Shortly after getting the Roadster, exactly a year ago, I sent the Zap Xebra off to an electric car dealership to sell for me on consignment. I didn't want to have to deal with it myself, and I reasoned that with the Leaf available, there wouldn't be much demand for the Xebra. Also, although it was a great car for me for 4 years, it has its limitations, and I was concerned about a direct sale to someone who might expect more of it than it can deliver.
It's turned out that there was very little demand indeed, but they finally found a buyer. I'm expecting a check in the mail any day now. The consignment dealer got paid and shipped the car, and just has to send me a check for my share after taking his commission.
The car gave me great service for four years, was fun to drive, allowed me to be driving electric years before I could have gotten any other EV, and never left me stranded. I upgraded to the Roadster to get more power and range. But the Xebra was not economical transportation when I divide the purchase price and cost of batteries (LiFePO4) by miles driven. If I had it to do over again, I'd do it exactly the same, except that I might choose a different battery configuration. It was worth it to me to be able to drive electric all those years. But it was an expensive toy.
I'll miss it, and the smiles and waves I got while driving it. The Roadster only gets noticed by sports-car enthusiasts, but everybody thought the Xebra was as cute as a button. I won't miss the serious lack of power. Thirty seconds to get from zero to 35 mph, its top speed on level ground. Much slower going up hills.
Goodbye, little car. You were fun and cute and reliable. You were quiet and never burned a drop of gas. I hope you like your new home. (It was bought by a movie company in Toronto that's going to use it in a film. Guess I'll have to buy a copy of the film when it comes out.)
It's turned out that there was very little demand indeed, but they finally found a buyer. I'm expecting a check in the mail any day now. The consignment dealer got paid and shipped the car, and just has to send me a check for my share after taking his commission.
The car gave me great service for four years, was fun to drive, allowed me to be driving electric years before I could have gotten any other EV, and never left me stranded. I upgraded to the Roadster to get more power and range. But the Xebra was not economical transportation when I divide the purchase price and cost of batteries (LiFePO4) by miles driven. If I had it to do over again, I'd do it exactly the same, except that I might choose a different battery configuration. It was worth it to me to be able to drive electric all those years. But it was an expensive toy.
I'll miss it, and the smiles and waves I got while driving it. The Roadster only gets noticed by sports-car enthusiasts, but everybody thought the Xebra was as cute as a button. I won't miss the serious lack of power. Thirty seconds to get from zero to 35 mph, its top speed on level ground. Much slower going up hills.
Goodbye, little car. You were fun and cute and reliable. You were quiet and never burned a drop of gas. I hope you like your new home. (It was bought by a movie company in Toronto that's going to use it in a film. Guess I'll have to buy a copy of the film when it comes out.)
