We drive by their lot on a daily basis, and for a while just assumed that they were selling clown cars. Those funny-looking vehicles parked at South Lamar dealership Shock Value are, in fact, the latest batch of electric cars produced by California-based ZAP Power Systems. And soon, you'll be able to own one yourself.
Last fall, the dealership announced that it had signed an exclusive license agreement to bring the pint-sized "city cars" to Austin. A few weeks ago, they were granted their official dealer license from the Texas DMV.
The first model available is the ZAP! Xebra sedan, which is slightly shorter but a few inches taller than a Mini Cooper. Technically considered a "motorcycle" as it has only three wheels, the Xebra boasts speeds of up to 40 mph and a range of about 25 miles -- enough to take you from Austin to Georgetown, but not back, unless you plug it in for a recharge into the nearest standard 110-volt outlet.
More:
[link] "Electric car dealerships appearing in Austin"
[link] Electric Cars of Austin
[link] Austin Area Electric Auto Association
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Vehicles like these are a major setback to the alternative fuel movement. For the movement to gain acceptance, the designers of these vehicles need to think about the audience that isn't driving one of these.
Just look at the descriptions in the article: clown cars, funny-looking, and pint-sized. This is the general conscensus of alternative vehicles in America. Remember when the first Honda Hybrid came out? How silly did those rear wheel covers look?
www.hybridtalk.com/out/images/1144590565_Insight_B.jpg
We can change the public's mind by designing vehicles that are aesthetically attractive yet fuel efficient. Only then will you get the rest of the people on board and curb the addiction to fossil fuels. It's only a matter of time.
www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybrid_sbs_cars.shtml
I think calling these vehicles 'a major setback to the alternative fuel movement' is a bit harsh. Remember, these cars aren't designed and built by multi-billion dollar companies. If people show interest in these cars, the 'multi-billion dollar companies' will see that there are people who actually care about the environment and even those who foresee the economic benefits of waining off oil.
Here's Shock Value's web site:
www.shockvalueaustin.com