With gasoline prices predicted to reach new records in 2008 and government and
corporate fleets scrambling to reduce costs, electric car pioneer ZAP
(OTCBB:ZAAP) is introducing a new electric truck for fleets with a greater
payload rating.
A prototype of the ZAP XL Truck has been completed and production models are
expected for delivery to customers by the fall of this year. In the United
States, the XL Truck will meet full Department of Transportation requirements
for Low Speed Vehicles with a top speed of 25 MPH. As part of ZAP's global
distribution strategy, the ZAP Truck XL will be designed to meet or exceed
government certifications that would allow for distribution throughout most of
the world.
ZAP has delivered hundreds of its city-speed vehicle called the Xebra for
fleet applications, but fleet managers are also searching for larger electric
vehicles that can handle heavier payloads. Both the Xebra and the XL Truck have
a two-passenger capacity, but while the payload rating for the Xebra is 500
pounds, the payload for the XL Truck is rated at 770 pounds. The cargo bed of
the XL Truck is also larger at 58" long X 53" wide and 11.5" deep.
California-based ZAP has executed an electric vehicle development and
worldwide exclusive distribution agreement with a vehicle manufacturer in China.
The two companies began development of the XL Truck last year and have finalized
an agreement to enter production. ZAP is now accepting reservations for the XL
Truck at its website http://www.zapworld.com.
About ZAP
ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994,
delivering over 100,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. At the
forefront of fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including
energy efficient gas systems, hydrogen, electric, fuel cell, ethanol, hybrid and
other innovative power systems, ZAP has a joint venture called Detroit Electric
to manufacture electric and hybrid vehicles with Youngman Automotive Group, one
of China's leading manufacturers of buses and trucks. Detroit Electric is
developing a freeway capable electric vehicle called the ZAP Alias in
collaboration with Lotus Engineering. ZAP is also developing a new generation of
vehicles using advanced nanotech batteries with Advanced Battery Technologies.
The Company recently announced a strategic partnership with Dubai-based Al
Yousuf Group to expand its international vehicle distribution. ZAP also makes an
innovative, new portable energy technology that manages power for mobile
electronics from cell phones to laptops. For product, dealer and investor
information, visit http://www.zapworld.com.
