New “trybrid” car can run on three different energy sources

Pioneering automotive company ZAP may well be embroiled in a legal battle with Daimler Chrysler’s smart, but it has not slowed the expansion of its fleet of intriguing and economical cars. Amongst the cars which had their first public showing at the recent San Francisco International Auto Show were the WORLDCAR, Obvio! and XEBRA. The three-seater (side-by-side) Brazilian-made Obvio 012 and Obvio 828(main image) look to be the pick of the litter, powered by a Tritec 1.6 litre four cylinder motor (as used in the MINI) using flexible fuel technology that enables the engines to run on gasoline and alcohol or any combination plus an additional electric drive – effectively making it the world’s first “trybrid” automobile that can switch between three energy sources.

..With the idea of saving gas on everyone’s mind these days, ZAP also unveiled its new XEBRA, one of the world’s only production all-electric cars. U.S. consumers will have the first chance to order this unique four-passenger vehicle for under US$10,000 as ZAP sets up distribution in the United States through its authorized dealers.

ZAP has entered into a manufacturing contract with a Chinese automaker to produce the three-wheeled Xebra aimed at filling the need for gas-free, all-electric cars that are practical and affordable. ZAP Chairman Gary Starr says that the XEBRA project is the offspring of more than three decades of thought and evolution in electric transportation and designed to meet the needs of today’s drivers.

Gizmag