by Reena Daruwalla, guest writer for Nancy Hayssen.com

Though I live in India’ half way around the world from the United States, I know quite a bit about Oprah Winfrey who, to my mind is one of the inspiring Americans. This is for many reasons; she is a true Rags to Riches story, because she is a triumphant member of a historically underprivileged community and because she has constantly reinvented herself in a manner that is truly remarkable. What I find also very remarkable is her journey to good health and her struggle with an eating disorder. She has also shared her story with people, thereby inspiring literally millions the world over.

Paradigm Shift in Perceptions

People are no longer content to buy the latest gas guzzler on the market. When people want to by a vehicle, they consider several things: fuel efficiency, size of vehicle, emission levels, etc. And this is not just because of the price of gas, it is also because people are more conscious of their responsibility to the environment; their carbon footprint and how their choices affect their environment. Some interesting reads, indicating this paradigm shift:

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/autos/0805/gallery.hot_selling_ca...
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a6GhF.jHZ_Us&refe...

ZAP Acquires Interest in Electric Wheel Motor Company

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0402511.htm:
June 02, 2008: 06:00 AM EST

Electric transportation pioneer ZAP (OTCBB: ZAAP) announced today that
it has acquired an ownership interest in an electric motor company to
develop and manufacture a new line of wheel motors for future vehicle
developments and global distribution.

Under the agreement, ZAP is collaborating and investing in the
development of a line of wheel motors for various types of electric
vehicles, from an electric bike or scooter to an electric car. ZAP and
its partner have also agreed to work together on the optimum process
for manufacturing all motors and controllers. ZAP has been granted
exclusive rights to the wheel motors under the agreement for
international distribution.

"So many have focused on batteries as a way to improve the performance
of electric vehicles, but wheel motors are truly a giant leap
forward," said Gary Starr, who manages product development for ZAP.
"Today's ZAP wheel motor vehicles can nearly double the range of
similar vehicles we brought to market ten years ago."

ZAP and their partner expect to increase the power, performance and
efficiency of wheel motors through the use of a proprietary,
brushless, multi-pole wheel-motor technology. ZAP is developing a 7000-
watt wheel motor for larger vehicle applications.

ZAP was one of the first electric vehicle companies to market wheel
motor powered vehicles with its ZAPPY3 electric scooter, which uses a
350-watt motor. Last year, ZAP introduced the Zapino scooter with its
3000-watt wheel motor, which ZAP says is one of the most powerful
systems available on the market today.

Wheel motors can significantly increase the power-to-weight ratio of
electric drivetrains. Having motors built into the wheels decreases
the weight, eliminates the transmission, and saves space inside the
vehicle for more battery capacity and features. Eliminating a chain or
belt transmission increases the efficiency and can result in less
noise, vibration and overall maintenance.

Alias in the News

Alias in the news:

3-wheelers in the news. February 2008 - Zap Alias Created by Zap, the Zap Alias is a new electric 3-wheeler capable of 156 mph (251 kmh) and 0 - 60 mph in 5.7 seconds Powered by two water cooled electric engines that drive the front two wheels and with a total weight of 733kg (1,612lbs), the engines are able to generate up to 321 bhp and 557 lb/ft (756 Nm) of torque. This stylish 2-seater is able to achieve up to 100 miles on a full charge whilst emitting zero pollutions. As the project also saw Lotus involved the handling is expected to be very good. Zap are based in California (USA) and the vehicle is set to go on sale there in 2009 at a cost of around $32,500 (£15,500). Reservations for the Zap Alias are currently being taken via the Zap web site.

New York Commuters Turning to Electric Bikes

This article reports how rising gas prices have compelled people to look to alternatives to gas guzzlers:

"NEW YORK (CBS) � Spending over $4 a gallon for gas has most of us fuming, so many commuters are seeking alternatives. But step aside hybrid cars; commuters are now going two wheeling. New Yorkers are turning to battery assisted bicycles for their daily commute, and the benefits are significant.

Barbara Roberts, a senior financial advisor, commutes daily from her Tarrytown home to her Midtown office by train. But looking to lighten her carbon footprint, she now leaves her car at home.

Roberts has left her gas-guzzler behind for commuting. She tells CBS 2 how she used to fill up twice a week. Now, she tells CBS 2, she fills up once every two weeks, thanks to her new two wheel commute.

Roberts is like many other consumer conscious commuters these days, opting for a gas buster: a battery assisted bike to get her to the train and beyond.

On a tour of her very hilly town, she shows how it's a breeze to navigate, thanks to her E-Zee bike, capable of reaching 15 mph. She gets charged once a month, and she always finds a parking spot at the train station.

NYCE wheels in Manhattan is seeing more two wheel converts every day. The Upper East Side bike shop is the largest U.S. retailer of electric bikes, which run from $1,100 to $2,200.

"It's really starting to blow up and there are a lot more people interested," said Charlie Allen.

Allen, who works at the bike shop, says just as gas prices have skyrocketed from $2 and change a year ago to $4 today, so has the interest in their bikes for getting around town.

"$4 gallon gas prices have really hurt a lot of people. They are searching for safe, healthy alternatives," said Allen.

Helping people save on gas isn't the only benefit from purchasing an E-Zee bike. The benefits are environmental as well. Experts say emissions from cars dwarf that of power plants. By using a bicycle to commute to and from work, four days a week, you can save over 100 gallons of gas a year. Roberts estimates she spends just $1 to charge and use her electric bike for an entire month of use."

ZAP and Coca Cola

The Coca-Cola Company and alternative transportation pioneer ZAP (OTC BB:ZAAP.OB) announced a project to use 30 of its compact trucks for a new beverage distribution system in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Coca-Cola is rolling out a new distribution model in Montevideo, Uruguay with US alternative transportation company ZAP (www.zapworld.com). Larger delivery vans will transfer Coca-Cola shipments into 30 small, efficient ZAP trucks for delivery into areas where larger vehicles are challenged by parking shortages, traffic congestion and air pollution.

Officials from Coca-Cola subsidiary Montevideo Refrescos SRL (Monresa) and ZAP say that they are testing new efficient motors as part of the project, and if it is successful, they might expand to large cities around the world where rising gas prices, traffic congestion, pollution and parking shortages restrict the use of large delivery trucks. Officials say that the new distribution model using these trucks averages about one-fifth the fuel consumption of the former model.

