ZAP Reveals New Lithium-Ion Battery Technology That Could Quadruple Range of Electric Cars

SEBASTOPOL, Calif., March 10 -- ZAP (BULLETIN BOARD: ZAPZ) announced today it is revealing a new battery technology for electric cars on the Science Channel, a lithium-ion chemistry with the potential to quadruple the performance of today's conventional electric vehicle batteries.

In an interview with "Science Central," which is scheduled to air tonight, Monday, March 10, 2003 at 8:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, ZAP CEO Steve Schneider says that the new lithium-ion battery technology is similar to that used in cell phones, but with improvements that increase its energy output. "It allows amperage to go in and out at a rapid pace which is what you need to drive something as large as an automobile," says Schneider. "Really, that is what makes this different, it's the first of its kind that is affordable and available to the public."

The energy density of the lithium-ion battery has a 4-1 ratio compared to lead-acid batteries, meaning it could extend the range of today's electric cars from 60 miles to 240 miles per charge. ZAP CEO Steve Schneider calls the new technology the "Holy Grail" for this industry, saying that billions of dollars have been spent in recent years by government and industry to find ways of reducing automotive emissions by developing new battery technologies. Schneider notes the technology is undergoing third party testing to confirm the performance characteristics.

The announcement comes at a time when many experts are pointing at hydrogen fuel cells as a clean way to power automobiles. But Schneider notes that an infrastructure would be needed to refuel the hydrogen, while with electrics the infrastructure is already in place because they can plug into any normal electrical outlet.

During the program, Schneider demonstrates ZAP's new car, the Light Utility Vehicle, or L.U.V., a neighborhood electric car with a top-speed of 25 MPH that is now available. ZAP is working to launch a "L.U.V.-Line" of electric automobiles, which includes freeway-capable automobiles as well as vans, pickups and tractors. For product information, visit http://www.zapworld.com/ or call 800-251-4555.

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the Company's products, increased levels of competition for the Company, new products and technological changes, the Company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.