ZAP stands for Zero Air Pollution®. ZAP has been a world leader for electric and advanced technology vehicles since 1994, delivering more than 100,000 electric vehicles in more than 75 countries. Whether it’s a Xebra Sedan, Xebra Truck, Zapino or the Original Zappy 3 Scooter, ZAP helps drivers go green today with 100% electric transportation. With its new product offerings, the Company is positioned to become a leading brand and distribution portal of advanced technology vehicles. ZAP is committed to running its business based on a strong philosophical foundation that supports the environment, social responsibility and profitability.

Show Date: March 11, 2009 at 5:00 pm EST. Listen to the show LIVE on this page. Scroll to the end of the page for the play button. If you miss the show, we’ll have a streaming replay available within 48 hours.

Guest: Gary Starr, Founder/President ZAP Electric Vehicles, Chairman Emeritus. (Not family, but definitely a STARR). He founded ZAP in 1994 and has been a director since the Company’s inception, serving as Chief Executive Officer from 2000 to 2002 and Chairman from 2002 to 2008. Prior to ZAP, Starr founded US Electricar’s electric vehicle operation in 1983.  Starr has provided expert commentary on more than 300 radio and television shows including Larry King Live, The Today Show, CNN Headline News, the McNeil Lehrer News Hour and more.

More About Gary Starr: Gary is quite possibly the most prolific electric car entrepreneur today, having been involved in the design and production of over 100,000 electric vehicles since building his first electric car in 1974 as a UC Davis sophomore.  In 1993 Automotive News named Starr among the top ten authorities in the electric car industry.  In 2000 Advertising Age honored him and ZAP in their annual Marketing 100.  Starr has several publications to his credit, including “Electric Cars: Your Guide to Clean Motoring, “The Shocking Truth of Electric Cars,” and “The True Cost of Oil.”

He is a holder of several electric vehicle patents. Starr was a sophomore at UC Davis studying Environmental Consulting and Advocacy during the OPEC Oil Embargo and says he was late for a date because he had to sit in a line to buy gas. While waiting he pondered a better way using electricity. He asked one of his professors about electric cars who told him they could not go fast enough, far enough and were too expensive. A few months later, Starr built his first electric car with mostly junk and surplus parts. The converted dune buggy went 50 MPH, had a range per charge of 50 miles and cost about $2,500 to make. “That car taught me that, just because an expert says it can’t be done, doesn’t mean it’s true.”

ZAP serves the growing and underrepresented consumer that seeks fuel efficient vehicles. With the recent increases in the cost of oil and increasing concern about the environment and the effects of global warming, ZAP believes there is a large and untapped demand in the areas of transportation and consumer products.

ZAP has assembled a complete line of products to meet the growing demands of the environmentally conscious consumer focused on two primary businesses: ZAP Electric Vehicles and ZAP Recharge-It-All. They also conduct certain portions of  their business through the wholly-owned subsidiaries: Voltage Vehicles, ZAPWorld Stores, Inc., ZAP Manufacturing, Inc. and ZAP Rental Outlet.

Click the Play Button to Hear the Streaming Replay.

Rights Radio Power Hour: Electric Cars Zero Air Pollution originally appeared on Rights Radio™ with Dr. Joyce Starr - An Independent Voice on March 10, 2009.