"We want to create an alternative way for goods and services to be transported in urban areas," said ZAP Director of International Affairs Fernando Cancela. "Urban deliveries are becoming more and more challenging with traffic congestion and parking shortages. These ZAP Xebras will help Coca-Cola create a new distribution system that will be better for our cities as well as for their bottom line."

Recently Coca-Cola announced a pledge to the environment as part of its policy of corporate social responsibility. As a beverage company, they will focus on three areas of great impact: water use; packaging; and energy use and climate protection. Jorge Apesetche, Distribution Manager for Monresa (Uruguay) says this project with ZAP is the kind of initiative Coca-Cola wants to make to do their part.

"Our commitment is not just good corporate responsibility; it's good business," said Apesetche. "The bottom line is that our business depends on the health and sustainability of our planet and the natural resources that we all share. ZAP Xebras will help improve our distribution operations, save money, time and the environment."

Coca-Cola subsidiary Monresa has received the initial order for 30 ZAP Xebras and is now placing them into service delivering beverages throughout Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. The ZAP Xebras will be incorporated into a mobile distribution hub model where larger delivery trucks would no longer be used throughout the city, but would transfer beverages into ZAP trucks at distribution hubs. Modified with enclosed, lockable beds, the ZAP Xebras will navigate the more narrow, inner-city streets, making deliveries to smaller retail locations. Because the ZAP trucks will operate more easily in this environment, officials from Coca-Cola say their drivers can deliver vehicles and collect payment at the same time, whereas collections were not practical with the larger trucks.

Coca-Cola's distribution model is similar to the one used recently by United Parcel Service (UPS) in Northern California where a fleet of 42 ZAP trucks and sedans were used to expand small parcel deliveries during peak holiday demand. UPS delivery vans transferred smaller packages to a locked storage unit, then a Xebra transports the packages into dense urban and residential areas where parking and traffic are easier for the smaller vehicles.

ZAP is expanding the distribution for the Xebra worldwide as part of a strategic partnership with Shandong Jindalu vehicle company of China. ZAP is now distributing the cars and trucks designed for city-speed transportation. ZAP recently formed a joint venture with one of China's newest car companies, Youngman Automotive Group, to manufacture electric and hybrid cars, buses and trucks.

Converting a Chrysler to an EV

This post talks about an innovative conversion made by a student turning a regular gas guzzler into a plug in EV. Apparently more and more people are waking up to the fact that EVs are the vehicles of the future.

"On Friday, Sai Sankar, a graduate engineering student at FDU, demonstrated his EXPEV1, the first prototype of an all-electric-vehicle conversion system developed at the university.

For his prototype, Sankar used a 1994 Chrysler Voyager Minivan. After installing the system, the minivan can travel up to 55 mph, carry a payload of 800 pounds, and has a range of 20 to 25 miles. The best part: the conversion, which uses off-the-shelf technology configured in an innovative way, costs less than $6000."

Good news this!

ZAP fame spreads far and wide

This article talks about Amy Leiper, the first Londoner to import the four-door ZAP Xebra electric city car in 2007. The article goes on to say that

"ZAP has received many inquiries for the new vehicles from UK car-buyers and distributors because ZAP has some of the only four-dour electric cars on the market as well as one of the most cost-effective electric trucks on the market."

Seems that ZAP's fame has spread beyond its shores!

Xebra is the little electric vehicle that can, according to autobloggreen

This Autobloggreen post talks about how the range of ZAP's car can be extended.

"For electric car scientists at Lithium Balance in Copenhagen, the current-model Xebras with lead acid batteries were lacking and so they teamed up with Zap to develop lithium-ion battery Xebras that can go 152 miles per charge. This upgrade to the Xebra's capabilities - the current range for a Xebra is 25 miles - will be offered to customers "in the near future.""

ZAP Buses

GERMAN ENGINEERED PLATFORM
Youngman Automobile Group cooperates with the world leader German NEOPLAN. The products range from tour coach, city bus, special saloon, etc. The Group exchanges talents with European partners actively and sends a number of engineers and technical workers to Germany for training every year.

QUALITY
Youngman’s quality is proven by a FULL LINE of bus options that meet all US Standards and most required applications, being an ISO-9000 approved enterprise.

FORMAT CUSTOMIZATION
ZAP’s customization process, assembly and manufacturing guarantees that any format can be delivered ranging from:

CNG

ELECTRIC

HYBRID

• Models
  • 12 Meter Low-Floor City Bus
  • 12 Meter Luxury Coach
  • 13.7 Meter Double Deck Luxury Coach
  • 13.7 Meter Low-Floor City Bus
  • 13.7 Meter Luxury Coach
  • 18 Meter Low-Floor Articulated City Bus

Peak Oil

What with rising prices of oil hogging the headlines, the theory of peak oil has been brought back into sharp focus. Expert explain this rise in oil prices as being due to,

" booming energy demand, shrinking conventional resources and consequent shift in demand-supply axis. However, not all of the increase in the past few years has been due to the fundamentals; associated dynamics like a weakening dollar, speculative activities and fear of supply disruptions from unstable resource centres have played a significant role. "

Further OPEC, which is now producing around 32 million bbl per day, has now a very conservative spare capacity; estimated to be less than 10%, much below its five-year average of around 15%. Besides supply restraints from OPEC, there remains sluggish growth in non-OPEC oil production. OPEC says it is shying away from increasing output because of the US economic slowdown; political turmoil in West Asia; and expectations of slackening global demand.

With this backdrop, the theory of Peak Oil threatens to become a reality. Now, many oil geologists believe that 90% of the globe’s oil fields have already been tapped and many are already exhausted. This is reflected in the report cards of oil MNCs. Reserve replacement ratios (RRR) for most, if not all, is less than one.

In light of these facts it would be foolish to ignore alternative means of transport; other than gas guzzlers.

ZAP has edge over Competitors

This post on the Yahoo message board caught my eye:

"The Miles XS500, which they expect to be offering for sale to consumers by late 2009, is a full sized, four door, highway speed sedan. It is designed to travel 80+ MPH for 120+ miles on a single charge. The all electric car uses lithium ion iron phosphate batteries manufactured by their partner Lishen Battery Co. located in Tianjin, China, and Miles expects to sell these vehicles for under $40,000."

not bad accept it's not in production.

The Zap alias goes 100 mph thats 20mph faster then The Miles XS500. the alias is also classified as a motorcycle so that means its cheaper to register and insure. the alias is also $10,000 cheaper.

Also zap is the ONLY manufacturer and distributor thats is right now at this moment selling city legal electric vehicles. zap is also supported by youngman which is one of china's largest manufacturers. this means that they will always have a steady supply of reliable and warrantied EV's.

