Zapp (ZAPP) CEO On Electric Scooters & Urban Electric Mobility

Summary

Zap, a UK-based electric vehicle company, debuts its fully electric two-wheelers in the public market via a SPAC deal. CEO Swin chatsuan highlights the global two-wheel market's potential, similar to the US luxury car market. The company's range of eco-friendly, recyclable models starts from £6,000, offering up to 40 miles per charge with swappable batteries. With a focus on quality and sustainability, Zap aims to expand to Europe, South Asia, and eventually North America, leveraging contract manufacturing and support from the Export-Import Bank of Thailand.

Takeaways

• 🚀 Zap, an electric two-wheeler company, has debuted in the public trading world after a SPAC deal.
• 🌍 The global two-wheel market is as large as the U.S luxury car and pickup truck markets combined, yet less saturated.
• 🛵 Zap's electric vehicles are fully electric, with no hybrid options due to design constraints.
• 💷 The cost of Zap's electric vehicles ranges from £6,500 to £10,000, depending on the model and materials used.
• ♻️ The company emphasizes sustainability, using upcycled or recycled components in their vehicles.
• 🔋 Zap's electric scooters use small, portable batteries that can be charged anywhere, offering flexibility and 'infinite' range.
• ⏱ The charging time for the batteries is approximately 40 minutes to 80% using a fast charger.
• 🌐 While the U.S. market may not be ready for two-wheelers as a primary mode of transport, Zap sees potential in Europe and Asia.
• 🔢 The company is already taking reservations and has a waitlist, with an estimated two-month delivery time.
• 💼 The SPAC debut helps Zap with working capital, allowing them to focus on product development without heavy capital expenditure.
• 🚚 Zap is initially shipping to Europe, with plans to expand to Southeast Asia, India, and North America in subsequent phases.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Zap's product design?

Zap's product design focuses on making mobility fun, with an emphasis on creating a fully electric two-wheel vehicle.

What is the size of the global two-wheel market compared to the U.S luxury car market?

The global two-wheel market is about the same size as the U.S luxury car market and the U.S pickup truck market.

Why has the traditional motorcycle industry not made substantial changes to their products worldwide?

Traditional motorcycle companies have not made substantial changes because they have been focused on basic transportation, particularly in local markets like China, and have not innovated significantly in other regions such as Europe, Southeast Asia, and India.

What materials are used in Zap's electric vehicles, and how does this relate to their sustainability goals?

Zap uses recycled plastic, ocean recycled PET, hemp composite, and carbon fiber composite in their vehicles, aligning with their goal to create a sustainable product that goes beyond zero emissions.

What is the approximate cost range of Zap's electric vehicles in pounds?

The cost of Zap's electric vehicles ranges from approximately six to ten thousand pounds, with the basic recycled plastic-bodied version starting at the lower end of the range.

How far can Zap's electric vehicles travel on a single charge?

Zap's electric vehicles can travel about 60 kilometers or 40 miles on a single charge with the use of two portable batteries.

What is the flexibility offered by Zap's battery design?

Zap's battery design offers flexibility as the batteries are portable, lightweight, and can be charged using any domestic socket, allowing users to take them anywhere and extend the range indefinitely.

How long does it take to charge the batteries of Zap's electric vehicles?

It takes about an hour to charge from 20 to 80 percent using a lightweight charger, and about 40 minutes with a fast charger.

Are Zap's electric vehicles currently available for purchase, and what is the waiting time?

Yes, Zap's electric vehicles are available for purchase, and the current waiting time is about two months from the time of reservation.

What regions is Zap focusing on for their initial product shipments?

Zap is initially focusing on shipping to Europe, with plans to expand to Southeast Asia, India, and North America in subsequent phases.

How does the contract manufacturing model benefit Zap financially, and what is the role of the Export-Import Bank of Thailand?

The contract manufacturing model allows Zap to operate without capital expenditure, as the manufacturer bears the cost. The Export-Import Bank of Thailand supports the working capital, enabling Zap to maintain high margins and control over quality without direct investment in factories or tooling.