There is independent front wheel suspension and rack and pinion steering with permanently sealed tie-rod ends. Because of the use of automotive aluminum for the frame and ABS body panels, this 3 door hatchback weighs in at a mere 1,200 pounds.
Although it is perfect for city driving and short commutes, it is the range that seems to limit its value as a replacement to the family automobile.
Government regulations such as the FMVSS 500 standard in the United States and the CMVSS standard in Canada sets limits on the top speed for low speed electric vehicles, as well as setting safety requirements.
It is supposed that higher speeds are certainly possible, but the need to recharge the batteries after around 35 miles of driving is a problem that needs to be overcome. The Zenn takes about 8-9 hours to fully recharge although it is 80% recharged in the just 4 hours.
The relatively high cost of the Zenn, MSRP between $12,000 and $15,000 is certainly a result of smaller production totals, and does not represent a true idea of the cost of the vehicle should it ever be manufactured in the massive quantities of today’s automobiles. It is very likely that the Zenn might just be a glimpse into the future of transportation.
