ZAP Sunday Drive

A tour of my EV commuter vehicle. It's a ZAP Xebra truck with onboard solar charging to assist the electric wall plug charging. This vehicle fits somewhere between a full featured highway capable EV like the Toyota Rav4 EV and the so called NEVs that are limited to 25 MPH top speed. Too slow IMO because 25 MPH impedes traffic and tends to anger other drivers, especially during the commute rush hour where politeness is sometimes lacking. My ZAP has a top speed of 40 MPH and a range of 30 to 40 miles between charges, making it suitable fast to keep up with most city street traffic. If I need more range or have to use the freeway, then I just use my gas car, a Ford Focus. As it turns out, I only use the gas car a few times per month. My ZAP is actually fun to drive in a way I can't put into words.
I have plenty of mods planned for the ZAP and I will add videos as I progress. Note that the ZAP only has 3 wheels. This classifies it as a motorcycle and so it has a small license plate. At first I was leery of it being tippey with only 3 wheels, but it has not been a problem and it feels perfectly stable. I think this is because of the weight of the batteries that are low to the ground and near the rear axle to keep the vehicle stable. Even though it's officially a motorcycle, I don't need to wear a helmet or have the motorcycle class driver's license because it has seatbelts and is fully enclosed.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Electric
• Car
• EV
• ZAP
• solar
• Plug-in

[jayseejean]

Puppyjump, careful when you say emissions free even from solar panels. There are emissions in the production and transportation of solar panels, and also in the energy used to make that production happen. Let me know yur thoughts. Cheers.

[Puppyjump]

While it's true emissions are created in the fabrication and delivery of solar panels, I have always assumed that the panels return enough cumulative energy to mostly negate the emissions. That is, the total energy delivered by a solar panel over time more than offsets the initial negative aspects involved in delivering it into field use. But honestly, I have not researched this.

[bohoki]

now all you need is a little gas generator in the bed so you can charge while you park

[Puppyjump]

@bohoki

yes, I have a small gas generator for when I know I will have a long trip. I can recharge for the return leg of the trip that way.

[chronicpuffin]

Common Dush nuggery

[Puppyjump]

I thought it was rather uncommon Dush nuggery

[MrBry329]

whenever in the future switch those battery to lithium, deep cell will cost you more in lithium but it will charge faster also last a lot longer,

[videodude4]

Where did you buy it?

[chiconian49]

Don't forget about the pint of oil in the gearbox. LOL

I purchased my Xebra sedan 3 years ago. It was a demo and the lot owner was going out of business, so got it for $4,200.00 tax, license included. I love the little car!

[jonfournier7]

id rather drive my 2005 chevy silverado 2500hd. i love blowing smoke everywhere. it has a 12inch lift and 38inch tall tires, i get 12mpg but at least i dont drive one of those

[jayseejean]

Anyways, sweet deal! you are: "Saving America" :)

[rtblackwidow]

I stand corrected good sir.  Tis most uncommon.