ZAP electric cars

Image from Green Car Site

ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 100,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. ZAP has received many inquiries for the new vehicles from UK car-buyers and distributors because ZAP has some of the only four-dour electric cars on the market. ZAP is developing a high-performance crossover SUV electric car concept called ZAP-X engineered by Lotus Engineering.

ZAP calls the Xebra an electric 'city-car,' an innovative design for city-speed driving up to 64 KPH (40 MPH). The Xebra was designed for urban commuters, multi-car families, or as a petrol-free auxiliary vehicle for government or business fleets. Made in China, the car costs a little over £5,000. It recharges at a normal household outlet and, if plugged in once or twice a day, can handle nearly all city driving.

Earth Times

Costs of Gas Car vs. Electric Car in London with Incentives

Gas Car Electric Car
------- ------------

Parking $55/day $1.54/day
Congestion Toll $16/day $0/day
Fuel $12/day $0/day*
----------------------------------------------------
Daily Total $83 $1.54/day
Annual Total $21,580 $400
(260 days/yr)

* Fuel: Gas: $12/day to drive 40 miles (Assuming 25 MPG, UK gas approx. $7.48/gallon as of 1/2/2008); Electricity = No charge under free charging station program, not including home charging approx. $0.85/charge

The ZAP Xebra is one of only three electric cars approved for use on UK roads. The car and truck are manufactured through a strategic partnership between ZAP, the designer, and a Chinese automaker. ZAP is selling the cars worldwide for a little over US$10,000. With a top-speed of 40 MPH, the Xebra is available in a four-door, four-passenger sedan or two-passenger truck with a convertible tilting bed for dumping or flatbed use. ZAP markets the Xebra to fleets and city-speed commuters. ZAP is designing a range of electric and hybrid vehicles, from freeway capable electric cars, to buses, trucks, and even smaller electric scooters, bicycles, ATVs, mopeds and more.

In an interview with Time Magazine, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued praise for ZAP's joint venture to build electric and hybrid vehicles with Youngman Automotive in China.

"I was in China recently. I talked to Youngman manufacturing, one of the largest manufacturers in China," Schwarzenegger told Time. "They are going to build a plant here. They are going to build cars here that are all electric. ZAP cars. It's unbelievable. It's all electric. You come home at night and plug it in... This state is booming when it comes to research and development of green technology."

In the UK contact:

Alex Campbell
707-525-8658 x 241
acampbell@zapworld.com

ZAP electric scooters have been available in San Francisco and other parts of the US for some time. They were featured in the 2001 movie "The Princess Diaries",
where actress Anne Hathaway portrayed a hip, young, scooter-riding teenager who finds out one day she's a Princess. ZAP also manufactures electric trucks and electric bicycles.