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Photos: ZAP cars scream green

ZAP, which makes all-electric cars, thinks it's well-positioned to catch the next revolution in transportation.
By Bill Detwiler, Contributor
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ZAP's headquarters

Electric scooters and motorcycles are on display at ZAP's headquarters. ZAP started out with electric bikes in the 1990s, but a lot of companies in China and Taiwan produced counterfeit knockoffs, which hurt the business. CEO Steven Schneider doesn't expect counterfeit models of the company's electric cars; it takes too much engineering, he said.

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Xebra

The three-wheeled Xebra sells for around $9,000. The jungle striping is promotional. The cars that come out of the factory are typically pink, green or blue.

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Xebra nose

The nose of the Xebra. It sort of looks like a carnival ride that got loose, and it drives a bit like a golf cart. But more powerful batteries will lead to faster, bigger cars, ZAP CEO Steven Schneider said.

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Obvio

ZAP's Obvio, made in Brazil, will run on pure ethanol or ethanol-gas mixtures. It will cost $14,000 when it debuts next year in the U.S. The Obvio seats three.

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Obvio interior

The Obvio is being made in Brazil because the country has extensive experience with ethanol. (ZAP was also able to get a factory from Alfa Romeo). Besides Brazilian ethanol know-how, the car will reflect the style of the country. The backpack on the rear dashboard, which features a Rat Fink sticker, is removable. It serves as a glove compartment.

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flip-flops

ZAP's goofy take on the gas pedal. These are flip-flops. The cars will have flip-flop pedals when released in the U.S. too, Schneider said.

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Xebra in action

The Xebra hits the street. It can go 40 miles per hour maximum and can go only 40 miles on a charge. It is being pitched as a second or third car for consumers. With three passengers, it takes about six seconds to hit 30mph, but goes faster with fewer people.

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ZAP warehouse

Welcome to the ZAP warehouse. You'd think the three-wheeled cars would tip over with a push, but they don't. Having only three wheels cuts costs.

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Nash Bridges

TV viewers will recognize this electric car. Don Johnson used it in "Nash Bridges." ZAP plans to come out with a sporty model when it starts to produce cars with bigger batteries.

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Schneider

ZAP CEO Schneider stands next to a truck. The company will sell these electric trucks to warehouses. His bandages are the result of a recent scooter wipeout.

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ATV

A ZAP all-terrain vehicle.

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