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Innovation

Photos: ZAP cars scream green

By Bill Detwiler August 20, 2006, 9:01 PM PDT on Twitter billdetwiler

Image
1
of 11

ZAP's headquarters
ZAP's headquarters
Photos: ZAP cars scream green

Michael Kanellos/CNET News.com

Electric scooters and motorcycles are on display at ZAP’s headquarters. ZAP started out with electric bikes in the 1990s, but a lot of companies in China and Taiwan produced counterfeit knockoffs, which hurt the business. CEO Steven Schneider doesn’t expect counterfeit models of the company’s electric cars; it takes too much engineering, he said.

Michael Kanellos/CNET News.com
Photos: ZAP cars scream green

The three-wheeled Xebra sells for around $9,000. The jungle striping is promotional. The cars that come out of the factory are typically pink, green or blue.

Photos: ZAP cars scream green

The nose of the Xebra. It sort of looks like a carnival ride that got loose, and it drives a bit like a golf cart. But more powerful batteries will lead to faster, bigger cars, ZAP CEO Steven Schneider said.

Photos: ZAP cars scream green

ZAP’s Obvio, made in Brazil, will run on pure ethanol or ethanol-gas mixtures. It will cost $14,000 when it debuts next year in the U.S. The Obvio seats three.

Photos: ZAP cars scream green

The Obvio is being made in Brazil because the country has extensive experience with ethanol. (ZAP was also able to get a factory from Alfa Romeo). Besides Brazilian ethanol know-how, the car will reflect the style of the country. The backpack on the rear dashboard, which features a Rat Fink sticker, is removable. It serves as a glove compartment.

Photos: ZAP cars scream green

ZAP’s goofy take on the gas pedal. These are flip-flops. The cars will have flip-flop pedals when released in the U.S. too, Schneider said.

Photos: ZAP cars scream green

The Xebra hits the street. It can go 40 miles per hour maximum and can go only 40 miles on a charge. It is being pitched as a second or third car for consumers. With three passengers, it takes about six seconds to hit 30mph, but goes faster with fewer people.

Photos: ZAP cars scream green

Welcome to the ZAP warehouse. You’d think the three-wheeled cars would tip over with a push, but they don’t. Having only three wheels cuts costs.

Photos: ZAP cars scream green

TV viewers will recognize this electric car. Don Johnson used it in “Nash Bridges.” ZAP plans to come out with a sporty model when it starts to produce cars with bigger batteries.

Photos: ZAP cars scream green

ZAP CEO Schneider stands next to a truck. The company will sell these electric trucks to warehouses. His bandages are the result of a recent scooter wipeout.

Photos: ZAP cars scream green

A ZAP all-terrain vehicle.

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By Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler is the Editor for Technical Content and Ecosystem at Celonis. He is the former Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and previous host of TechRepublic's Dynamic Developer podcast and Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show.
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