im thinking about getting a car in the near future but i want it to be an electric car. so far theres not much options out there and this one looks kinda unique and it has solar panels on it too but what u guys think?
http://www.zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/electric-cars/xebra-xero-pk
Dana1981
Favorite Answer
I think all versions of the ZAP Xebra are very cool. You have to pay about $2000 extra for the solar panel version, and even more if you want to extend the range beyond 25 miles, but as long as you've got some money and don't need to travel far, it's a great car. As environmentally friendly as you can get.
Personally I'm going to get an electric scooter because I can't afford a Xebra. The range will be better, though the top speed lower, but for about one-tenth the price. The Zapino is a good scooter made by ZAP for $3000 too.
Glenn B
The guys from "Top gear" recently published an article "A-Z of green vehicles". (Quite a good read if you get the chance). Amongst other things they did a review of the Zap Xebra.
They were not kind
"The designers should have their pencils taken away NOW"
(This comment is not on the web but is in the magazine)
"Featuring, but only just, a top speed of 40mph and a pathetic range of just 25 miles, this solar/electric car sullies the alternative fuel movement.
According to the manufacturer, the three-wheeled ZAP XEBRA is the offspring of 'more than three decades of thought and evolution'.
Three decades? That includes all the hours down the pub at lunch, does it? "
http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/1914/
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I can only go by the specs.
UP TO 40 mph (60 km/h)
UP TO 25 mile (40km)range.
Load capacity 303 lb (138 kg) (4 people ? right)
Not exactly the top of my list.
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Compare these
http://www.twike.us/
http://www.aerorider.com/
http://www.greenash.net.au/images/go-one-velomobile
GABY
Looks like a cool little toy. Not much more than a golf cart. Range of 25 miles/day may be good for a city car, though.
Their claim of "98% less than gasoline cars even when accounting for electrical power" is based on what? This is hard for me to believe when the power plant production is only about 30% efficient, and then there are more losses in power transmission and transformers. Then there is more efficiency loss in the charger and motor. Unbelievable!
groingo
Cute little bugger but it doesn't go far enough or fast enough to be practicle in anything other than a private community and I would be a bit leary of it because it is made in China.
Ultimately, I have to give ZAP credit for at least bringing this stuff to market where the people can decide rather than the big three making show cars that never happen.
the grand super C
It looks cool and a clean vehicle is gold in my book. But I can't see it being allowed on roads with the current type of vehicles we have. Its too small. Its like a go cart. And 3 wheels? You may see it on a golf course or in an amusement park picking up trash and stuff, but thats about it.