Also dont forget the Zap-x because that is what really blows miles out of the water.

In my opinion miles electric is MILES behind zap.

Anyone else?

Clearly ZAP has an edge over its would be competitors simply because most of them are still at the development stage. a lot of promises and good promises they are to be sure, but nothing up and running yet.

The other advantage that ZAP has is that it has been in the EV business for 13 years now! No one else can make that claim today.

Further, its tie up with Detroit Electric, the original EV manufacturer increases its credibility that much further.

ZAP Electric Vehicles Not limted to 35mph Streets like Gem or Golfcart

I'll just quote from this write up here by a ZAP owner:

"Date: 2008-04-24, 7:12AM PDT


Zaps are far more practical than a GEM Car or Golf Cart.

Because they are registered as a motorcycle they are not restricted to 35 mph streets.

No motorcycle license is needed due to the inclosed cabin.

I drive everyday from Newport Beach To Huntington Beach on PCH legally, cant do that in a Gem or Golfcart. My daily driving averages about 40 miles with all the errands I do. I spend less than 2 cents per mile to drive that 40 miles

Charging it up at Loews. Many places allow you to charge up for free while shopping. Cant beat driving for FREE!!

ZAP PK Pickups Demos with 600 miles $8495.

ZAP Xebra Sedans New 2008 $10495 "

New ZAP PK Pickups $11,499

ZAP Alias

The Alias prototype is being developed by ZAP at this time. With an expected delivery of the car next year, it will have the following features:

• 0 – 60 mph : 7.7 seconds
• Vmax: 100 mph
• EV range: 100+ miles (160.9 kilometer)
• Vehicle kerb mass: 1612.6 lbs (733 kg)

For more details visit http://www.zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/electric-cars/zap-alias

Historically, EVs have been under attack

In the early 1900s EVs were far more main stream than they are now. Market forces and perhaps the fact that combustion autos became more popular and feasible edged EVs out at the time. Perhaps the reason was more sinister.

There have been many instances of the Electric Vehicle being 'killed' most notably an auto major's well documented foray into the EV space in the mid 1990s. Those cars were mysteriously recalled and destroyed.

For another instance of EV killing look here: http://www.amectran.com/amectran.htm

www.ev1.org is an organization dedicated to resurrecting the EV. The members are trying to bring some pressure to bear on CARB (California Air Resources Board),

"to eviscerate its budget, and to require it to be responsive to the needs of the people instead of beholden to auto and oil company lobbyists."

This group of people are encouraging people to join and to give their movement more impetus. They sound pretty passionate in their plea to let the EV be resurrected. I think there are a lot of people out there who want to be able to use and promote the use of clean energy using vehicles with lower or zero emissions.

EXAR-1 Electric Automobile

This is a familiar story of EVs being victimized by people who have vested interests in the Oil and auto industries:

"Edmond X. Ramirez, Sr. inventor of the EXAR-1 Electric Automobile, the "Worlds First (Real) Production, Electronic Powered Automobile" was victimized by the vast surreptitious, illegal and calumnius efforts utilized in preventing the production of the EXAR-1. The following historical documents provide a synopses of how he and this exceptional automobile were destroyed.

Years of constantly being dragged into court on trumpted-up charges, struggeling to survive the surreptitious onslaught of nameless, faceless advisories, Ramirez was labeled a "con man"...common sense dictates however, that no con man has ever had a product that actually worked...swindlers sell machines that turn lead into gold...not an advanced, proven and government tested electric automobile that performs as purported by its inventor - an electric automobile that would reduce the nation's dependance on foreign oil while helping save the environment - an electric automobile which provided great concern to the automobile industry over innovations it intended to introduce...unlike Tucker, who only threatened the automobile industry, the EXAR-1 was not too welcome by oil interests either.

Over twenty years of furtive, inimical, strategems were used against the EXAR-1 project, finally ending in a cumulative mass of calumny that destroyed Amectran Corporation. At no time could any government agency find fault with the EXAR-1 Electric Automobile...not after years of trying...the only alternative - attack the intrepid inventor by the only effective, proven method - belied brinksmanship."

Detroit Electric

Detroit Electric is a joint venture company formed between a 13-year-old US electric car company ZAP (OTCBB: ZAAP) and one of China's leading vehicle manufacturers China Youngman Automotive Group. The Company has revived the vintage electric car brand Detroit Electric and its business scope covers manufacturing, marketing, distribution and sales of pure electric vehicles including buses, coaches and passenger cars. Detroit Electric was an American icon in the early part of the 1900s. The brand represented the most popular electric car in history and the longest running electric car company, which operated between 1907 and 1939 by the Anderson Electric Car Company in Detroit Michigan. At the time, the car was very popular, with customers like Thomas Edison, Charles Proteus Steinmetz, Henry Ford's Wife Clara, and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Detroit Electric is a name that speaks to generations about the past and the future of automobiles. For more information, please visit their website: Detroit Electric

Testimonials from ZAP Owners

I have heard this from a lot of EV owners, that they get a lot of approval from fellow drivers about their choice of car. People drive alongside to give a thumbs up or smile and wave or want to just chat about the vehicle.

So you can check out the testimonials at Zapworld, and a sample below:

I went 50.2 miles today on one charge!"

"It's costing me 2 cents a mile, you hear that?, 2 cents a mile."

"We have not seen a noticeable increase in our electric bill"

People are enjoying driving their vehicles because "I particularly
love getting the 'thumbs up' " and because "the town gives me a free
"green" parking permit! "

ZAP dealerships

Mark Higley is a dealer for ZAP's Xebra in Kansaa and he tells us about his experiences with ZAP people and ZAP EVs in this write up here.

Another dealer for ZAP vehicles and products is Electric Wheels Inc. This one sells the full range ZAP's products.

Some thing i got to know of, only recently is the solar assisted sedan. Similar to the solar assisted truck, this one also has solar batteries mounted on the roof. Take a look below to see what it looks like. Not the best of photos, but it gives you an idea:

More government subsidies for EVs

ecently there has been a lot of buzz on the internet about different
governments offering incentives in the form of subsidies for the
purchase of EVs. This post at autobloggreen (http://
www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/11/electric-cars-may-be-subsidized-in-n...)
talks about the possible subsidization of electric vehicles (which may
include two wheelers and three wheelers as well) bought in India's
capital city New Delhi. The post reports that "Other Indian cities
already exempt BEVs from the road tax and some states exempt them from
the VAT." The fun part of this is how the subsidy will be funded:
diesel will be taxed so that EVs become cheaper!

