{{Redirect-distinguish|Xebra|Zebra}} {{Update|inaccurate=y|date=December 2017}} {{Infobox automobile | image = 2006 Zap Xebra in Ocean Blue, front right side.jpg | caption = 2006 ZAP Xebra | name = ZAP Xebra | manufacturer = ZAP | aka = Fulu FL5000ZK-1 | production = 2006–2009 | class = sedan, truck | body_style = Five-door sedan/truck | motor = DC brushed | layout = Rear-wheel drive }}
The '''ZAP Xebra''' was an electric car launched in May 2006 in the United States market by ZAP corporation. It is classified legally as a three-wheel motorcycle in some jurisdictions,<ref name=RS08>{{Cite web |last=Schoenberger |first=Robert |date=2008-05-03 |title=Xebra is not a car. It's not a motorcycle. It's not much use in Ohio at all |url=https://www.cleveland.com/business/2008/05/post_12.html |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=cleveland |language=en}}</ref> and is available in both sedan (model SD) and pickup (model PK) truck variants. It has seat belts. It does not have regenerative braking. The PK pickup has a dump bed, with fold-down sides and tailgate, that allows easy access to the batteries, controller, motor, and charger.
Although Zap listed a price for model year 2010, the Xebra was phased out after 2009.<ref name=TA13>{{cite web | url = https://blog.consumerguide.com/zap-xebra-the-ev-no-one-needs-to-know-about/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211226193744/https://blog.consumerguide.com/zap-xebra-the-ev-no-one-needs-to-know-about/ | archive-date = December 26, 2021 | title = Zap! Xebra: The EV No One Needs to Know About | first = Tom | last = Appel | date = August 22, 2013 | work= Consumer Guide | publisher = Publications International, Ltd. }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://yahoo.brand.edgar-online.com/displayfilinginfo.aspx?FilingID=6895016-992-143101&type=sect&dcn=0001072613-09-001479|title=EDGAR Pro|publisher=Yahoo.brand.edgar-online.com|access-date=16 February 2015|archive-date=19 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119043821/http://yahoo.brand.edgar-online.com/displayfilinginfo.aspx?FilingID=6895016-992-143101&type=sect&dcn=0001072613-09-001479|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2013 the company was ordered to buy back all of the 2008 models that were sold and destroy them due to a failure to meet the braking requirements for a motorcycle.<ref>{{Cite web| title=Findings, conclusions, and order on Zap's failure to reasonably meet its recall remedy and notification requirements | url=https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2012/RCNOC-12V230-4590.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916095356/https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2012/RCNOC-12V230-4590.pdf | archive-date=2021-09-16}}</ref>
==Characteristics== {{more citations needed section|date=December 2017}} The top speed of the Xebra is {{cvt|36-40|mph|km/h|0}}, with a range of about {{convert|20|-|25|mi|km|0}}<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/cars/futuretransport/magazine/16-04/ff_zapped|title=Hype Machine: Searching for ZAP's Fleet of No-Show Green Cars|magazine=WIRED|access-date=16 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/autos/0806/gallery.electric_cars_now/5.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080627053539/http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/autos/0806/gallery.electric_cars_now/5.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 27, 2008|title=5 electric cars you can buy now|publisher=Money.cnn.com|access-date=16 February 2015}}</ref> with the standard batteries, or {{convert|40|mi|km|0}} with the optional extended range batteries.
The sedan version had four seats and four doors, but was limited by its weight rating of {{cvt|500|lb|kg|0}}.<ref name=TA13/> The listed cargo weight capacity for the PK pickup is {{cvt|460|kg|lb|sigfig=2|disp=flip}}, although PK owners in user forums report their PKs have carried more weight than that after modifications.{{Citation needed|date=December 2017}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Admin |date=2010-04-30 |title=2008 ZAP Xebra PK Electric Truck – Real life user review - DepotEco.com |url=https://depoteco.com/blog/2008-zap-xebra-pk-electric-truck-review/ |access-date=2026-02-16 |language=en-US}}</ref>
An optional rooftop-mounted solar panel on the Xebra Xero variant allows for trickle solar charging, which should lengthen the range and life of the six traction batteries; it was also available as a roof over the PK pickup bed.
The 2008 "version 6" all-steel-bodied version of the Xebra sedan entered production in late 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/08/zap-xebra-finally-gets-some-upgrades/|title=ZAP Xebra finally gets some upgrades| first=Jeremy | last = Korzeniewski|work=Autoblog|date=8 November 2008 |access-date=16 February 2015}}</ref>
The Xebra was the first production vehicle to be imported from China to the United States. It was available from licensed ZAP/Voltage Vehicle dealers. According to the owner and dealer reports, some of the early 2006 models had problems with the bodywork, DC-to-DC converters, controllers, or chargers. They were not properly waterproofed and would degrade and malfunction when wet. Newer models delivered in 2007 are waterproofed and these problems are resolved.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xebraworld.com/UPDATES%20AND%20IMPROVEMENTS%20PAGE/UPDATES%20AND%20IMPROVEMENTS%20PAGE.htm|title=Xebra|publisher=Xebraworld.com|access-date=16 February 2015|archive-date=15 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115225131/http://xebraworld.com/UPDATES%20AND%20IMPROVEMENTS%20PAGE/UPDATES%20AND%20IMPROVEMENTS%20PAGE.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> More recent models have been greatly improved with many low-quality parts being eliminated in the new production facility. Some replacement parts, even on new vehicles, are hard to find.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Xebra_EV/message/11974 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120701135843/http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Xebra_EV/message/11974|title=Xebra_EV : Message: Re: Is this normal and acceptable in Xebras? |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 1, 2012 |access-date=February 13, 2008 }}</ref> The company claimed to have resolved these issues with the building of and move to a more modern, moving production line facility.
