ZAP Xebra

{{more citations needed section|date=December 2017}}

File:Zap-xebra.jpg

The top speed of the Xebra is {{convert|36|-|40|mph|abbr=on}}, with a range of about {{convert|20|-|25|mi}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/cars/futuretransport/magazine/16-04/ff_zapped|title=Hype Machine: Searching for ZAP's Fleet of No-Show Green Cars|magazine=WIRED|access-date=16 February 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/autos/0806/gallery.electric_cars_now/5.html|title=5 electric cars you can buy now|publisher=Money.cnn.com|access-date=16 February 2015}} with the standard batteries, or {{Convert|40|mi|km}} with the optional extended range batteries.

The sedan version can carry up to five people{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}. The listed cargo weight capacity for both the SD sedan and the PK pickup is 1000 lb (460 kg), although PK owners have carried more weight than that.{{Citation needed|date=December 2017}}

An optional rooftop-mounted solar panel on the Xebra Xero variant allows for trickle solar charging, which should lengthen the range and life of the six traction batteries; it is also available as a roof over the PK pickup bed.

The 2008 "version 6" all-steel-bodied version of the Xebra sedan is now in production.{{cite web|url=http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/08/zap-xebra-finally-gets-some-upgrades/|title=ZAP Xebra finally gets some upgrades|author=Jeremy Korzeniewski|work=Autoblog|date=8 November 2008 |access-date=16 February 2015}}

The Xebra is the first production vehicle to be imported from China to the United States, and one of the only city speed electric vehicles in production. It is available from licensed ZAP/Voltage Vehicle dealers. According to the owner and dealer reports, some of the early 2006 models had problems with the body work, DC-to-DC converters, controllers, or chargers. They were not properly waterproofed and would degrade and malfunction when wet. Newer models delivered in 2007 are waterproofed and these problems are resolved.{{cite web|url=http://xebraworld.com/UPDATES%20AND%20IMPROVEMENTS%20PAGE/UPDATES%20AND%20IMPROVEMENTS%20PAGE.htm|title=Xebra|publisher=Xebraworld.com|access-date=16 February 2015}}

More recent models have been greatly improved with many low-quality parts being eliminated in the new production facility. Some replacement parts, even on new vehicles, are hard to find.{{cite web|url=http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Xebra_EV/message/11974 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120701135843/http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Xebra_EV/message/11974|title=Xebra_EV : Message: Re: Is this normal and acceptable in Xebras? |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 1, 2012 |access-date=February 13, 2008 }} Most of these issues have been resolved with the building of and move to a modern high tech moving production line facility. The interruption in production and flow of parts has greatly improved.

According to various news reports, over a hundred and fifty Xebras were sold in 2006. The PK became available in late 2006. According to ZAP 500 Xebra sedans and pickups were ordered by July 2007.{{cite web|url=https://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/08/zap_expands_sal.html |title=ZAP Expands Sales of XEBRA Electric Microcar; Orders 500+ from China }}

File:ZapCarXebra.jpg

Some details:

• Dimensions: {{nowrap|10 ft × 4.66 ft × 5.05 ft high}} {{nowrap|(2.90 m × 1.42 m × 1.54 m high);}}
• Weight about 1800 lb
• Speed: Up to 40 mph (65 km/h) (limited by a governor)- 36 mph in practice,{{citation needed|date=March 2011}}
• Range: Up to 40 miles (65 km). Typically 30 miles @ 20 mph (50 km @ 30 km/h), or {{convert|20|mi}} in practice{{citation needed|date=March 2011}} with the standard batteries
• Seating: 4 (SD sedan) or 2 (PK pickup)
• Motor: 5 kW (6.7 hp) DC brushed Newer 2008 models have brushless DC motors.
• Batteries: six lead–acid sealed gel 12-volts deep-cycle traction batteries of about 100 ampere hours (@20 h discharge) each (for a total of 72 volts) plus a 12-volts accessories battery. High-capacity batteries up to about 138 A·h are available as an option. Some dealers offer seven batteries for 84 volts. 2008 models are sold with 140 A·h absorbed glass mat batteries
• Classification: 3-wheel motorcycle{{citation needed|date=November 2010}}
• Imported from China
• Brakes: 3-wheel disc brakes (no power assist, no ABS, no regenerative braking)
• Models: sedan SD, pickup truck PK, sedan SD Xero with solar panel on roof, and pickup truck PK Xero with solar panel over bed

In January 2013, Quingqi Group Motorcycle Co. announced it was recalling all Zap Xebra vehicles from 2008 to resolve a braking issue.{{cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/06/04/zap-recalls-electric-vehicles-for-brake-problem/|title=Zap Recalls Electric Vehicles for Brake Problem|work=WSJ|date=4 June 2012|access-date=16 February 2015|last1=Welsh|first1=Jonathan}} The 2008 vehicles were recalled a second time in 2012 to fix the same problem,Gordon-Bloomfield, Nikki. (June 6, 2012). "[http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1076755_2008-zap-xebra-electric-motorcycle-recalled-again 2008 Zap Xebra Electric Motorcycle Recalled (Again)]". Green Car Reports. Retrieved March 20, 2013. and, in 2013, the company was ordered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to buy back the approximately 700 2008 models that were sold, and have them either destroyed or otherwise permanently disabled.Kovner, Guy. (February 22, 2013). "[https://archive.today/20130411174619/http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20130222/BUSINESS/130229813/1339/business?Title=Zap-fights-safety-recall-and-attempted-coup Zap fights safety recall and attempted coup]". The Press Democrat. Retrieved March 20, 2013.

In the TV show Monk (TV series), series 7, episode 11, “Mr. Monk on Wheels”, a Zap Xebra was driven by one of the characters, Dean Berry, played by Bradley Whitford. The car is shown with a crudely attached solar panel fixed to the roof. The Zap’s appearance is listed on the Internet Movie Car Database [https://www.imcdb.org/vehicles_make-ZAP_model-Xebra+Xero.html]

• Electric motorcycles and scooters
• List of motorized trikes

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|ZAP Xebra}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20000302212741/http://www.zapworld.com/ Zapworld.com]
• [http://news.cnet.com/Automaker+aims+to+bring+clean+cars+to+the+masses/2100-11389_3-6107369.html?tag=nefd.lede Article at CNet]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080120201439/http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/dec2006/id20061211_390097.htm?chan=innovation_innovation+%2B+design_innovation+and+design+lead Article at Business Week]
• [http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2008-zap-xebra-review/ TTAC.com Xebra review]
• [https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91646154 "Electric Car Lets Family Save on Gas, with Flair"] on NPR's All Things Considered, June 20, 2008

Category:Electric car models

Category:Three-wheeled motor vehicles