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Electric powered cars and trucks have become increasingly popular with the rising fuel costs. Electric cars and trucks are considered carbon exhaust neutral, meaning they are clean running. They are very quiet vehicles, so much so that some people can’t tell if they are running when they first get them. They operate on a fuel cell and the normal engine construction is much different from a conventional engine. They can run 40 miles per hour and have the duration for trips around town.
Zap is one of the first automotive manufacturers of this line of vehicles, having come up with the Zap Xebra in 2006, a 4 passenger vehicle using electric fuel cell technology. In 2007, ZAP worked on a feasibility study with Lotus Engineering to bring electric vehicles, (EV’s) to develop a commercial line of vehicles for distribution, with a reasonable cost for the normal consumer.
They are normally smaller than the average gas powered vehicles, so easier to park. Many of the new models are quite sharp and futuristic looking and options for most vehicles rival their gas powered counterparts.
Zap has come up with the option for an electric truck, to haul cargo with Zap’s XL Truck. Zap’s Chinese partner has the capability of producing 1000 vehicles per month and is finalizing state and national approvals for the distribution of this vehicle. The MSRP is listed as $14,950 not including shipping, taxes and options. This vehicle with a payload capacity of 770 lbs, and a length of over 11 feet, with a two passenger cab, and an onboard 110V recharger, offers a good cargo option for many uses, personal and business. It has an expected release date of Fall, 2008, and they are currently taking reservations with a $100 reservation deposit, pending final approvals for sale in the United States. They have set up a dealer distribution network, to make them readily available and serviceable, once approvals have been granted. They have a running protype in operation and it offers options such as heated and cooled seat cushions and luggage storage racks.
Since the hybrid vehicles have been making it to the roads in recent years, the goal of making all electric cars and trucks more affordable than the earliest hybrids is finally coming to fruition. The advantages of having the backup that a hybrid offered allowed better gas mileage by alternating between gas and electric power. Many of these early hybrids can be found used and for sale, as some didn’t feel they saw a significant enough difference, or they didn’t understand what they were purchasing.
Electric powered vehicles as an alternative-fueled vehicle, is becoming more popular as the price is becoming more affordable. They fit a niche for the individuals that mainly drive shorter distances to the store, to work and want to keep their fuel expense predictable and at a lower cost by recharging with a standard 110-volt home outlet. While they may not be suited for long trips, because of the downtime needed for recharging, the electric cars offer a great solution for most average outings.
Along with some of Zap’s other models, are mini electric trucks such
as the Xebra Solar panel truck, which recharges with an exterior solar
panel for constant recharging of the fuel cell in addition to the
110-volt recharger. This option gives the user longer trip duration,
as it is recharging even while driving around town, without the need to
hook-up to electric.
Many consumers are looking for alternative fuel methods to keep energy costs fixed and within their budgets. Zap’s innovative line of electric vehicles makes this closer to reality. They offer a website where you can look at the models, make reservations for ordering, select options and let you become one of the first in line to get this affordable alternative means of transportation.
Many companies may be looking at Zap’s XL Truck to not only keep the fuel budget in line, but have the space and payload capacity to deliver parts, pickup product, or just transport staff from one end of the plant to the other, without having to constantly refuel. The push for alternative energy vehicles, or electric vehicles has generated street vehicles that no longer look or run like a golf cart. Zap’s XL Truck is certainly the answer to transporting cargo, without worrying about rising fuel cost or running like a golf cart.