HELENA, MT, Aug 01, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) ----Montana officials announced that a city-speed electric truck from California manufacturer ZAP (OTCBB: ZAAP) has been purchased by the Montana State Hospital at Warm Springs.

"Interest is coming from everywhere for the Xebra, even places you wouldn't expect like the Big Sky state where people are just as concerned about high gas prices," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. Schneider noted that the front page of yesterday's Wall Street Journal had a feature on Texans parking their big gas trucks and driving the Xebra.

The hospital hopes the ZAP Xebra will cut its fuel bill for mail deliveries and other on-campus errands. However, hospital officials purchased the truck as part of Governor Brian Schweitzer's 20X10 Initiative, which asks state agencies to reduce their fuel consumption by 20 percent by the year 2010.

"Even after counting emissions from electric generating plants, Xebras produce 98 percent fewer pollutants than gas cars," a hospital news release said. "The approximate cost to operate the vehicle is 1 to 3 cents per mile."

Governor Schweitzer checked out the ZAP electric truck for the first time during the July 4th parade in Butte.

"He thought it was great," said Michael Curnow, Owner of Prestige Auto. "He had seen other electric cars before but it was the first time he had seen a Xebra and thought it was neat. I'm grateful for the Governor's initiative and that the State of Montana is stepping up to use more electric vehicles."

The ZAP Xebra truck, which seats two people, can travel up to 40 miles an hour and has a range up to 40 miles depending on battery usage and varying driving conditions. The rechargeable batteries can be plugged into a standard 110-volt AC outlet like a cell phone.

"We have a lot of packages and we're moving charts and stuff back and forth," hospital spokeswoman Tracy Thun told the Montana Standard. "Some of our deliveries from our warehouse we'll be able to put in there."

The truck will be delivered Monday by Prestige Auto & Toppers in Butte, which is the only authorized dealer of ZAP electric vehicles in the Montana. Prestige Auto and Toppers is located at 1701 Harrison in Butte, MT 59701. Reach them by phone at 406-782-9102.

About ZAP

ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 100,000 vehicles to consumers, businesses, governments and utilities in more than 75 countries. ZAP is positioning its business plan at the forefront of fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, electric, hybrid and other innovative power systems. ZAP is also developing a new generation of vehicles using lithium batteries. The Company recently announced a strategic partnership with Dubai-based Al Yousuf Group to expand its international vehicle distribution. ZAP also makes an innovative, new portable energy technology that manages power for mobile electronics from cell phones to laptops. For product, dealer and investor information, visit http://www.zapworld.com.

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 upon 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.

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 CONTACT: Mike Curnow Prestige Auto and Toppers
   LLC 406-782-9102 mcurnow2002@yahoo.com Alex Campbell ZAP 707-525-8658 x 241 acampbell@zapworld.com 

SOURCE: ZAP

mailto:mcurnow2002@yahoo.com
   mailto:acampbell@zapworld.com 

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