Distribution fees.
Distribution Fees Net
Distribution fees, net
Distribution agreements, net
Foreign exchange rate used to translate amounts denominated in functional currency to reporting currency.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Translation Income Statement
Average currency exchange rate
Inventory provision related to non-controlling interests.
Inventory Provision Non Controlling Interest
Current provision for Jonway Auto
Inventory provision for the controlling entity during the period, net of noncontrolling interest.
Inventory Provision Controlling Entity
Current provision for inventory ZAP-net
Property Plant Equipment, Land Use Right, Software [Member]
Property Plant Equipment, Land Use Right, Software [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, as well as land use rights and software [Member]
The current period expense charged against earnings (excluding amortization of distribution agreement) on long-lived, physical assets not used in production, and which are not intended for resale, to allocate or recognize the cost of such assets over their useful lives; or to record the reduction in book value of an intangible asset over the benefit period of such asset; or to reflect consumption during the period of an asset that is not used in production.
Depreciation And Amortization, Excluding Amortization Of Distribution Agreement
Depreciation and amortization
Jonway Auto [Member]
Jonway Auto [Member]
ZAP [Member]
Zap Company [Member]
ZAP [Member]
Zap Hong Kong [Member]
ZAP Hong Kong [Member]
Sanmen Branch Of Zhejiang UFO Automobile [Member]
Sanmen Branch Of Zhejiang Ufo Automobile [Member]
Sanmen Branch [Member]
Jonway and ZAP [Member]
Jonway And Zap [Member]
JAZ [Member]
Amendment Flag
Jonway Motor Cycle [Member]
Jonway Motor Cycle [Member]
Jonway Group [Member]
Jonway Group [Member]
Jonway Group [Member]
Taizhou Huadu [Member]
Taizhou Huadu [Member]
Shanghai Zapple [Member]
Shanghai Zapple [Member]
Shanghai Zapple [Member]
Better World [Member]
Better World [Member]
Better World Products [Member]
Represents information pertaining to Taizhou Jonway Electric Vehicle Selling Co.
Taizhou Jonway Electric Vehicle Selling Co [Member]
Taizhou Jonway Electric Vehicle Selling Co [Member]
Represents information pertaining to Zhejiang Jonway Painting Co. Ltd.
Zhejiang Jonway Painting Co Ltd [Member]
Zhejiang Jonway Painting Co. Ltd. [Member]
Cathaya Operations Management Limited Member.
Cathaya Operations [Member]
Cathaya Operations Management Ltd.
Represents information pertaining to the Cathaya Management Ltd.
Cathaya Management Ltd [Member]
Cathaya Management Ltd [Member]
Number of Number Of Vehicles Assembled Number Of Vehicles Assembled
Number Of Vehicles Assembled
Number of vehicles assembled
Contractual Fee Per Vehicle
Contractual Fee Per Vehicle
Contractual fee per vehicle
Schedule Of Related Party Contract Fees [Table Text Block]
Schedule Of Related Party Contract Fees [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Contract Rates
The First 3,000 Vehicles [Member]
First Three Thousand Vehicles [Member]
First 3,000 Vehicles [Member]
Vehicles From 3,001 To 5,000 [Member]
Vehicles From Three Thousand One To Five Thousand [Member]
Vehicles 3,001 to 5,000 [Member]
Vehicles Over 5,000 [Member]
Vehicles Over Five Thousand [Member]
Over 5,000 Vehicles [Member]
Represents the term of the guarantee or each group of similar guarantees.
Guarantee Term
Period of guarantee
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Represents information pertaining to Shanghai PuDong Development Bank.
Shanghai Pu Dong Development Bank [Member]
Shanghai PuDong Development Bank [Member]
Represents information pertaining to Taizhou Jonway Jing Mao Trading Ltd.
Taizhou Jonway Jing Mao Trading Ltd [Member]
Taizhou Jonway Jing Mao Trading Ltd. [Member]
Stock issued during period to pay outstanding balance due to related parties.
Stock Issued during Period Value Due to Related Parties
Common stock issued to settle outstanding balance due to related parties and third parties
Issue 35,915,360 shares of common stock to settle oustanding balance due to related parties and third parties
Stock issued for due to related parties
Stock issued during period to pay outstanding balance due to related parties, shares
Stock Issued during Period Shares due to Related Parties
Stock issued for due to related parties and third parties, shares
Stock issued for due to related parties, shares
Common stock issued to settle outstanding balance due to related parties and third parties, shares
Debt conversion market price difference, percentage.
Debt Conversion Market Price Difference Percentage
Conversion of debt, percentage below market price
Represents the number of stock issued during period to settle the cash advance.
