Fuel-efficient cars go "Zap"

    Jan. 26, 2006
    The first public showing of the Worldcar, Obvio!, Xebra, and Smart Car took place at the 47th Annual San Francisco International Auto Show.

    The Zap Xebra all-electric car sells for under $10,000.

     

    The Xebra, from automotive pioneer Zap of Santa Rosa, Calif., is one of the world's only production all-electric cars. The four-passenger vehicle will sell for under $10,000.

    Zap has also produced two prototype "trybrid" automobiles manufactured in a partnership with Brazilian automaker Obvio! Automotoveiculos S.P.E. Ltda., of Rio de Janeiro. The trybrids can run on gas, electricity, or alcohol and should be available by 2007.

    Worldcar, a hydrogen-powered vehicle, uses a hydrogen-electric hybrid drive train.

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