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- Zap Electric Cars -
ZAP Motor Company is a relative veteran in the electric car business and has been producing “zero air pollution(ZAP)” vehicles since 1994. They are currently headquartered in California, but formerly had manufacturing operations in China. They also plan to add an additional manufacturing plant in Franklin, Kentucky. ZAP is licensed with the Department of Transportation and sells their cars through regional auto dealers. The company produces an the popular ZAP Xebra all-electric truck as well as electric-assist motor kits for bikes and scooters.
The ZAP-X is an electric crossover SUV which was designed in conjunction with Lotus Engineering. The market release date of the ZAP-X is currently in question, but it is said to have a total potential performance of 644 horses and a 350 mile single charge range. Another ZAP vehicle, the ZAP Alias, is a plug-in 3-wheeler which will enter production in 2009. The Alias will go from 0-60 in 5.7 seconds and hit tops speeds of 156 mph. It will be available in the UK with an expected retail price of 15,000 pounds.
The ZAP Xebra has been in production since 2006 and is legally considered to be a 3 wheel motorcycle. There are also sedan and pickup versions of the Xebra. The pickup version features a dump bed with fold-down sides and tailgate for easy battery and motor access. The Xebra can reach speed of up to 40 mph and travel 25 mile son a single charge or 40 miles with an upgraded battery. The sedan Xebra has a 4 passenger capacity and safely carries 1,000 pounds. ZAP also offers a roof-mounted solar panel which can be affixed to the Xebra to provide extra range. |