Stock Issued During Period Shares Settlement of Cash Advance
Stock issued to settle the cash advance, shares
Represents the amount of stock issued during period to settle the cash advance.
Stock Issued During Period Value Settlement of Cash Advance
Stock issued to settle the cash advance
Stock issued during period to pay interest payable, value.
Stock Issued during Period Value Interest Payable
Common stock issued to settle interest payable
Issue 15,166,651 shares of common stock to settle interest payable
Stock issued to pay interest
Stock issued during period to pay interest payable, shares.
Stock Issued during Period Shares Interest Payable
Common stock issued to settle interest payable, shares
Stock issued to pay interest payable, shares
Stock issued to settle interest payable, shares
China Electric Vehicle Corporation Member
China Electric Vehicle Corporation [Member]
CEVC [Member]
Shares to be issued
Shares To Be Issued
Common stock to be issued, shares
Document Period End Date
Major Management Limited Member.
Major Management Limited [Member]
Max Reliance Management Limited Member
Max Reliance Management Limited [Member]
New Dragon Management Limited Member
New Dragon Management Limited [Member]
Jeffery And Karen Bank Member.
Jeffery And Karen Bank [Member]
Letter Of Commitment Member
Letter Of Commitment [Member]
Incentive revenue offered for electric vehicles.
Electric Vehicle Incentive Per Vehicle
Per electric vehicle incentive
ZAP Hangzhou [Member]
Zap Hangzhou [Member]
ZAP Hangzhou [Member]
Hangzhou ZAP [Member]
Cash deposit requried to issue certain debt, stated as a percentage of the debt amount.
Required Cash Deposit As Percentage Of Debt
Required cash deposit
CITIC Bank [Member]
Citic Bank [Member]
CITIC [Member]
Entity [Domain]
Taizhou Bank [Member]
Taizhou Bank [Member]
Taizhou Bank [Member]
The average market price of the vehicle in question in the legal matter.
Average Market Price Of Vehicle In Question
Average market price of 2008 Xebra
The number of vehicles subject to remedy in the legal matter.
Number Of Vehicles Subject To Remedy
Number of vehicles subject to remedy
The number of vehicles that were shipped to customers that are subject to remedy in the legal matter.
Number Of Vehicles Subject To Remedy That Were Shipped
Number of vehicles shipped
The amount of civil penalties the company would be liable for for each violation.
Civil Penalties Amount
Civil penalties amount per vehicle
Number of refund requests
Refund Requests Number
Number of refund requests
Number of refund requests granted
Refund Requests Granted Number
Number of refunds granted
China Everbright Bank [Member]
China Everbright Bank [Member]
Everbright Bank [Member]
China Everbright Bank
Industrial And Commercial Bank Of China [Member]
Industrial And Commercial Bank Of China [Member]
ICBC [Member]
Advanced Technology Vehicles [Member]
Advanced Technology Vehicles [Member]
Cathaya Capital [Member]
Date the warrants or rights expire, in CCYY-MM-DD format.
Class Of Warrant Or Rights Expiration Date
Expiration Date
Disclosure for convertible bond information.
Convertible Bond [Text Block]
CONVERTIBLE BOND
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS [Abstract]
Distribution Agreements, Accumulated Amortization
Less amortization
Distribution Agreements, By Companies [Axis]
Distribution Agreements, By Companies [Axis]
Distribution Agreements, By Companies [Domain]
Distribution Agreements, By Companies [Domain]
Distribution Agreements, Gross
Distribution Agreements Gross
Distribution agreements
Distribution Agreements [Line Items]
Distribution Agreements [Line Items]
Distribution Agreements [Member]
Distribution Agreements [Member]
Distribution Agreements [Table]
Distribution Agreements [Table]
Distribution Agreements [Text Block]
Distribution Agreements [Text Block]
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Goldenstone Worldwide [Member]
Goldenstone Worldwide [Member]
Jonway Products [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Income Tax [Table]
Income Tax [Table]
Insurance Premiums [Member]
Insurance Premiums [Member]
Amortization and cumulated translation adjustments for intangible assets during the period.
Intangible Assets Amortization And Cumulative Translation Adjustments
Amortization and accumulated translation adjustments ("ATA")
Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Land Use Rights, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Intangible Assets Finite Lived Land Use Rights [Policy Text Block]
Land use Rights
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets [Table]
Intangible Assets [Table]
Land Use Rights and Software [Member]
Land Use Rights and Software [Member]
Non-Controlling Interests [Policy Text Block]
Non Controlling Interests [Policy Text Block]
Non-Controlling Interests
The number of notes payable under the debt instrument.
