Leave gas stations in the dust with an all-electric Zap Xebra
By Matt Jansen
For anyone running errands, the Zap Xebra all-electric car will cut gasoline costs down to zero. But be warned, drivers of the Zap Xebra typically rise to roadway stardom as passersby stop to take a picture on their cell phone or ask questions about the ride.
The Zap Xebra has a brightly colored body, three wheels, and a top speed of 40 mph. Those three characteristics make it a curiosity for most other drivers still riding in their gas guzzler cousins and they’re often looking for ways to cut spending on energy and transportation costs.
Right now the target audience is fairly narrow because the Zap Xebra has a maximum range of 25 miles per charge, capable of 40 miles with a sequential charge. With many drivers averaging over 40 miles per day just in their commute to work, the Zap Xebra likely wouldn’t meet all of their driving needs.
Technically the car is classified as a motorcycle because of its structural design, which was based on something similar to a motorcycle rickshaw, according to NPR.
Adoption is scant, but so is the price. About 700 Zap Xebras have been sold in the United States and the car costs $12,000 with a $1,000 tax rebate available in California.
One family who owns a Zap Xebra mentioned that drivers of larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks can be rude to them, “a couple of people yell when they see it, [they use] words you would not want to say . . .” The family also added that they use a minivan for longer trips and to blend in more with other drivers when appropriate.
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