ZAP, the electric car company, has appointed Lotus Engineering to design new concepts for a number of new models.

The two companies have entered into a feasibility study to ‘create a new generation of ultra-efficient electric automobiles from concept to production’.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus, said: "Initial assessments conducted by ZAP indicate that there is a strong opportunity to create a new generation of electric cars that provide a superior driving experience while being practical and affordable.

“We will use our automotive technology background to look in greater detail at a range of factors to produce a detailed analysis of these opportunities."