Number Of Notes Payable
Number of notes payable
Patents, Trademarks, Customer Relationships and Developed Technology [Member]
Patents, Trademarks, Customer Relationships and Developed Technology [Member]
The price of each vehicle sold.
Price Of Vehicles Sold
Price of vehicles sold
Adjustment to the carrying amount of inventory for amounts not recognizable for reasons other than valuation reserves and adjustments from normal operations.
Reserved Inventory
Reserve for inventory pending litigation
Accounting policy regarding operations risks and uncertainties due to political, economic and legal environment.
Risks and Uncertainties [Policy Text Block]
Risks and Uncertainties
Schedule Of Bank Acceptance Notes [Table Text Block]
Schedule Of Bank Acceptance Notes [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Bank Acceptance Notes
Schedule Of Distribution Agreements [Table Text Block]
Schedule Of Distribution Agreements [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Distribution Agreements
Schedule of Equity Method Investments, Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments Income Loss [Table Text Block]
Schedule Of Losses From Joint Ventures
Tabular disclosure of the estimated amortization expense for distribution agreements subject to amortization.
Schedule of Estimated Future Amortization Expense, Agreements [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Estimated Future Amortization Expense Related to Agreements
Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives of Property and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives of Property and Equipment
Tabular disclosure of the amount of amortization expense expected to be recorded in succeeding fiscal years for finite-lived intangible assets classified as fixed assets.
Schedule Of Fixed Assets Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Future Amortization Expense
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Series B Warrants [Member]
Series B Warrants [Member]
Entity Voluntary Filers
Series C Warrants [Member]
Series C Warrants [Member]
Entity Current Reporting Status
Series D Warrants [Member]
Series D Warrants [Member]
Entity Filer Category
Amount of accumulated difference between fair value of underlying shares on and exercise price on options forfeited and expired during the period.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Forfeitures And Expirations In Period Intrinsic Value
Options forfeited and expired
Entity Public Float
Spare Parts [Member]
Spare Parts [Member]
Entity Registrant Name
Sport Utility Vehicles [Member]
Sport Utility Vehicles [Member]
Entity Central Index Key
Number of shares issued to board members during the period.
Stock Issued During Period Shares Board Members
Stock Issuance for Board Members, shares
Value of stock issued to board members during the period.
Stock Issued During Period Value Board Members
Stock Issuance for Board Members
Three-door SUV mold equipment .
Three Door Sport Utility Vehicle Mold [Member]
3-door SUV mold [Member]
Transaction Five [Member]
Transaction Five [Member]
Transaction Five [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Transaction Four [Member]
Transaction Four [Member]
Transaction Four [Member]
Transaction One [Member]
Transaction One [Member]
Transaction One [Member]
Transaction Six [Member]
Transaction Six [Member]
Transaction Six [Member]
Transaction Three [Member]
Transaction Three [Member]
Transaction Three [Member]
Transaction Two [Member]
Transaction Two [Member]
Transaction Two [Member]
Voltage Vehicles Car Lot [Member]
Voltage Vehicles Car Lot [Member]
Warrants Class Four [Member]
Warrants Class Four [Member]
$0.70 Warrants-Unrestricted [Member]
Warrants Class One [Member]
Warrants Class One [Member]
Series D-2 Restricted [Member]
Warrants Class Three [Member]
Warrants Class Three [Member]
$0.50 Warrants-Restricted [Member]
Warrants Class Two [Member]
Warrants Class Two [Member]
$0.50 Warrants-Restricted [Member]
Yinzuo Bank [Member]
Yinzuo Bank [Member]
Represents the increase in amount of current borrowing capacity under the credit facility considering any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed (for example, borrowings may be limited by the amount of current assets), but without considering any amounts currently outstanding under the facility.
Line of Credit Facility Increase in Current Borrowing Capacity
Increase in credit exposure
Amount of amortization expense for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized after the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense after Year Three
Thereafter
CNG Products Member.
CNG Products [Member]
CNG Products [Member]
Represents information pertaining to maximum number of vehicles, which are picked up during the reporting period.
Maximum Number of Vehicles which Are Picked Up
Maximum number of vehicles which are picked up
Represents information pertaining to Urbee.
Urbee [Member]
Urbee [Member]
Represents information pertaining to Korea Yung, one of the note holders.
Korea Yung [Member]
Korea Yung [Member]
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Amount of the principal and interest payments made during the annual reporting period.
Debt Instrument Principal and Interest Payment
Repayment of principal and interest of convertible note
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Represents the number of shares to be released from escrow for repayment of convertible note.
