already, be sure to read our guide to the VentureOne first as background to this insightful interview. Ian, who originally sent us details on the VentureOne himself, was incredibly generous with his time in answering my questions with the final interview being too long to post in one go. As such, I have split the interview in half and it will be run over two days.

Today, we cover Ian's personal background and involvement with Venture Vehicles, plus the design of the VentureOne concept.

ABG: What is your role with Venture Vehicles? Tell us a bit more about your background in the auto industry.

IB: I'm the founder of Venture Vehicles, along with my partner Howard Levine, but my official title is EVP of Design & Engineering. While I'm not coming from an automotive background, I've been an avid motorcycle enthusiast and general gear-head all my life. I don't think that's a detriment -- what was needed was the ability to recognize an opportunity, and the will to carry it out. Frankly, I couldn't see Ford or GM pursuing something like this much beyond the concept stage.

Volkswagen did with the GX3, but killed the project due to liability concerns. You're probably aware that VW's "Moonraker" team created the vehicle's styling -- but the actual chassis, or "mule", was designed, engineered, and built by Swift Engineering in Southern California.

The lead engineer on that project was Chris Norris, who is now doing the chassis, suspension and propulsion engineering for the VentureOne. We're fortunate to have him as he probably has more experience with 3-wheelers than anyone else in the country. (BTW: he was the one videotaping the back of my head).

Interview continues after the jump.

Triazuma, Quadrazuma (click here for Autoblog coverage) and GG-Quad (here for Autoblog)? What do they all have in common, besides the sorta-funny names? These are all vehicles which are based on motorcycles, but with more than the standard two wheels. None of these machines leans, and it is clear that other major automakers and bike builders have considered the idea as well. The benefits to such a machine are good fuel economy, outstanding performance and relatively low price considering the first two points. Negatives are pretty strong ones, though. Such as needing a motorcycle license and the helmet and gear to go along with it.

Personally, I have always liked ideas such as these. If nothing else, some are innovative with two wheels in the front and one in the rear. Piaggio takes another step towards motorcycles with the leaning MP3, but it has a rather small engine for highway use. Small manufacturers have been building trikes for a very long time now, and sidecar bikes (or hacks, rigs etc.) are available from manufacturers such as Ural and Harley Davidson. Would you ever consider commuting in a vehicle such as this?

[Source: The Kneeslider]