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Individuals that mainly drive shorter distances such as to the store and to work and want to cut their fuel expense are looking into purchasing an electric car or electric vehicle, (EV), as they are often called. Because electric cars can be recharged with a standard 110-volt home outlet, it does not require any special power. However they are not suited for long trips, without downtime for recharging, they do however offer a great solution for most of your day-to-day needs and the average outings.
Electric cars are easier to park and run much quieter than gas powered vehicles. They are futuristic looking and some are actually sharper looking than some of the popular sports cars on the market. The Zap Alias is one such vehicle, it is a sports car that will turn heads and is scheduled for availability sometime in 2009. This electric sports car can go from 0-60mph in 7.7 seconds, with a top speed of 100 mph. The trip duration range is over 100 miles.
Zap is one of the first automotive manufacturers of electric
vehicles for widespread distribution. In 2006, they came up with the
Zap Xebra, a 4-passenger vehicle using electric fuel cell technology.
In 2007, Zap worked on a feasibility study with Lotus Engineering to
bring electric vehicles to develop a commercial line of vehicles for
distribution, with a reasonable cost for the normal consumer. The
Zap’s Alias, being the sports car of the line, is anticipated with a
MSRP of $32,500, although the other passenger vehicles, such as Xebra
Sedan is listed around $11,000 and the Xebra Xero is listed a little
over $10,000.
With Zap’s XL Truck, available with a solar
panel, they are offering cargo-hauling options, with a release date of
Fall 2008 for a MSRP of $14,950, with a payload capacity of 770 lbs,
and a length of over 11 feet, with a two passenger cab, and an onboard
110V recharger. Zap has partnered with a Chinese manufacturer capable
of producing around 1,000 vehicles per month, pending final state and
national approval for release.
They have set up a dealer distribution network, to make them readily available and serviceable, as well as selling them on the Internet. They have a running protype in operation and they offer options such as heated and cooled seat cushions and luggage storage racks. There are many different options available on the car line, and the Xero is Zap’s cute little electric model car available even in a zebra pattern exterior.
Some vehicles can be ordered 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. The energy savings with this option is even more than the regular 110- volt recharging system.
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.
The need for alternative energy vehicles, or electric vehicles has
produced vehicles that no longer look or run like a golf cart. Zap’s
Alias is certainly the answer to a great looking sports car with speed
and the ability to last for over 100 miles without recharging or
worrying about rising fuel costs. It’s price is in line with
gas-powered sports cars in the same class, but it’s cost savings in
fuel costs can pay for it in a few years. If you are interested, you
can look on the Internet for Zap cars for sale and reserve yours now.