Number of Shares Released from Escrow
Number of shares to be released from escrow for repayment of convertible note
Represents information pertaining to the loan due in February 2015 under credit line facility.
Loan Due in February 2015 [Member]
Loan due in February 2015 [Member]
Represents information pertaining to the loan due in April 2015 under credit line facility.
Loan Due in April 2015 [Member]
Loan Due in April 2015 [Member]
Information by name of lender, which may be a single entity (for example, but not limited to, a bank, pension fund, venture capital firm) or a group of entities that participate in various debt instruments.
Debt Instrument Lender Name [Axis]
Identification of the lender, which may be a single entity (for example, a bank, pension fund, venture capital firm) or a group of entities that participate in various debt instruments.
Debt Instrument Lender Name [Domain]
Represents the amount of impairment loss recognized in the period resulting from the write-down of the carrying amount of distribution rights.
Impairment Loss on Distribution Rights
Impairment loss on Distribution rights
Represents the reserved amount of inventory for obsolescence.
Inventory Valuation Reserves for Obsolescence
Inventory reserves for obsolescence
This element represents shareholders equity (deficiency) with repect to statement of equity.
Shareholders Equity Deficiency [Member]
Shareholders' Equity (Deficiency)
Represents the number of stock issued to settle the remaining balance of convertible bond.
Stock Issued During Period Shares Settlement of Convertible Bond
Number of stock issued to settle the remaining balance of convertible bond
Represents the excess amount of current liabilities over the current assets.
Excess of Current Liabilities Over Current Assets
Current liabilities exceeded current assets
Represents the amount of equity deficiency.
Equity Deficiency
Equity deficiency
Legal Entity [Axis]
Represents the number of maximum business days from written notice for payment of remaining debt.
Number of Maximum Business Days from Written Notice for Payment
Number of maximum business days from written notice for payment
Document Type
Represents information pertaining to Mark Abdou, a member of Board of Directors.
Mark Abdou [Member]
Abdou [Member]
Represents the excess amount of deposit in form of cash and cash equivalents over insurance provided.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Excess Deposits Amount Over Insurance Provided
Excess deposits amount over insurance provided
Represents the anticipated period for trial of product proposed.
Anticipated Period for Trial for Product Proposed
Anticipated period for trial of product proposed
Represents information pertaining to warrant class five.
Warrants Class Five [Member]
$0.50 Warrants-Restricted [Member]
Represents information pertaining to warrant class six.
Warrants Class Six [Member]
$0.50 Warrants-Restricted [Member]
Represents information pertaining to China Merchants Bank.
China Merchants Bank [Member]
China Merchants Bank [Member]
Information pertaining to organization and basis of presentation.
Schedule of Organization and Basis of Presentation [Table]
Organization and Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION [Line Items]
Represents the amount of subsidies receivable from government for model with the advantage that lithium battery versions would be eligible.
Government Subsidies Receivable for Models with Advantage That Lithium Battery Versions
Subsidies from the Chinese central and local governments
Represents the amount of subsidies receivable from central government, if EVs reaching 250km in range per charge.
Subsidies Receivable from Central Government if EVs Reaching 250 km in Range Per Charge
Subsidies from the central government, if EVs reaching 250km in range per charge
Represents the amount of subsidies receivable from local government, if EVs reaching 250km in range per charge.
Subsidies Receivable from Local Government if EVs Reaching 250 km in Range Per Charge
Subsidies from the local government, if EVs reaching 250km in range per charge
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Represents the number of local government cities that are participating in subsidy as required by the central government.
Number of Local Government Cities Participating in Subsidy as Required by Central Government
Number of local government cities that are participating in subsidy as required by the central government
Represents the percentage of government vehicles purchased are required to be full electric.
Percentage of Government Vehicles Purchased Required to be Full Electric
Percentage of government vehicles purchased are required to be full electric
Represents the incentives for gas vehicles in some cities.
Amount of Incentives for Gas Vehicles in Some Cities
Incentives for gas vehicles in some cities
Represents the gasoline model price.
Gasoline Model Price
Gasoline model price
Period to operate the sanmen branch to assemble and sell UFO branded SUV.
Period to Operate Branch to Assemble and Sell Branded Products
Period to operate branch to assemble and sell branded products
Represents the number of new independent directors to appoint.
Number of New Independent Directors to Appoint
Number of new independent directors to appoint
Represents the number of Cathaya board members to be resigned.
Number of Cathaya Board Members to be Resigned
Number of Cathaya board members to be resigned
Represents share price before revision.