Another post at autobloggreen (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/18/
regional-government-wants-companies-to-switch-to-electric-bikes/
1#c11693108) talks about
"The Region of Cantabria, Spain, has announced a plan for companies to
switch from gasoline motorbikes to electric units. The plan, called
BioBike, is aimed to business which use motorbikes for pizza, courier
and postal deliveries as well as police patrols. The Government will
give tax exemptions as well as direct subsidies for purchase of
electric motorbikes."

I think, worldwide, the interest in EVs is growing. Governments are realizing that and also seeing the environmental benefits of encouraging EVs.

The Solar Assisted Car

ZAP's solar assisted car, is a one of a kind EV which is a electric truck with solar panels on the roof. This not only reduces concerns that people may have about the source of their electricity, it also extends the range of the vehicles. The solar panel can also be set up outside your garage to serve as a charging station. This is a vehicle that has emerged after many years of research and development. This model serves as a truck which can carry a payload of upto 300 pounds.

An electric vehicle is different from our concept of vehicles in general. For one, is a silent vehicle and it does not have a tail pipe which regular combustion vehicles have for exhaust to be released into the air. Therefore, they are zero emission vehicles, or ZERO AIR POLLUTION, which is what ZAP stands for, both literally as well as figuratively!

Telsa embroiled in law suits

This NY Times article reports that Tesla Motors, the Silicon Valley maker of electric sports cars, filed suit in San Mateo Superior Court on Monday against a competing company and two of its employees, alleging theft of Tesla’s design ideas and trade secrets.

"The Tesla lawsuit states that before doing the design work for Tesla, Mr. Fisker had no experience with hybrid technology. It says that he did substandard work for Tesla, essentially sabotaging it, and then used the revenue from the design contract to develop his company’s car."

Coincidentally, only today i came upon this post in Autobloggreen which reports that this time, Telsa was on the receiving end of a law suit. Here Telsa is the one being sued for damages and what appears to be breach of contract. Seems like troubled times ahead for Telsa.

Reasons to buy an electric car

1. Zero Air Pollution
ZAP stands for Zero Air Pollution. We believe electricity is the fuel of the future. With electricity to power our transportation, our world can tap into renewable resources like hydroelectric, solar, wind, or geothermal power; resources that lessen our environmental footprint. Furthermore, studies show that millions of electric vehicles can recharge at night using existing surplus electrical generation; a vast, virtually untapped resource.

2. Save Gas
Gasoline is a precious natural resource and vital to the world economy. ZAP vehicles use no gasoline and require no oil changes. Using less fossil fuel can help relieve our current energy shortages while ensuring that future generations can rely on the same inexpensive, useful, petroleum products that we all take for granted.

3. Save Money
Gas keeps getting more expensive. Imagine all the money you can save by ZAPPING to work every day, rather than driving your gas vehicle. The typical electric car costs a penny per mile versus ten cents per mile with gas. Electric bikes and scooters are even less expensive. Plus, electric motors have fewer moving parts, meaning fewer trips to the mechanic. If you live close to work, you can save thousands of dollars per year by replacing your car with a ZAP bicycle.

4. Save Time
Traffic congestion and parking shortages eat away at our busy days, but a ZAP vehicle can help you save time, especially in busy urban areas. ZAP bikes and scooters slice through traffic jams and finding a place to park your ZAP neighborhood car is a snap.

5. Help the Economy
Today, the majority of USA's foreign trade deficit is attributed to imported oil. Using a ZAP vehicle will reduce our reliance on foreign oil. Furthermore, by investing in advanced transportation technologies, the USA can take the technological lead in offering energy efficient products that emerging economies around the world can use to build their own transportation infrastructures.

Human Cost of Global Warming

A post at the gristmill has some very sobering and thought provoking details about the human impact of global warming. It says:

• "More illness and death resulting from heat waves.
• Worsening air pollution causes more respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
• Vector-borne disease infections will rise.
• Changing food production and security may cause hunger.
• More severe and frequent wildfires will threaten more people.
• Flooding linked to rising sea levels will displace millions.

Already, "WHO now says that 150,000 deaths annually are attributable to the effects of climate change." And we've only warmed about 1.5 degrees F in the past century. We might warm 10 degrees F each century!

The time to act is now."

Another post there which looks at the aspect of home or community gardens as a solution to rising food prices is also very interesting and equally thought provoking.

" "Gardens are viewed as 'hobbies' by most politicians/bureaucrats and administrators and are seldom taken seriously as real sources of real food," says a University of Connecticut agricultural extension specialist, speaking of the United States Department of Agriculture. This attitude represents a serious impediment to a healthy, and sustainable food supply and society."

New Delhi to subsidize electric vehicles?

This post at autobloggreen (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/11/electric-cars-may-be-subsidized-in-new-delhi-india/) talks about the possible subsidization of electric vehicles (which may include two wheelers and three wheelers as well) bought in India's capital city New Delhi. The post reports that "Other Indian cities already exempt BEVs from the road tax and some states exempt them from the VAT." The fun part of this is how the subsidy will be funded: diesel will be taxed so that EVs become cheaper!

This is a great green initiative from the government of India, and i wonder what it will take for other countries to emulate it!

Recent Press Releases from ZAP

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080324005349&newsLang=en
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0380854.htm

Some widely circulated press releases from ZAP.

Who killed the Electric Car

There is this site, http://www.ev1.org/, which is a organization
formed to promote sale and use of electric vehicles. The members are
trying to bring some pressure to bear on CARB (California Air
Resources Board),

"to eviscerate its budget, and to require it to be responsive to the
needs of the people instead of beholden to auto and oil company
lobbyists."

This group of people are encouraging people to join and to give their
movement more impetus. They sound pretty passionate in their plea to
let the EV be resurrected. I think there are a lot of people out there
who want to be able to use and promote the use of clean energy using
vehicles, let them decide if ZAP's products are or not worth it.

Hydrids 5 years on...

While there is such a buzz around vehicles using alternative energy, the thought did cross my mind as to how viable these vehicles are in the long run. I was reassured to read this article by a hybrid owner of 5 years who had never regretted his choice in the years that he had owned and used the vehicle.

