FAQs

Who is ZAP?
ZAP stands for “zero air pollution” and is located in Santa Rosa, California and has been producing electric vehicles for over twelve years. ZAP is a world leader in advanced transportation including electric cars, fuel cell cars, hybrid cars, electric bicycles, electric scooters and sea scooters. ZAP has delivered more than 90,000 vehicles to 75 countries world-wide and has been acknowledged as an industry leader by Time magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Industry Week and Advertising Age Magazine.


ZAP recognizes the global environmental crisis and considers global warming a serious threat to the planet. ZAP is committed to a world that utilizes non-polluting transportation and is forging ahead with an aggressive campaign to stay at the forefront of fuel efficient transportation with innovative technologies. ZAP provides quality products that exceed customer expectations while protecting the environment. In 2003, ZAP announced its first electric automobiles. Today the company handles three exciting models including the Xebra , the Xebra PK and the Obvio.


Why ZAP?
Besides saving a lot of money on gas, when you invest in an electric vehicle you help protect the environment. Global warming is a serious threat to the planet. By the year 2050, the dangerous greenhouse gas CO2 is expected to double unless alternate modes of transportation and technology are employed. It is imperative that all of us do our part in reducing greenhouse gases that endanger our fragile atmosphere. Purchasing and driving a clean air vehicle is an effective way of reducing your personal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions while reducing our dependency of foreign fossil fuel. ZAP is one of the only companies in the world providing 100% electric vehicles.


Where Can I get my electric vehicle?
There are dealerships set up through-out the United States with more being added everyday. For the most up to date list, please see the list of ZAP Dealers Here.


Which states are they currently available in?
Currently there are approximately 20 dealerships in the US in the following states: California, Wisconsin, Texas, Nevada, Washington, Florida, Arizona, New Hampshire, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Kansas, Georgia, Rhode Island and Illinois.

ZAP has a goal of 50-100 dealerships in the US by the year 2009.


How much does it cost?
The Xebras are priced around $10,000.


Is Financing available?
Yes.  Companies such as www.eloans.com will finance our vehicles


How long does it take to charge?
It takes 8-10 hours to charge from a 110 outlet.


What is the range per charge?
Much in the same way miles per gallon varies for a gasoline car, mileage per charge will vary with a Xebra. The biggest factor is terrain. Hills, especially steep hills, will shorten the range. Also, stop and go traffic causes the motor to work harder, requiring more energy. Accelerating quickly as opposed to gradually, and high speeds in general will deplete the batteries faster. Very cold weather will also adversely affect range. So the answer to this question depends on many factors. However, in the experience of typical Xebra drivers, a range of about 25 miles is achieved. ZAP is researching ways to improve the range.


Should the Xebra be driven on the highway?
No. These cars can only go up to 40 mph. They are three-wheeled electric vehicles and are used for inner-city transportation only. It is a perfect second car for most families since studies have shown that 90% of a family’s car use is within city limits and under 25 miles per day.


How safe is the car?
Very safe for a smaller vehicle. They are structurally re-inforced. The Xebra Sedan is currently fiberglass over a steel frame. The Xebra truck is a production steel body.


Where can I get parts/service?
ZAP dealers will carry parts and have full service capabilities.


Where are the cars made?
The Xebras are made in China and final production and QC is done in Santa Rosa, California.


How much does it cost to operate the vehicle?
Electric vehicles average 3 cents per mile. Costs vary depending on weight, terrain, distance and total miles per year traveled.