ZAP Adding Solar Power to Propel Its All-Electric Truck

Energy Resource, March 6, 2007

ENERGY RESOURCE-6 March 2007-ZAP Adding Solar Power to Propel Its All-Electric Truck(C)2007 JeraOne - http://www.jeraone.com

Electric car company ZAP today said it is developing a solar photovoltaic panel option for its truck design that will allow short-distance driving using only sunlight as the power source.

ZAP will showcase the new XEBRA XERO truck at its March 23 dealer training, as well as at upcoming industry events for automotive fleets.

"If the XEBRA XERO is exposed to sunlight during the day, and your commute is short, you can get pure solar powered driving," said ZAP Chairman Gary Starr. "If you want to ensure 100 percent solar generated commuting, you can purchase a larger system that can sit on your rooftop."

The XEBRA Truck with the XERO Solar Panel Option will cost about $12,000. It recharges normally by plugging into a standard 110-volt outlet for a full charge in up to six hours and a 50 percent charge in 1.5 hours. The ZAP Truck converts into a flatbed or dump-bed that can tilt to allow maximum exposure to the sun.

Starr believes the XEBRA is the first production electric vehicle that incorporates solar power and notes studies have shown that solar power charging systems can double the life of batteries. Panels consume no fuel and have no moving parts to wear out. The only maintenance is to occasionally wash for highest performance.

The ZAP XEBRA complies with zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) regulations in the United States.

For more information, visit www.zapworld.com.

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