Lithium Battery Systems Introduced by ZAP at Silicon Valley Maker Faire

SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 24, 2006--Advanced technology pioneer ZAP (NYSE Arca:ZP) (PCX:ZP) introduced its new Portable Energy products for powering handheld electronic devices at the Maker Faire 2006 in San Mateo, California, a unique Silicon Valley event that celebrates new technologies and their makers.

Called ZAP(R) Portable Energy(TM), the new rechargeable power packs can power a wide range of mobile electronics like cell phones, digital cameras, laptops and more. ZAP says Portable Energy is the culmination of years working to develop more reliable and longer lasting battery technologies for electric cars. Mobile electronics are pushing the technology envelope for innovations in advanced batteries and ZAP CEO Steve Schneider says that this technology in larger formats can power electric cars on a level comparable to today's internal combustion automobiles.

“The battery technology to power electric cars is here and ZAP Portable Energy is proof that the technology is maturing at a rapid rate”

"The battery technology to power electric cars is here and ZAP Portable Energy is proof that the technology is maturing at a rapid rate," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. "This and other battery advances are creating the economies of scale necessary to commercialize advanced electric car batteries."

ZAP Portable Energy helps solve the growing battery dilemma for mobile electronics, offering a rechargeable source of power out in the field or extending the battery life of your favorite electronic device. The technology also reduces the need for disposable batteries, which can be bulky, expensive and harmful to the environment.

ZAP, a publicly owned Company based in Northern California, also displayed its advanced technology vehicles, including the XEBRA electric vehicle, its line of ZAPPY3 electric scooters, and a new line of off-road electric vehicles, including the BUZZZ electric ATV and the MUD-E electric dirt bike.

The lithium-ion battery system can be recharged up to 1000 times and has up to four times the power of conventional batteries. Each ZAP Pack uses a smart microprocessor control system that can power a variety of mobile electronic devices, including handheld PCs, digital cameras, cellular phones, audio, DVD, compact disk players or equivalent, video cameras, laptops and more. Several models are available that offer the versatility to charge DC electronics from 4.0 to 19.0 volts through either a DC or USB port. ZAP Portable Energy is now available for immediate delivery.

About ZAP

ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 90,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. ZAP is at the forefront of fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, hydrogen, electric, fuel cell, alcohol, hybrid, trybrid and other innovative power systems. For more information, visit http://www.zapworld.com.

Cautionary Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the Company's products, increased levels of competition for the Company, new products and technological changes, the Company's dependence on third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.