“Five years later, I still love this car.. I've had virtually no maintenance problems. I've never lacked for power, even in the hilly Bay Area (it's a tad loud when you have to gun it up a grade, but there's always plenty of juice). I love driving solo in the carpool lane at rush hour; California is one of several states that allows hybrid drivers to do that. Cliched as it may sound, I am like those folks in the ads who say they'd buy one again. “

ZAP Hybrids

Although a lot of companies are in the process of producing and developing plug in hybrids, one company is already selling plug-in hybrids or PHEVs. The difference between regular hybrids and plug in hybrids is that the former run on gasoline only and the latter can actually be charged from a regular power source much like another appliance in the home. The PHEV will allow the owner to charge their vehicle from a normal household wall outlet. By integrating a larger battery pack and a plug-in charging system, it becomes a new vehicle drawing energy from two fuel sources!

This is the reason that a PHEV can give you upto 120 miles per gallons! ZAP is now offering plug-in hybrid conversion systems for the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid through a collaboration agreement with Hybrids Plus.

And some more,

Also at flikr. There are some really pretty colors offered too!

A visual tour of the ZAP Warehouse

There are some recent pix from the ZAP warehouse posted on the internet here. This should put an end to all the speculation by people who doubt ZAP’s production capabilities. ZAP’s sedans, trucks, solar assisted vehicles, scooters are all very much in evidence. There is also a museum like piece among all the modern plug ins, which is a throw back to when the original electric car was produced so many years ago, but which was never permitted to go into production by the powerful auto lobby at the time.

New York Follows in London's Footsteps

An autobloggreen post reported that NYC is copying London's Congestion Charge, i.e. levying a tax per car that enters the city. It goes not to explain how it works:

"he congestion charging zone would be in effect in Manhattan south of 60th Street between 6 am and 6 pm Monday-Friday. Cars will be charged $8 daily, trucks will be charged $21 daily ($7 if it's a low-emission vehicle) when entering the zone and there would be a $1 surcharge for vehicles without EZ-Pass readers. Weekends, evenings and early mornings remain free. Moreover, each taxi ride will be surcharged by $1 for trips that start and/or end in the designated zone. Motorcycles and scooters will have to pay $4. Big Apple drivers can also look forward to increased metered parking rates and residents won't be able exempt from the parking tax, although there will be a residential parking program. What do we get for the cost? The Council committed the estimated revenue of $491 million for transit improvements."

London was the first to come up with such a tax to encourage people to use public transport or at least use greener vehicles. Vehicles using alternative fuel or energy can hope to get a reduction or exhemption on this tax. One more incentive for buying EVs

Thaw in Greenland

This article in the Age reports melting of the ice in Greenland and consequent exposure of and possible access to its oil reserves. That is a very very scary thought!

It is not a reason to rejoice, that newly accessible oil reserves may become available in the near future, but a reason to be very very afraid. For one, the melting of the ice in Greenland is one more telltale sign and irrefutable proof of global warming and climate change. This means that what our polluting lifestyles have done is raise temperatures around the world, causing ice to melt, sea levels to rise and cause numerous other ruinous effects on our environment.

Further one more source or reserve of oil tapped means increased pollution and decreased commitment to greener energy and lifestyles. It will be a big setback for people committed to alternative energy and producing and making available to consumers more environment friendly lifestyles, if the Greenland oil reserves are permitted to be explioted.

More from the ZAP board

Since i have been following the ZAP message board rather keenly this post by ecolocomotion struck me as the Voice of reason:

"Something strange going on

I have been reading this board for a while now and the reason that i decided to weigh in, is because i am very puzzled by the amount of negative stuff posted here. People seem to be going out of their way to dig up every bit of bad stuff ever written about ZAP. Either they are being paid to do this by a competitor or by oil companies (but this just sounds paranoid and unreal, after all how could a company this size be a threat major enough for such action) or they have some undisclosed grouse against the company.

From the research that i have done on my own around the net, i have found plenty of positive stuff about ZAP. Admittedly, their track record has been bumpy in parts but i have also found that they have been rather shabbily treated by certain companies like Daimler-Chrysler, who i believe they are suing? I am not sure. Perhaps there may be a substantial award made out to them sometime in the future?

Also historically, the electric vehicle has faced tremendous discrimination and there has always been some major opposition and stumbling blocks to its development.

If in spite of all this ZAP has persevered with its goal for providing zero air pollution vehicles, then i as an investor am impressed."

and the reply from thehirsutezebra (LOL) was also reasonable so here it is:

" I mostly agree with you there ecoloco.

As a part of the xebraevs@yahoogroups, i have come across people who have had trouble with their Xebra sedans but equally there are people who talk about their good experiences. Remember though that people are more likely to talk about negative experiences and complain than to go out of their way and tell people that all is well. Research as proved that a satisfied consumer is only one tenth as likely to tell everyone about a product than a person who has had a problem with the product. So by that you can conclude that for every one complaint you read there are 10 satisfied customers who dont write about their experience.

Some people here have dug deep to find dirt on ZAP, so let me reproduce what a member said below:

"Hello everyone,
I have a 2007 SD that was delivered the first week of December 2007
from Voltage Vehicles in Fulton, CA. I am currently happy with the
vehicle and have actually put over 2000 miles on it already. In
January, after about a month and a half, the windshield wiper
stopped working. My husband called ZAP in Santa Rosa (we live in
Stockton, CA - about 1.5 hrs. away) and they actaully sent someone
out the next day to fix it. A few days later a fuse (I believe)
blew in the back while my husband was driving and somehow landed on
the divider between the jack and controller which it burned and
caused smoke which then freaked out my husband more. My husband
called the guy from ZAP who came out to fix it and they sent a
trailer out the following day and took my car to fix it. I got it
back two weeks later and have not had any problems since. We often
drive the vehicle 25 miles (my son goes to school about 12 miles
away) and I have been able to plug it in for 3 hours and drive
another 25 miles to pick him up. Luckily we live in a pretty flat
town so I don't contend with many steep hills and aside from driving
my son to school, most of our local in town trips are at the most, 8
miles away (16 round trip). We basically pull into our garage and
keep the car plugged in at all times so with opportunity charging I
have gone up to 60 miles in one day. I am currently happy with it
because it fits my needs and lifestyle but am aware that I've only
owned it for 4 months and will check back in with the group in a few
months for an update. I do not know anything about how to test the
batteries, etc. Any tips for a new owner who is slightly (and I'd
like to stress slightly as in I know I have six 12-volt batteries,
lol) knowledable on how to maintain the vehicle for optimum life and
performance from some of you experienced owners would greatly be
appreciated.
Peace & Blessings,
Liz""

Another good post

I read another good, well researched, moderate sounding post, which isn't unreaonably strident in its criticism of ZAP. There seems to be such a lot of shrill and raucous negative publicity happening over the internet in the recent past (as i have talked about in my earlier posts) it is enough to make anyone wonder if it is orchestrated in some way, whether it is designed to insidiously discredit and malign the efforts of ZAP. In the midst of this, this post here is a more coherent stating of facts, this time including ZAP's side of the story and not just flinging around a lot of wild and baseless accusations.