Share Price Before Revision
Share price before revision (in dollars per share)
Amount of reduction in judgment or settlement awarded to (against) the entity in respect of litigation.
Litigation Settlement Reduced
Reduction in settlement payment
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current
Accounts receivable, net
Accounts Payable, Current
Accounts payable
Accrued Liabilities, Current
Accrued liabilities
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Less: accumulated depreciation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax
Less: accumulated Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Accumulated Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Reconciling items:
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition
Stock Based Compensation
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Convertible Debt with Conversion Feature
Note discount for convertible senior debt
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Amortization of Financing Costs
Amortization of prepaid interest expense
Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium)
Amortization of debt discount
Antidilutive Securities [Axis]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount
Antidilutive securities
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets
Assets
Total assets
Total assets
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Current assets:
Assets [Abstract]
ASSETS
Assets, Noncurrent
Total other assets
Assets, Current
Total current assets
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Bankers Acceptance [Member]
Bank Acceptance Notes [Member]
Board of Directors Chairman [Member]
Ms. Lu [Member]
Building Improvements [Member]
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable
Value of shares issued for acquisition
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred
Acquisition purchase price
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares
Shares issued for acquisition
Capital
Original registered capital of joint venture
Capitalized Computer Software, Gross
Software
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Restricted Cash
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Mr. Wang [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding
Number of Warrants
Class of Warrant or Right [Axis]
Class of Warrant or Right [Domain]
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights
Exercise price
Exercise Price
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights
Shares called by warrant
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right [Table]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Common stock, no par value; 800 million shares authorized; 460,213,050 and 461,395,508 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
Common Stock, Shares, Issued
Common stock, shares issued
Common Stock, Shares Authorized
Common stock, shares authorized
Common Stock, No Par Value
Common stock, par value
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Common stock, shares outstanding
Compensating Balance, Amount
Restricted cash deposit
Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Stock-based compensation
Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Comprehensive loss attributable to ZAP
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Comprehensive loss
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Less : Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Total comprehensive loss
Computer Equipment [Member]
Computer equipment and software [Member]
Concentration Risk Type [Domain]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain]
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Concentration of Credit Risk
Concentration Risk Type [Axis]
Concentration Risk [Table]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis]
Concentration Risk, Percentage
Concentration risk percentage
Convertible Notes Payable
Convertible notes payable
Convertible Debt [Member]
Senior Convertible Debt [Member]
Convertible Subordinated Debt, Current
Convertible bond
CONVERTIBLE BOND [Abstract]
Convertible Subordinated Debt, Noncurrent
Convertible Bond
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent
Senior convertible debt
Convertible Debt, Current
Senior convertible debt
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member]
Convertible Bond [Member]
Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
ZAP Hangzhou [Member]
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold
Cost of Goods, Total [Member]
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Current provision:
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)
China
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)
USA
US
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Total current provision
Customer Relationships [Member]
Customer Advances, Current
Advances from customers
Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments
Number of shares
Debt Conversion, Original Debt, Amount
Conversion of debt
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start
Beginning maturity date
Beginning maturity date
Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued
Outstanding shares issued
Conversion of debt, shares issued
Shares issued upon conversion of debt
Debt Instrument, Annual Principal Payment
Repayment of principal amount of convertible note
Debt Instrument, Face Amount
Face amount
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Beneficial Conversion Feature
Beneficial conversion feature
LINE OF CREDIT, SHORT TERM DEBT AND BANK ACCEPTANCE NOTES [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger
Percentage of stock price
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount
Collateral amount
Collateral amount
Long-term Debt, Gross
Amount outstanding
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio
Conversion ratio
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
LINE OF CREDIT, SHORT TERM DEBT AND BANK ACCEPTANCE NOTES
Debt Instrument, Term
Term
Debt instrument maturity period
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End
Ending maturity date
Ending maturity date
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount
Bond discount
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Interest
Repayment of interest amount
Debt, Current
Short term debt
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage
Interest rate
Debt Issuance Costs Incurred During Noncash or Partial Noncash Transaction
Prepaid interest expense for JAZ convertible bond
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal
Repayment of principal amount
Cancellation of 1,182,558 shares of common stock issued to pay convertible bond
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component
Equity component
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date
Maturity date
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum
Interest rate, maximum
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum
Interest rate, minimum
Deferred Tax Assets, Property, Plant and Equipment
Property and equipment, due to differences in depreciation
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
USA
US
Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits
Deferred tax expenses(benefit)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Deferred
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
China
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Total Deferred provision (benefit)
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross
Total gross deferred tax assets
Total gross deferred tax assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current
Less: current portion - PRC
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory
Inventories, due to impairment
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance
Net deferred tax assets
Net deferred tax assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Research
R&D credit
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent
Non-current portion
Non-current portion - PRC
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards
Net operating loss carryovers
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance
