Lotus, known for high-performance cars, and ZAP, maker of cheap urban electrical vehicles, have joined the electric car craze and teamed together to create the ZAP-X Crossover.

The vehicle, which debuted at North American Dealers Association (NADA) annual meeting and exhibition, is based on the Lotus APX. A combo of lightweight aluminum architecture, efficient drive, and advanced battery management systems gives the ZAP-X a range of up 350 miles between charges, with a speedy 10-minute recharging time. The conventional V6 engine was replaced by in-hub electric motors delivering 644 horsepower when in all wheel drive, giving the ZAP-X a theoretical top speed of 155 mph.

"It's very satisfying that ZAP's proposed new model will make use of a great deal of the APX concept's advanced body structure and chassis technology." Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus said. "The bringing together of these next-generation vehicle technologies represents another significant step forward for automotive technology."