According to various news reports, over a hundred and fifty Xebras were sold in 2006. The PK became available in late 2006. According to ZAP themselves, 500 Xebra sedans and pickups had been ordered by July 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/08/zap_expands_sal.html |title=ZAP Expands Sales of Xebra Electric Microcar; Orders 500+ from China |work=Green Car Congress |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113180505/https://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/08/zap_expands_sal.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<gallery widths=200 heights=170> Jolliet Street Electric Car 4.JPG|Rear view of Xebra SD ZapCarXebra.jpg|Interior of the Xebra Zap-xebra.jpg|A ZAP Xebra PK (pickup truck) </gallery>
Some details: * Dimensions: {{nowrap|10 ft × 4.66 ft × 5.05 ft high}} {{nowrap|(2.90 m × 1.42 m × 1.54 m high);}} * Weight about 1800 lb * Speed: Up to 40 mph (65 km/h) (limited by a governor)- 36 mph in practice,{{citation needed|date=March 2011}} * Range: Up to 40 miles (65 km). Typically 30 miles @ 20 mph (50 km @ 30 km/h), or {{convert|20|mi}} in practice{{citation needed|date=March 2011}} with the standard batteries * Seating: 4 (SD sedan) or 2 (PK pickup) * Motor: 5 kW (6.7 hp) DC brushed Newer 2008 models have brushless DC motors. * Batteries: six lead–acid sealed gel 12-volts deep-cycle traction batteries of about 100 ampere hours (@20 h discharge) each (for a total of 72 volts) plus a 12-volts accessories battery. High-capacity batteries up to about 138 A·h are available as an option. Some dealers offer seven batteries for 84 volts. 2008 models are sold with 140 A·h absorbed glass mat batteries * Classification: 3-wheel motorcycle (depending on jurisdiction)<ref name=RS08/> * Imported from China * Brakes: 3-wheel disc brakes (no power assist, no ABS, no regenerative braking) * Models: sedan SD, pickup truck PK, sedan SD Xero with solar panel on roof, and pickup truck PK Xero with solar panel over bed
==Recall== In January 2013, Quingqi Group Motorcycle Co. announced it was recalling all Zap Xebra vehicles from 2008 to resolve a braking issue.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/06/04/zap-recalls-electric-vehicles-for-brake-problem/|title=Zap Recalls Electric Vehicles for Brake Problem|work=WSJ|date=4 June 2012|access-date=16 February 2015|last1=Welsh|first1=Jonathan}}</ref> The 2008 vehicles had steel bodies, rather than fiberglass; the extra weight overwhelmed the brakes which were unable to meet the minimum brake distance requirement along with lacking a master cylinder and no indicator for low brake fluid or low pressure.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Day |first=Lewin |date=2021-09-15 |title=The Strange Zap Electric Three-Wheeler Is a Mid-Aughts Relic That’s Somehow Still Kicking |url=https://www.thedrive.com/news/42242/the-strange-zap-electric-three-wheeler-is-a-mid-aughts-relic-thats-somehow-still-kicking |access-date=2026-02-16 |website=The Drive |language=en-US}}</ref> The same examples were recalled a second time in 2012 to fix the same problem,<ref>Gordon-Bloomfield, Nikki. (June 6, 2012). "[http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1076755_2008-zap-xebra-electric-motorcycle-recalled-again 2008 Zap Xebra Electric Motorcycle Recalled (Again)]". ''Green Car Reports''. Retrieved March 20, 2013.</ref> and, in 2013, the company was ordered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to buy back the approximately 700 2008 models that were sold, and have them either destroyed or otherwise permanently disabled.<ref>Kovner, Guy. (February 22, 2013). "[https://archive.today/20130411174619/http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20130222/BUSINESS/130229813/1339/business?Title=Zap-fights-safety-recall-and-attempted-coup Zap fights safety recall and attempted coup]". ''The Press Democrat''. Retrieved March 20, 2013.</ref>
==TV Stardom== In the TV show Monk (TV series), series 7, episode 11, “Mr. Monk on Wheels”, a Zap Xebra was driven by one of the characters, Dean Berry, played by Bradley Whitford. The car is shown with a crudely attached solar panel fixed to the roof. The Zap’s appearance is listed on the Internet Movie Car Database [https://www.imcdb.org/vehicles_make-ZAP_model-Xebra+Xero.html]
==See also== * Electric motorcycles and scooters *List of motorized trikes
==References== {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category|ZAP Xebra}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20000302212741/http://www.zapworld.com/ Zapworld.com] * [http://news.cnet.com/Automaker+aims+to+bring+clean+cars+to+the+masses/2100-11389_3-6107369.html?tag=nefd.lede Article at CNet] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20080120201439/http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/dec2006/id20061211_390097.htm?chan=innovation_innovation+%2B+design_innovation+and+design+lead Article at Business Week] * [http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2008-zap-xebra-review/ TTAC.com Xebra review] * [https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91646154 "Electric Car Lets Family Save on Gas, with Flair"] on NPR's All Things Considered, June 20, 2008
Category:Electric car models Category:Three-wheeled motor vehicles Category:Cars of the United States