Rung-singlet charge-ordering in alpha'-NaV2O5

We show that the proposed zig--zag charge--ordering model for alpha'--NaV2O5 is incompatible with a single transition that induces both charge--ordering and spin gap. We introduce a two--band model for alpha'--NaV2O5 within which the simultaneous charge--spin order transition is driven principally by electron-phonon interactions. The spin gap is due to the formation of local dimers, thus explaining the weak magnetic effect on this transition.