Save Gas, Save Money, Buy a ZAP Electric Car

SANTA ROSA, Calif., March 8 -- Gas prices are hitting record highs, and while you may not be able to get them from major automakers these days, electric car company ZAP (BULLETIN BOARD: ZAPZ) of Northern California says it has over 100 models in stock for consumers and auto dealers interested in selling them.

With some reports predicting gas prices of $3.00 per gallon this summer, saving gas is quickly becoming more of an issue of saving money. So, while it is admittedly comparing apples to oranges, the people at ZAP started crunching some numbers with interesting results.

Assuming gas prices of $2 per gallon and assuming fuel efficiency from the most popular cars in America -- SUVs -- at 15 MPG, gas costs about 13 cents per mile. Freeway capable electric cars, with a range of 50 miles per charge, cost about $1.50 per charge at 5 cents per kilowatt-hour, or 3 cents per mile. A 25 MPH neighborhood electric car costs about 50 cents to charge with a cost of 1 cent per mile. Even the most efficient gas-powered cars, like the new Honda and Toyota hybrids, cost 4.5 cents per mile to fuel.

To put it in more familiar terms, the equivalent fuel economy for electric cars would be 67 MPG and for neighborhood electrics about 200 MPG. Assuming $3 per gallon, this goes up to 100 MPG and 300 MPG respectively.

This would mean that someone who sold their SUV and bought an electric car, over 10,000 miles they would save about $1000 in gas, or $1700 if gas goes up to $3 per gallon. ZAP admits there are many factors involved in comparing gas with electricity, but the bottom line is that you can save gas and save money as well as avoid gas stations, smog-checks, and oil-changes; overall less maintenance, less noise and -- lest we forget -- zero-emissions.

ZAP has two models of new electric cars in stock, including the ZAP WORLDCAR, the ZAP Intimidator L.U.V. as well as some rare, pre-owned, and rental fleet electric cars at its company-owned auto dealerships in Windsor, California and Las Vegas. For more information, visit http://www.zapworld.com/ .

To jump-start its dealer development, ZAP is targeting the upper one percent of the U.S. independent auto dealer market, a market of over 100,000 auto dealers that ZAP CEO Steve Schneider says are hungry for the opportunity to get involved in new car sales.

Schneider, himself a 20-year veteran of the independent auto dealer market, believes that an electric car distribution network is the next piece of the electric car puzzle, because the technology is available and demand is growing. ZAP is seeking full-service auto dealerships that offer sales, parts and service. With new electric cars, these independent auto dealers receive a new car dealer license, which gives them better financing, helps attract more business with the new profit center, and helps them stay ahead of their competition with the positive image that cleaner car technologies can bring. ZAP dealers have access to consumer financing and the cars come with an industry-leading, two-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

Meanwhile, ZAP has been striking partnerships with many of the world's leading advanced transportation manufacturers and technology companies to stay on the forefront of cleaner car technologies. ZAP has distribution contracts in hand for electric cars from Europe, North America and Asia. As it looks to future, ZAP is working to form strategic partnerships to commercialize advanced batteries, fuel cells and hybrid vehicle systems, all to help keep its ZAP dealer network on the cutting edge of cleaner car technologies.

To learn more about the ZAP's electric cars and its auto dealer program, call 707-525-8658 or visit www.zapworld.com.