Zero Production Motors, Zero Air Pollution (ZAP) Vehicles
Two Companies Show that 'Oil Addiction' Alternatives Are Happening Already
Gasoline prices have skyrocketed, despite this temporary break that seems timed to go with Tuesday's election. It's been nearly four decades since the first Middle East oil shock of the early 1970s. Even long before that, smog had started to smother major cities. Yet a nation that developed the atom bomb by 1945 and sent men to the moon in 1969 still cannot push average automotive efficiency past 30 miles per gallon, much less get rid of the need for gas in the first place.
Conspiracy theories have abounded in some circles. The premise is that the powers that be could mass produce alternative vehicles at any moment of their choosing, but that the oilmen have had too much of a financial stake to allow such progress. Well, this may not be a conspiracy, but there certainly hasn't been a whole lot of incentive for change.
Enter Zero Pollution Motors. The Air Car runs entirely on compressed air as long as you stay below 35 miles per hour, which anyone should be able to do if they stay off the highways for their local commutes. Beyond 35 mpg, the need for gasoline kicks in. Faster driving compresses more air for slower in-city travels. This doesn't amount to "zero pollution," but you get the picture. It sounds pretty good.
Then we have the Zero Air Pollution "ZAP" vehicle, which truly lives up to its name. The ZAP car is an electric enclosed three-wheeler that's officially classified as a motorcycle. It's less versatile because it only can reach 40 mph and it contains only one passenger seat, but it accelerates quickly enough that the motorist behind you won't be honking his horn. The ZAP vehicle will get you to work and back, or to the grocery. Where to put those groceries? There's a small truck bed in back.
Zero Air Pollution Inc., based in California, also takes orders for larger electric vehicles. Motor Development International, maker of the Air Car, is based in France.
Even the most ecologically "green" mainstream politicians say it will take 10 years, or 20, or 30, to end dependence on Middle East oil. Need we wait that long?
SOURCES
http://www.huliq.com/1/71992/zero-pollution-motors-car-can-run-compressed-air
http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081103/NEWS01/811030368/1002/NEWS01
Published by Michael Thompson
Michael Thompson is a retired newspaper reporter who lives in Saginaw, Michigan. Main topics are political and social justice issues, with occasional escapism into sports and so forth. View profile
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7 Comments
Post a CommentWe should care and think that we are going to give a chance to our mother " the earth" to rebuild up with ZAP
The interesting thing about ZAP is that they currently have a whole range of electric vehicles on offer: they have electric bicycles, scooters, cars, trucks, off road electrics and next year they will be releasing their futuristic and sporty Alias as well.
It's worth noting that ZPM is the NY based American company that was established to be the first distributor in the States. It's actually a French company they are affiliated with, called MDI that is developing and building these cars in France. Hopefully ZPM will build the first American production facility in Upstate Ny and begin production in late 2010 or 2011.
Great article. Looks like 3 of us (that I've noticed) wrote about these. That's good. Maybe it will spread the word about the need for eco-friendly options. :-)
When we say "ZAP stands for Zero Air Pollution(r)" -- this is more of a slogan or a philosophy. ZAP is just ZAP. I believe the primary meaning would be a small charge of electricity. And let me point out that ZAP has more than cars and trucks. Check out the Zapino in the video here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_laBPi9wbA
This is a great development- I wrote about it too- and I hope that more and more alternatives surface so that those who find one unsuited to their needs will have other options.
Interesting. Thank You fer sharin' your research. Mizpah. ;-}}>