Valuation allowance
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Capitalized Interest
Amortization of debt discount
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investment in Noncontrolled Affiliates
Reserves on investments
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense
Temporary differences, including Stock based compensation
Temporary differences, including Stock based compensation
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment
Fixed assets, due to differences in depreciation
Fixed assets, due to differences in depreciation
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Deferred Financing Costs
Non-qualified options and warrants
Non qualified options and warrants
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets
Intangible assets, due to impairment
Deposit Assets
Deposits and other assets
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net
Amount reclassified from AOCI
Derivatives, Reporting of Derivative Activity [Policy Text Block]
Derivative Financial Instruments
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Developed Technology [Member]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract]
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
USA [Member]
US [Member]
Due from Related Parties, Noncurrent
Due from related party
Amount due from related party
Due to Related Parties, Current
Due to related party
Amount due to related party
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders:
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted
Basic and diluted
Basic and diluted earnings per share
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]
LOSS PER SHARE
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Loss per Share
LOSS PER SHARE [Abstract]
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent
Effective tax rate
Effective tax rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Percent
U.S. permanent differences
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent
Changes in DTA valuation allowance
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate
U.S. statutory rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent
China income tax rate
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense
Tax benefit recognized for stock- based compensation expense
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options
Unrecognized compensation cost of unvested stock options
Equity Method Investments
Ending balance
Beginning balance
Investment in joint ventures
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]
Schedule Of Joint Venture's Carrying Amount
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage
Ownership percentage
Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment
Loss from equity in joint ventures
Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain]
Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost
Joint venture, capital investment
Equity Component [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURES [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]
INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURES
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired
CNG distribution right acquired
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Fair value of financial instruments
Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Level 2 [Member]
Level 1 [Member]
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Summary of Changes in Level 1 Liabilities
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Current
Remaining receivable
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four
2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Useful life
Estimated useful life
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Estimated future amortization expense:
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross
Intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five
Thereafter
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Two
2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Rolling Twelve Months
2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Five
2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling after Year Five
Thereafter
Finite-Lived Contractual Rights, Gross
Land use right
CNG distribution right
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization
Less: accumulated amortization
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
Land use rights, net
Intangible assets, net
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months
2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Four
2019
Finite-Lived Trade Names, Gross
Trade name
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five
2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two
2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Three
2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three
2017
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
CHINA [Member]
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]
Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation
Currency exchange rate
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets
Loss from disposal of equipment
Gain from disposal of equipment
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax
Loss on sale of marketable securities
Loss on sale of marketable securities
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Equity Investments
Loss from joint venture and other investments
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative
General and administrative
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, ending balance
Goodwill, beginning balance
Goodwill
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments
Amortization and accumulated translation adjustments ("ATA")
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Indefinite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets-Indefinite
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET & GOODWILL [Abstract]
Gross Profit
Gross profit (loss)
Gross profit (loss)
Guarantees [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted
Potential payments under guarantee
Intellectual Property [Member]
Patents and Trademarks [Member]
EPA License [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Name [Domain]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Type [Axis]
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Long-lived Assets
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived
Impairment loss on Intangible assets
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use
Impairment loss on assets
Impairment loss of long-lived assets
Impairment loss on assets
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments
Loss from equity in joint venture
Less: investment loss
Loss from equity in joint ventures
Equity method investment losses
Income Tax Authority [Domain]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes:
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign
China
Income Tax Authority [Axis]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic
United States
Income Tax Contingency [Table]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes
Income tax
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
INCOME TAXES
Income Taxes Paid, Net
Cash paid during period for income taxes
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Income Taxes
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable
Taxes Payable
Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Supplies
Advances to suppliers
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable
Accounts payable
Increase (Decrease) Due from Affiliates
Due from intercompany's
Increase (Decrease) in Due from Related Parties, Current
Due from related parties
Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities
Increase (Decrease) in Customer Advances
Advances from customers
Changes in assets and liabilities: (net of acquisition )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase (Decrease) in Due to Related Parties, Current
Due to related parties
Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Current
Notes Receivable
