California to Give $1,000 Electric Car Rebates for ZAP Xebra Sedans and ZAP Xebra Trucks

SACRAMENTO, CA, May 29, 2008 -- The California Air Resources Board is offering a $1,000 rebate towards the purchase of a ZAP Xebra electric car and truck from ZAP (OTC BB:ZAAP.OB).

ZAP Xebra Electric Trucks: California is giving $1,000 electric car rebates to buyers of the ZAP Xebra sedan and truck. The Xebra sedan and truck are a city-speed vehicle designed to meet today's need for economical, gas-free driving.

Both the ZAP Xebra electric city car and pickup have passed a full battery of testing and approval requirements by the California Air Resources Board and have been officially approved for the $1,000 cash rebates. To receive a rebate, vehicles must be ARB qualified and pass a range and speed course as well as comply with all federal motor vehicle safety standards, and meet a minimum manufacturer warranty.

"This program alone is enough incentive to stimulate Xebra sales to a whole new level," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. "Similar programs in electric car programs in Oregon have helped contribute to the sale of more Xebras. Being the 8th largest economy in the world, this program will be well received by our dealers and Californians."

ZAP says right now many drivers are filling up their gas tank for about $60 dollars, but a Xebra can recharge for as little as 60 cents. Schneider noted that the rebate should cover over 30,000 miles of driving assuming electricity costs of three cents per mile. That could mean several years of not having to pay for fuel.

Schneider says that ZAP has delivered over 700 units of the Xebra as of April. Surging gas prices have sparked an increase in orders from consumers and dealers. ZAP reported a backlog of $6.8 million in Xebra orders, more than sales for all of 2007.

The program is part of $25 million in overall funding that came out of Assembly Bill 1811 -- authored by Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles) and passed in 2007 -- which promotes alternative fuel infrastructure and vehicles. The rebates are available for qualifying vehicles that are purchased until March 31, 2009, or until the funding of the grant runs out.

The design for the Xebra is unique in the auto industry, an affordable all-electric vehicle for city-speed driving up to 40 MPH. Both the sedan and pickup have practical features; the sedan is a four-door with room for four and the truck has a dump bed that can transform into a flatbed. Both were designed in response to skyrocketing gas prices, and work with economical city commuting, small businesses, corporate and government fleets.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.

About ZAP

ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 100,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. At the forefront of fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, electric, hybrid and other innovative power systems, ZAP has a joint venture called Detroit Electric to manufacture electric and hybrid vehicles with Youngman Automotive Group. Detroit Electric is developing a freeway capable electric vehicle called the ZAP Alias. ZAP is also developing a new generation of vehicles using lithium batteries. The Company recently announced a strategic partnership with Dubai-based Al Yousuf Group to expand its international vehicle distribution. ZAP also makes an innovative, new portable energy technology that manages power for mobile electronics from cell phones to laptops. For product, dealer and investor information, visit zapworld.com.

Source: ZAP

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