Post from Yahoo's ZAP message board

Found good, relevant post on Yahoo's ZAP message board, am simply reproducing it, because it echoes my sentiments:

"This is not a term you will hear from anyone associated with oil companies. Here is an article that is an exception to that rule:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/arti...

Chairman of India's leading oil company ONGC, has written from the point of view of an insider. He says,
"I strongly believe double-digit oil price is already history. Oil addicted economies, the world over, will have to reconcile to this fact and work out suitable solutions to insulate development from the oil price curve." For oil addicted economies, read USA and the like.

He goes on to say,
"‘Peak Oil’ theory has kept every one guessing. Have we reached the peak or not quite yet? We may not have a definite answer as of now, but its effect is quite visible on the dynamics of the oil market. Now, many oil geologists believe that 90% of the globe’s oil fields have already been tapped and many are already exhausted. This is reflected in the report cards of oil MNCs." Scary? Very much so. Solution? Alternative enery! Wind, solar, electric.

Guys, give the people at ZAP a break, let them do their job providing us with some alternatives to the cars we use at present. If on the way some mistakes and U-turns are being made, those are par for the course for any small or medium size company who is dealing with emerging technology and who is facing some very substantial opposition. They need encouragement and support, not brickbats and abuse."

California Air Resources Board meet in Sacramento

The California Air Resources Board met in Sacramento on Thursday consider regulations requiring major automakers to produce more low-emission cars such as plug-in hybrids and zero emission cars such as EVs.

The board's decision plays a key part in its mandate to meet California's ambitious goal of reducing air pollution and cutting greenhouse gas emissions as required by landmark legislation, AB32, enacted more than a year ago. When the state enacted this zero-emission vehicle mandate in 1990, it called for 10 percent of new-vehicle sales from big automakers to be all-electric by 2003, or about 100,000 cars or more a year. Under pressure from automakers and the Bush Administration, that requirement was eventually delayed by several years and reduced to the current level. Automakers are advocating the view that a mix of cleaner-burning gasoline cars, hybrids and plug-in hybrids would be more realistic.

Supporters and owners of electric cars were to demonstrate at the State Capitol in Sacramento driving their electric cars around to show the technology is practical today.

While it was feared that there would be a dilution of up to 90% in the requirement of porducing 25,000 cars, this article reports that

"The Air Resources Board of California voted Thursday to reduce by 70 percent the quota of emission-free cars that vehicle manufacturers must sell in the state. It sets the number at 7,500 units of electric and hydrogen fuel-cell automobiles and 58,000 plug-in hybrid electric cars by 2014."

Another article here says,

"The air board's staff recommended changing the rules to allow manufacturers to make just 2,500 such vehicles in the first phase and 25,000 in the second.

But they would have to compensate by making more than 180,000 low-emission vehicles, such as plug-in hybrids, which use electric and gasoline engines, and those that burn hydrogen.

But board members said the recommendations were too lenient and unanimously adopted the formula offered by board member Daniel Sperling - a minimum of 7,500 zero-emission vehicles along with 58,000 low-emission vehicles between 2012 and 2014. Requirements for the following three-year period were not established."

So the outlook is not as bleak as feared after all, however Former air board Chairman Robert Sawyer is quoted as having said "California needs every tool to meet its global warming goals... California is a place where electrical vehicles can and should happen."

That is true not just for California but for the whole world!

A step Backward

In this article we are informed that US Emissions from Power Plants Increased 2.9% in 2007. We would have thought that this would so worry the powers that be, that they would be busy formulating policy and drafting legislation designed to reduce emissions. So are they? In a word, No!

In fact The California Air Resources Board meets in Sacramento to consider a plan to cut the number of pure electric vehicles that carmakers would be required to sell over the next few years from 25,000 to 2,500. When the state enacted this zero-emission vehicle mandate in 1990, it called for 10 percent of new-vehicle sales from big automakers to be all-electric by 2003, or about 100,000 cars or more a year. Under pressure from automakers and the Bush Administration, that requirement was eventually delayed by several years and reduced to the current level. Automakers are testifying that a mix of cleaner-burning gasoline cars, hybrids and plug-in hybrids would be more realistic. Talk about taking a step (or several) backwards!

Auto Major's Claims regarding EVs

In a statement from major auto corporation Mitsubishi, who is testing its EV the 'i MiEV' claims regarding indirect emissions of an EV have been made. It is stated that even when the emissions created by electricity production are taken into account, electric vehicles emit only about 30 percent as much CO2 as gasoline-powered vehicles of comparable size.

It was also pointed out by the company that the average 80-mile range is plentiful for most urban users, who spend lots of time in their cars but don't actually drive that many miles in a given day.

More evidence of the popularity of the EV and the desire for big companies to cash in on public sentiment by developing, testing and producing EVs.

Credentials of ZAP's Collaborators

A recently published report , talks about Youngman Corporation, the company ZAP is collaborating with to produce electric vehicles. This report talks about the substantial achievement of the corporation's buses, of having traveled some 3 million km without heavy repair.

The credentials of ZAP's collaborators are therefore not in doubt and consumers as well as investors should take a lot of satisfaction from this.

Some details of ZAP from the ZAP Blog

"ZAP was founded to revolutionize transportation, to create cost effective solutions to create no polluting electric vehicles.

Who is ZAP?
ZAP has been in the electric vehicles (EV) business for over 13 years.

ZAP has manufactured, sold and delivered 100,000 consumer EVs to over 75 countries. To our knowledge no other company in existence today can say this.

Today ZAP is the only company delivering city-speed electric vehicles that fill today's demand for electric cars and help expand the growing niche for consumer-based electric transportation. These electric cars and trucks are now being manufactured and shipped every day.

Although we hear a lot of talk about someday we may see a plug-in electric car or plug-in hybrid from the major automakers, ZAP has the only dealer network delivering plug-in electrics and plug-in hybrids today.