Increase (Decrease) in Inventories
Inventories
Increase (Decrease) in Other Receivables
Other Receivables
Increase (Decrease) in Other Accounts Payable
Other payables
Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Individual Counterparty [Member]
Individual [Member]
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)
Ending balance
Beginning balance
Intangible assets, net
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET & GOODWILL
Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Intangible Assets-Finite
Interest Payable
Accrued interest payable
Interest Expense
Interest expense, net
Interest Expense, Debt
Interest expense
Interest Paid
Cash paid during period for interest
Inventory, Net
Inventories, net
Inventories, net
Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross
Finished goods
Inventory, Gross
Inventories
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Inventories
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]
INVENTORIES, NET
Inventory Write-down
Changes in inventory reserve
Inventory Valuation Reserves
Ending balance
Beginning balance
Reserved of inventory for obsolescence
Less - inventory reserve
Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Gross
Parts and supplies
INVENTORIES, NET [Abstract]
Inventory Recall Expense
Recall Expenses
Inventory, Work in Process, Gross
Work in Process
Investments in Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures, Fair Value Disclosure
Investments in joint ventures
Issuance of Stock and Warrants for Services or Claims
Stock-based compensation for consulting and other services
Value of shares issued
SENIOR CONVERTIBLE DEBT [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block]
LITIGATION
Liabilities, Current
Total current liabilities
Liabilities and Equity
Total liabilities and equity (deficiency)
Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent
Accrued liabilities and others
Liabilities, Noncurrent
Total Long Term Liabilities
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Current liabilities:
Liabilities
Total liabilities
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Long term liabilities:
Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY ( DEFICIENCY)
Long-term Line of Credit
Amount outstanding
Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Maximum borrowing capacity
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date
Expiration
Lender Name [Axis]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity
Credit exposure
Line of Credit Facility [Table]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity
Available borrowing capacity
Litigation Settlement, Amount
Settlement payment
Long-term Debt [Text Block]
SENIOR CONVERTIBLE DEBT
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months
Notes payable maturities
Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments
Litigation payment
Loss Contingencies [Table]
LITIGATION [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value
Damages would be sought
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value
Potential loss contingency
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Marketable equity securities
Maximum [Member]
Minimum [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent
Percentage ownership in Jonway
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Non-controlling interest
Long-Lived Assets
Original carrying value of long-lived assets
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Net loss attributable to ZAP's common shareholders
Net loss
Cash flows from financing activities:
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash flows from investing activities:
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Net cash flows used in investing activities:
Cash flows from operating activities:
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Less: loss attributable to non-controlling interest
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract]
Non-cash transaction:
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Total income (expense)
Other income (expense):
Other income (expense):
Notes Receivable, Related Parties, Current
Restricted Notes receivable
Notes Payable
Notes payable
Bank acceptance notes payable
Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Bank acceptance notes [Member]
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current
Notes receivable
Number of Reportable Segments
Number of reportable segments
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Non-controlling interest [Member]
Office Furniture And Equipment [Member]
Office furniture and equipment [Member]
Open Tax Year
Open tax years
Operating expenses:
Operating expenses:
Operating Income (Loss)
Loss from operations
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Date
Expiration date of operating loss carry forward
Operating Costs and Expenses
Total operating expenses
Total operating expenses
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Net operating loss carry forwards
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Other Assets [Abstract]
Other assets:
Other Depreciation and Amortization
Amortization of Distribution agreement
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Other Income
Other Liabilities, Current
Other payables
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent
Foreign currency translation gain
Products and Services [Domain]
Payments for Legal Settlements
Payment for settlement
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross
Cash for acquisition
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment
Acquisition of property and equipment
Prepaid Taxes
Prepaid taxes
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Reclassifications
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Restricted Cash, Financing Activities
Change in restricted cash
Proceeds from Convertible Debt
Proceeds from convertible bond
Proceeds from Other Equity
Proceeds from equity investment
Proceeds from Notes Payable
Proceeds from notes payable
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Proceeds from Sale of Machinery and Equipment
Proceeds from disposal of equipment
Proceeds from Short-term Debt
Proceeds from short term loans
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities
Products and Services [Axis]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Net Loss from ZAP and its consolidated subsidiaries
Net Loss
Net Loss
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life
Estimated useful life
Property and equipment - net
Property, plant and equipment
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure
Long-lived assets- 3-door SUV mold
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, net
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Provision for Doubtful Accounts
Provision for doubtful accounts
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Accounts Receivable and Notes Receivable
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related Party Transaction [Domain]
Related Party Transaction [Axis]
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party
Purchases
Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party
Amount due from Hangzhou Joint Venture
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Rate
Interest rate
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction
Transaction amount
Related Party [Axis]
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party
Expenses
Related Party [Domain]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS [Abstract]
Repayments of Short-term Debt
Repayment of short term loans
Repayment of short-term loans
Payments on short term loans
Repayments of Notes Payable
Repayments of notes payable
Repayments of Convertible Debt
Repayment of convertible bond
Repayments of Related Party Debt
Repayments to related parties
Research and Development Expense
Research and development
Research and development
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current
Restricted Cash
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Accumulated deficit
Retained Earnings [Member]
Accumulated Deficit [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from Related Parties
