The era of the electric cars

(Zapworld’s Obvio 012 and 012E – Fantastic eco cars are on their way)

Time to think green guys. It’s a fact, we are desperately watching the prices of petrol and gas going crazy and there is not much we can do about it. The forecast of future prices is definitely not optimistic for all car drivers. I can hear you scream already... "Oh nooooo, need my car… don’t want to pay so much for gas!” Any idea? Yes, turning to alternative electric or ethanol cars… maybe? They are definitely out-of-the-ordinary cars (for the moment!) and some of them will blast your expectations.

If you've already been considering alternative power, maybe you’ve already seen Ian Wright’s incredible, absolutely stunning, X1 electric car. As mentioned indeed, unfortunately still in the category “prototype” (0-60mph in 3sec. beating Ferrari 360 Spider and Porsche Carrera GT - listen to Ian Wright’s interview for Discovery Channel & take a ride with him on board). Estimated price : $100,000. So you thought : “Mmm... still a bit pricey and what if it rains?”  ; )

(Ian Wright’s X1 prototype)

Then, of course you fell in love with the ultra-sexy Tesla roadster… with a Lotus Elise mod feel, this one is convertible, comes with a roof... tops a 0-60mph in 4 seconds and has a range of 250 miles, top speed 135mph (video from Associated Press here). Still have to pay $90,000 to get one, though. Although electric cars have had terrible range and embarrassing styling, the X1 and the Tesla turned to history the stereotypes of slow, low performance vehicules some previously had in mind. Plus, and this is probably even more important, these technologies are a lot cleaner for our planet than gas engines.

(The Tesla roadster - Tesla Motors)

“Ok ok, but what about the price, then?” Well, don’t be disappointed, more new ecologic and economic cars are coming your way, with 4 seats, still stunning performances and... cheaper prices. 

ZAP World located in Santa Rosa, California has more than one solution to propose. Whether you'd like to drive electric or ethanol, several car models are there to please you. The great thing about it is that these car designs are going in a direction worth attracting our attention. The era of ugly-odd-looking electric vehicles is definitely over.

There is an interesting article on CNET with interview of CEO Steven Schneider.

Article refers to testing one of their actual models, the Xebra, a little plug and drive funny looking electric car. Let's call it the starter. Because of both its performances, look and price. The Xebra top speed is 40 miles per hour, it has a range of 40 miles and sells for around $9,000. Deliveries to begin Summer 2006.

(Zapworld’s Xebra)

Now, the most sceptic of you will say… cool, but we want more. Well, just take a look at this other car the Obvio 828 and 828E. This one (still on the funky looking side, indeed) aligns performances you might like better (view video here). With this car, you’ll be able to choose between ethanol and/or gasoline engine (up to 250HP) or totally electric motor (0 to 60 < 4.5 secs with 200HP’s and CVT transmission system – distance range : 200 to 240 miles). On pre-sales only for the moment, the Obvio 828 should come out end of 2007. Price of Obvio 828 around $14,000. How about that? Electric 828E estimated around $49.000.

 

(Zapworld's Obvio 282 and 282E - to check the set of pictures from CNET, here)

That’s not all folks… Last but not least the same idea is under development for yet another model. The Obvio 012 (ethanol/gas) and Obvio 012E (electric) – top picture of this post. We’re now talking about a microsport car with outstanding performances. No toy colours, but a stylish silver paint. The Obvio 012 is capable of top speed of 160mph. The Obvio 012E will reach top speed of 120mph, and punches a noble 0-60 < 4.5 secs. This post wouldn’t be long enough to feature all the equipement of this car… iMobile Carputer : GPS, internet and email access, personal organizer, satellite radio, digital multimedia player, DVD player and other fantastic things. On pre-sales, of course… delivery to be determined. Estimated price : $59,000.

(Zapworld's Obvio 012 and 012E) 

So, please Mr. Schneider, if you need test drivers for ZAP electric vehicles, don’t hesitate to send us a mail, we’re definitely ready to wizzzz for you!

Comments

[Scott]

Please note the Obvio 828 is $14K. The Obvio 828E is estimated at $49K! ouch.
http://www.zapworld.com/cars/obvio828E.asp

[mindblob]

You're right Scott... I'll add this precision to the post. Thank you.

[Franco Folini]

Ian Wright, CEO of Wrightspeed, and the X1 electric prototype were recently featured at a BAIA (Business Association Italy America). After the event I had the pleasure to interview Ian asking him questions about the new high performance sport car he is planning to build. The complete interview is available on BAIA blog.

Franco Folini

[mindblob]

Hi Franco,
Thank you for your comment. I'll check the post out.

[Juno888]

All picture are very interesting.. nice post..

[Rob Matthies]

How many electric cars are now running in London because of the congestion tax? Is it really as high as 14,000 which is what "The Economist" article stated?

Did you know that Vancouver, Canada has the world's first licensed electric pickup truck that has a "zero-cost" battery -- runs entirely on discarded batteries that considered dead or unusable. There are *three* battery breakthroughs in this electric pickup truck, as well as a half-dozen workarounds/fixes to the (usual) weak components found on electric cars.

Here's what the Global TV evening newscast aired, from a Youtube download:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEq-GbVcFTA

Also, check out the EV Album entry for this electric pickup truck, with a Google search for EVALBUM FREEB or WORLD'S FIRST REVIVED BATTERY PICKUP DIARY.

Why bother to revive dead batteries for the electric car? In British Columbia, Canada, 80% of 4-wheeled electric cars are sitting unused because they are TOO EXPENSIVE to run, costing 2X-10X more than gasoline. One member of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association got less than 900 kilometers from his EV battery pack before it needed replacement, at some $1,700 cost. Therefore, it's quite possible that Londoners will be abandoning their electric Reva G-Wiz, Maranello-4, Mega City, Th!nk, cars, too. The "FreeB" in Vancouver runs off cost-free discarded batteries. Would London electric car or electric scooter or electric bike owners like this, too?

Please reply by email to:
Rob Matthies
Vancouver, BC, Canada
robert04mat@yahoo.com
or phone Canada:
(604) 739-7717 [with Jajah, call us free, we're on Jajah, too]