ZAP is perhaps the only electric vehicle manufacturer in existence that has a catalog of different EVs to suit its customers needs, from electric bicycles to scooters, motorbikes, cars and trucks.

ZAP has a nationwide dealer network of 50 factory trained electric vehicle sales and service outlets, the only dealer network of its kind in the United States.

The New York Times reported that electric car dealer Ecomotion of Portland, Oregon sold 125 EVs since its inception last year, making it the top-selling electric car dealer in the USA. Ecomotion added that the Xebra was the "surprise success" of the dealership, which sold about 50 units making it the top-selling electric car at the dealership.

ZAP is the only company that has a dealer network for plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles.

ZAP has delivered vehicles to fleet customers such as UPS, Chilectra, Coca-Cola, Domino's, Guru Beverages, Google

ZAP has the only solar-assisted electric cars available for purchase.

ZAP is one of the only companies delivering Made in China vehicles to the United States at an affordable price.

ZAP is one of the only companies with a wheel-motor driven electric scooter with a peak power of 3000 watts.

After Daimler Chrysler concluded there was no market, in the USA, ZAP sold the first fully government certified Smart Cars in the USA, and successfully sold over 300 cars, before Daimler Chrysler interfered, and is now duplicating ZAP's marketing program.

ZAP has executed a joint venture agreement with China Youngman Automotive, one of the largest vehicle manufacturers in China, to provide highway capable electric and hybrid buses, trucks and cars.

In November 2007, ZAP received a $5 million investment from the Al-Yousuf Group, one of the largest automotive importers and distributors of cars in The Middle East.

ZAP's management is responsible for these history making facts.

No matter who attempts to discredit the Company, or its management team, ZAP and its shareholders will not falter in its goal to bring true cost effective innovative vehicles to the general marketplace."

Negative Publicity

A couple of recent articles:

http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2008-03/how-electric-cars-could-re-ar...

http://environment.newscientist.com/channel/earth/dn13418-thirsty-electr...

have been unnecessarily alarmist about EVs, which can negatively and inaccurately skew present perceptions about EVs.

The popsci article talks about how the increased demand for electricity due to use of EVs will "rearrange the grid". I think this is an rather unnecessarily alarmist attitude. EVs are essentially an answer to rising oil prices, rising pollution, rising transportation costs and unhealthy levels of vehicular emissions.

Firstly, people are not all going to go out and buy an electric vehicle right this moment, the demand and the supply of these vehicles will rise gradually and any consequent rise in demand for electricity will only be required to keep pace with that.

Secondly, if demand for electricity does in fact rise considerably in the foreseeable future, a time table and cost structure could be put into place by supplying grids that could easily take care of such an eventuality.

If, for acquiring the obvious benefits available thru EVs we have to make some adjustments and modifications, we must make them!

The second article talks about an increased demand for water due to the use of EVs. The article quotes a Paul Denholm of the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado as stating that "the overall impacts of plug-in vehicles are modest in the larger scheme of things". I agree with that.

When you look at the big picture, the pros far outweigh the cons of Electric Vehicles. Especially if EVs are powered by sustainable sources of electricity like hydro, wind or solar power, the benefits to the environment are so considerable as to practically nullify the impact of slightly increased usage of water resources.

Also, there is no comparison between oil as a resource and water as a resource. The scarcity of the former and abundance of the latter make this is a superfluous comparison.

'Wired' All hot and Bothred

I wonder what prompted all this outrage against ZAP in this 'Wired' post which also seems to have acquired a motley gang of basher groupies to jump onto their bandwagon.

ZAP is not making any unrealistic or tall claims and the ZAP-X (http://www.zapworld.com/zap-x-crossover) availability goal is clearly slated for 2010. Alias (http://www.zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/electric-cars/zap-alias) is slated for next year. I think ZAP are sufficiently organized and informed enough about their own affairs that they won’t make claims that are not about to reach fruition. This would be a pointless and self-destructive exercise.

Seems to me that Wired and their groupies are strangely paranoid about some imaginary cabal which is a figment only of their own imaginations and are also in denial of global warming and climate change.

Meanwhile ZAP's currently available vehicles are doing a good job helping people cut transportation costs and helping the environment. Global warming and climate change are issues that will only be addressed when we take concrete steps.

ZAP's Universal Charger

I hate it when i am on long walk or a bike ride and charge on my i pod shows up red. Also in the middle of a conversation, my cell beeps to tell me its running out of power and i hate that too (sometimes of course it may be great reason to hang up ;), but i am talking about all those other times)

I often thought wouldn't it be great if i could just recharge on the go so to speak. Someone at ZAP obviously thought of this and came up with this great universal battery charger idea. The ZAP Universal Charger is great device that can be used as rechargeable battery pack or external power source.

You can take a charge from the supplied AC adaptor or from other electronic devices through the USB port. It comes with 4 rechargeable and removable AA batteries. Take the batteries out to power whatever gizmo it is your life cannot function without.

UPS's electric fleet

The rising cost of fossil fuels has ensured that people turn to alternative energy powered vehicles for their business transportation needs.

United Parcel Service (UPS) started a delivery service in California for small parcels with a 100% EV fleet recently. They bought 42 electric cars and trucks (ZAP Xebra). UPS have never used electric vehicles before and a lot of businesses should look to emulate them in order to cut costs as well as emissions.

An electric vehicle blog site posted this news a while back:
http://electricvehiclesite.com/2007/11/25/united-parcel-service-buys-its-first-ev-fleet/#comment-2853

Greening initiative by ZAP

ZAP is creating a major campaign to plant 1 million trees by 2010.

ZAP Chairman Gary Starr says the collaboration can go a long way towards restoring a balance with nature.

We would like to utilize Trees for the future to help in our endeavor. Trees for the Future have identified fast growing tees that can grow as much as 24 feet in a year.

Check out these Before/After pics!

Santa Rosa, 'Green' city

This great new initiative by the city of Santa Rosa has catapulted this unlikely city into the list of top green cities of the US.

Popular Science did a write up on Santa Rosa, detailing its Geysers' wastewater-to-electricity project. Under this project 12 million gallons of wastewater the city is pumped to the steam fields daily which is then converted into 85 megawatts of power, enough to power 85,000 homes.

This is a fantastic project, because here waste water is being used to generate electricity in a really green fashion! More cities around the world should take a leaf out of Santa Rosa's book and try to harness whatever means they can to produce alternative energy.

