ZAP Xebra
 | This article's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information. (December 2017) |
| ZAP Xebra | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | ZAP |
| Also called | Fulu FL5000ZK-1 |
| Production | 2006–2009 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | sedan, truck |
| Body style | Five-door sedan/truck |
| Layout | Rear-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Electric motor | DC brushed |
The ZAP Xebra was an
The Xebra was phased out in 2009,[1] and in 2013 the company was ordered to buy back all of the 2008 models that were sold and destroy them due to a failure to meet the braking requirements for a motorcycle.
Characteristics
 | This section needs additional citations for verification. (December 2017) |
The top speed of the Xebra is 36–40 mph (58–64 km/h), with a range of about 20–25 miles (32–40 km)[2][3] with the standard batteries, or 40 miles (64 km) with the optional extended range batteries.
The sedan version can carry up to five people[citation needed]. 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]
An optional rooftop-mounted
The 2008 "version 6" all-steel-bodied version of the Xebra sedan is now in production.[4]
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,
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.[7]
Some details:
- Dimensions: 10 ft × 4.66 ft × 5.05 ft high (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]
- Range: Up to 40 miles (65 km). Typically 30 miles @ 20 mph (50 km @ 30 km/h), or 20 miles (32 km) in practice[citation needed] 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 absorbed glass matbatteries
- Classification: 3-wheel motorcycle[citation needed]
- 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
Recall
In January 2013, Quingqi Group Motorcycle Co. announced it was recalling all Zap Xebra vehicles from 2008 to resolve a braking issue.[8] The 2008 vehicles were recalled a second time in 2012 to fix the same problem,[9] 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.[10]
TV Stardom
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 [1]
See also
References
- ^ "EDGAR Pro". Yahoo.brand.edgar-online.com. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
- ^ "Hype Machine: Searching for ZAP's Fleet of No-Show Green Cars". WIRED. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
- ^ "5 electric cars you can buy now". Money.cnn.com. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
- ^ Jeremy Korzeniewski. "ZAP Xebra finally gets some upgrades". Autoblog. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
- ^ "Xebra". Xebraworld.com. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
- ^ "Xebra_EV : Message: Re: Is this normal and acceptable in Xebras?". Archived from the original on July 1, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2008.
- ^ "ZAP Expands Sales of XEBRA Electric Microcar; Orders 500+ from China".
- ^ Welsh, Jonathan (4 June 2012). "Zap Recalls Electric Vehicles for Brake Problem". WSJ. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
- ^ Gordon-Bloomfield, Nikki. (June 6, 2012). "2008 Zap Xebra Electric Motorcycle Recalled (Again)". Green Car Reports. Retrieved March 20, 2013.
- ^ Kovner, Guy. (February 22, 2013). "Zap fights safety recall and attempted coup". The Press Democrat. Retrieved March 20, 2013.
External links
- Zapworld.com
- Article at CNet
- Article at Business Week
- TTAC.com Xebra review
- "Electric Car Lets Family Save on Gas, with Flair" on NPR's All Things Considered, June 20, 2008