No It`s Not a Zebra, It`s a XEBRA Roaming The Streets of Salem

Photo Courtesy: zapworld.com

(SALEM) - The future of the automotive industry has arrived in Salem at Electric Wheels, Inc. The new ZAP (Zero Air Pollution®) Xebra, the first street-legal car of its kind, can be seen at Oregon`s only electric vehicle dealership, Electric Wheels, Inc. in Salem.

Fultano`s Pizza in Cannon Beach is the first new owner of a XEBRA, and the owner says they will use it for business purposes.

"The car is affordable, has locking doors, is fully enclosed and is weather friendly," said David Johnson, owner of Fultano`s.

Johnson said he had been checking out alternative methods to deliver hot pizza to his customers and found that golf carts were not an option because they would not protect drivers or the pizza because none are made weather proof.

He says the XEBRA fit the bill.

"The motors in these vehicles are five times as efficient as a gasoline engine" said Christopher Dymond, Sr. Analyst, Oregon Department of Energy.

Dymond went on to say that "It's clear that owners of electric vehicles spend less money on fossil fuels."

Larry and Diane Dye, owners the dealership, agree that it is a perfect city car and teen car.

"Kids won`t have to ask for gas money ever again, and even more important, they can`t go over 50 miles and hour," Dye said.

Approximately 80% of U.S. families own a second car and usually drive it no more than 2 to 10 miles from home, Dye added.

The vehicles meet all national safety standards set by the Federal Department of Transportation, which offers a tax credit of up to $1,000 for buyers.

An additional $750 tax credit from the state of Oregon makes the Xebra a great buy. Related: New Electric Car in Salem is a Real Buzz (VIDEO)