Santa Rosa featured in Popular Science

The reason Popular Science did feature on Santa Rosa is because of its electricity generation project. The Press Democrat at (http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080317/NEWS/803170311/1033/NEWS&...) talks about Santa Rosa's mention in the magazine because,

"Popular Science boosted Santa Rosa to the upper echelon of greenest cities largely because of its Geysers' wastewater-to-electricity project, which garnered seven of the 17.2 total points Santa Rosa earned to take the 23rd spot.

The Geysers project garnered a two-page spread in the magazine titled "Tapping Geysers for Watts," which describes how it converts 12 million gallons of wastewater the city pumps to the steam fields daily into 85 megawatts of power, enough to power 85,000 homes."

More cities could implement this initiative for green electricity production over coal which is a real polluter!

Great new initiatives from ZAP

In an interview with a news channel CEO of ZAP, Steve Schneider spoke about the present business of ZAP and future plans as well:

"ZAP has amazing staying power," said CEO Steve Schneider.

Schneider told CEONEWS.Tv that ZAP is selling one of the only full-performance electric vehicles in production today and how it now has more than 50 dealerships in the United States. Schneider said that contracts with companies like Coca-Cola, UPS and Domino's are helping the Xebra expand the fleet niche for electric vehicles.

He went on to outline future plans for ZAP saying that ZAP is and will be 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.

The new Alias, takes electric vehicles to a new level since it will be a viable vehicle for longer distances and no one can deny its great looks. Exciting times ahead for ZAP!

Film about STUFF

I saw this riveting 20 minute film The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard. It is scary, though-provoking and brutally honest. I talks about how the relentless consumerism of the developed world and in particular of the US is costing the environment and the whole world dearly. The US has 5% of the world's population, but consumes about a third of the world's resources and produces about that proportion of the world's waste as well.

It also talks about how the US exploits people and resources in the developing nations for its own profit, how it outsources all it's undesirable manufacturing processes and some other home truths as well.

This award winning film was well worth the 20 minutes i spent watching it.

EVs in India

http://www.vicky.in/straightfrmtheheart/electric-vehicles-in-india/ discusses EVs in India.

Quote from the write up:

“It is estimated that India’s fossil fuel dependency on other countries currently from 70% to 82% in 2012. If we can have three lakh Electric Vehicles on the roads by 2020, including three-wheelers, cars, and scooters, this could result in a reduction of over 16 lakh metric tons of CO, NOx and HC by 2020, savings of over Rs 3,700 crore in foreign exchange and significant health costs savings”—- automonitor"

These are very good statistics. Hope they pan out.

ZAP Electric Vehicle Options

Prepare yourself for a whole new driving experience. Xebra Xero Truck's do not attempt to behave like other vehicles. They are unique. They are quiet, yet agile. Imagine a world filled with silent Xebra Xero Truck's instead of noisy internal combustion engines. The ZAP Xebra Xero Truck is the offspring of more than three decades of thought and evolution. This vehicle was created as a breed by itself. Because the use and purpose of electric vehicles are different than gas cars, the wheel did indeed need to be reinvented. No Tailpipe, just plug it in! Even after counting emissions from electric generating plants, Xebra Xero Truck's produce 98% fewer pollutants than gas cars. It's Electric! Laugh at high oil prices, in fact, forget about gas stations, oil spills, and fumes - forever! A Xebra Xero Truck's appetite is meager. And you can recharge it at any electrical outlet.

Check out all the ZAP products at http://www.zapworld.com. Here's a ready reckoner for you:

http://www.zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/electric-cars/xebra-truck
http://www.zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/electric-cars/zap-alias
http://www.zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/electric-cars/xebra-sedan
http://www.zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/electric-cars/zap-truck-xl
http://www.zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/electric-cars/xebra-xero-solar-option










http://www.zapworld.com/node/743
http://www.zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/electric-scooters/zapino-electric-scooter
http://www.zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/offroad-ev/atv-e-800-midsize

Gas prices affect everything

The thing with gas prices is that it effects every facet of consumer goods pricing. When gas prices go up so do the prices of produce, commodities, goods, everything. The cost of transportation simply gets added to the price of an item and that increase gets passed on to you as a consumer ultimately. So if we look to reduce prices, we also have to look to reduce transportation costs. This is where electric vehicles can play a huge part. Electric transport vehicles such as ZAP XL truck is one answer to this problem and ZAP's xebra-truck is another. Really, more transporters should be looking to shift to greener, cheaper vehicles!

Alternative Power

This New York times article talks about alternative power and alternative dealers of unconventional automobiles. The dealership is called Ecomotion, which i think is a nice appropriate and catchy name as well.

The columnist in the write up refers to the vehicles (which are electric vehicles from ZAP among others) as a little funny looking. I actually think they are quite cute looking and really compact. I like a compact car, which i think is really convenient for city driving. It gets into all the itty bitty parking spaces that your common or garden variety of car will not be able to fit into.

The great thing about electric vehicles (apart from the obviously great thing that it is has zero emission and is therefore a non-polluting vehicle) is that because of their compact design they take up a lot less room on the roads. This is important when you consider how much bumper to bumper traffic slows you down during rush hour! This is a huge plus which is often overlooked when you talk of all the positives of electric cars.

Electric Vehicles: the way ahead!

Did you read the headline yesterday that screamed:

Oil, gas prices surging amid supply concerns

Analysts see pump prices climbing to near $4 a gallon”

In an article on MSNBC oil prices are reported to be at all time high at $108 a barrel! We simply have to find alternatives to our gas guzzlers! For the sake of our finances if not for the planet. After all, as Mahatma Gandhi said:

“The earth has enough for every man’s need, but not every man’s greed”

One day the oil reserves of the world are going to be exhausted and then where will we be! I am seriously worried about this and so should all of us!

Electric Vehicles and the Taj Mahal

The connection between the Taj Mahal and electric vehicles is not apparent is it? But it is! There is a strong connection between this most romantic of monuments, the first wonder of the world. Some years ago, the authorities realized what petrol/diesel fumes and other toxic emissions from industry were doing to this priceless historical treasure. The Taj was getting dirty, it’s very existence was being jeopardized!

They needed to do something on a war footing! They therefore created a green zone in a one kilometer radius around the Taj. No combustion vehicles are allowed here. Electric vehicles take you to and from the Taj. If you are more adventurous, a horse drawn carriage or a pedal rickshaw will take you!

The point I am trying to make is that traditional vehicles create a noxious and harmful environment for all of us and our need to travel not going away or even going to lessen. We need alternatives to fossil fuel vehicles, and fast!