Revenue
Revenues
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value
Options exercisable
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Options exercisable
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Options outstanding
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Estimated Future Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets
Revenue, Net
Net sales
Revenues
Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Revenue [Member]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]
Summary of Changes in the Product Warranty Accrual
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]
Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Option Activity
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Income Tax Provision (Benefit)
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Income (Loss) before Provision for Income Taxes
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Amount Due To/From Related Parties
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Loss per Share
Schedule of Inventory, Noncurrent [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Inventory Reserve
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Inventories
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Intangible Assets
Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Schedule of Intercompany Foreign Currency Balances [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Foreign Currency Exchange Balance
Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table]
Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Segment Results
Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table]
Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Short-Term Debt
Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table]
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity Note, Warrants or Rights [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Warrants Outstanding
Schedule of Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction [Table]
SEGMENT REPORTING [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment [Domain]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
SEGMENT REPORTING
Selling and Marketing Expense
Sales and marketing
Sales and marketing
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Share-based Compensation
Stock-based employee compensation
Share Price
Share price (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options exercisable
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number
Options exercisable
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options forfeited and expired
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period
Options forfeited and expired
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding
Options outstanding
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number
Options outstanding
Options outstanding
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding
Options outstanding
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Number of Shares
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Supplier [Domain]
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Quantity of Securities Issued
Shares issued
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Supplier [Axis]
Shares, Issued
Balance, shares
Balance, shares
Short-term Debt
Short term loans
Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate
Weighted average interest rate
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Short-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Payments
Charges against warranties
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued
Provision for warranties
Standard Product Warranty Accrual
Ending balance
Beginning balance
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Current
Current portion
Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Product warranty costs
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Noncurrent
Less: long term portion
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
State [Member]
Scenario [Axis]
Statement [Table]
Statement [Line Items]
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (DEFICIENCY) [Abstract]
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract]
Statement, Equity Components [Axis]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Abstract]
Business Segments [Axis]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services
Stock for service, shares
Common stock issued for services, shares
Stock issued for addressing a lawsuit, shares
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value
Cancellation of 1,182,558 shares of common stock issued to pay convertible bond
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities
Issue 15,066,328 shares of common stock to redeem Convertible bond
Common stock issued to redeem convertible bond
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Issued for Services
Issue 62,500 shares of common stock for service
Common stock issued for services
Stock issued for addressing a lawsuit
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other
Stock issuance for legal settlements, shares
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares
Shares cancelled
Stock Issued
Common stock issued for debt settlement
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures
Stock Based Compensation, shares
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues
Common stock issued in relation to distribution agreement for CNG products (in shares)
Issuance of common stock, shares
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Purchase of Assets
Purchase of fixed assets and intangibles, shares
Common stock issued for acquisition of distribution rights, shares
Stock issued for acquisition of IPR and Distribution rights for Minivan and CNG products, shares
Shares issued for asset acquisition, shares
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Other
Stock issuance for legal settlements
Equity Option [Member]
Stock Options [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities
Stock issued to redeem Convertible bond, shares
Common stock issued to redeem convertible bond, shares
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures
Stock Based Compensation
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Purchase of Assets
Stock issued for asset acquisition
Common stock issued for acquisition of distribution rights
Purchase of fixed assets and intangibles
Issue 61 million shares of common stock for acquisition of IPR and Distribution rights for Minivan and CNG products
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues
Value of common stock issued in relation to distribution agreement for CNG products
Issuance of common stock
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Equity (Deficiency)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Total ZAP shareholders' equity (deficiency)
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Balance
Balance
Total equity (deficiency)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Subsequent Events [Text Block]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS [Abstract]
Subsequent Event [Table]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsidiaries [Member]
Jonway Auto [Member]
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract].
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Supplier Concentration Risk [Member]
Taxes Payable, Current
Taxes payable
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Technology [Member]
Title of Individual [Axis]
Relationship to Entity [Domain]
Trade name [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense
Recognized interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions
Use Rights [Member]
Land use rights [Member]
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Use of Estimates
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount
Net change in the valuation allowance
Vehicles [Member]
Vehicles [Member]
Warrant [Member]
WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF COMMON
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted
Basic and diluted