Army of One Makes Electric Truck Fleet a Reality

April 20, 2010 – The U.S. Army this Earth Day gave out its highest individual environmental award to the person responsible for deploying ZAP trucks on a military base in Korea, Environmental Chief Robert J. Chartier.

Mr. Robert J. Chartier, the former environmental division chief at the Army's Daegu Korea installation, captured the individual award in the environmental quality category of the FY 2009 Secretary of the Army Environmental Awards Program. Chartier competed with teams and individuals from across the Army for this honor and was the only individual Army environmental award winner this year.

According to a press release, “Mr. Robert Chartier captured the individual award in the environmental quality category of the FY2009 Secretary of the Army Environmental Awards Program… Chartier competed with teams and individuals from across the Army for this honor; the only individual Army award bestowed this year.”

Other military bases have followed Chartier’s example with electric truck purchases of their own.  Fleet operators like the greater payload and save hundreds of dollars a week by using the energy efficient trucks for jobs in which a larger gas truck isn’t needed.  Several large EV fleet operators have acquired ZAP electric trucks and vans in the past year.

Designs for an all-electric SUV in partnership with Jonway Auto of China are now available in China for government, corporate and taxi fleets.  ZAP is in talks with distribution partners in places like Korea to further expand distribution in Asia.

Chartier did much more than implement electric vehicle technology, he created a multifaceted plan that included community outreach, environmental awareness events, such as the Earth Day 5K, tree planting, environmental displays at the Armed Forces Day Open house, developing the first International Organization of Standardization 14001 environmental management system for an overseas base, an improved waste and recycling program, and a wetland restoration project at Camp Carroll in Daegu.  Read below and follow the links to learn more about the amazing accomplishments of Robert J. Chartier.  Thank you, Chief!

Press Release from U.S. Army Environmental Command:

U.S. Army Environmental Quality Award Nomination Pictures ZAP Electric Truck

Chartier was recognized for his superb management of all environmental program areas for the Daegu garrison. “It’s always an honor to be recognized, especially at this level; however, many of these achievements would never have been possible had it not been for the outstanding support I received from my entire environmental staff and the Daegu garrison leadership who supported my vision for the direction of the environmental program.

From Award Nomination: “Mr. Chartier conducted research with the garrison Directorate of Logistics and received approval from the command to purchase a small fleet of Zero Air Pollution (ZAP) electric trucks to help the command meet its fleet vehicle managemetn goal.  The ZAP electric truck, a small pickup truck used on USAG Daegu, performs better than the Neighborhood Electric Vehicles issued to installations in the continental U.S.  The installation purchased five trucks, providing them to the Fire Inspector, Department of Public Works, Environemtnal Division and the Safety Office.  These replaced the gasoline-fueled non-tactical vehicles currently in use.”

From recycling to wetland restoration to electric vehicles, Chartier’s vision was felt throughout the garrison, and even outside the gates.

Below is a video of our XL truck, similar to the ones now being used in Korea.

ZAP Presents Electric Truck, Van and ATV to U.S. Army at Fort Bliss Renewable Energy Rodeo

EV pioneer ZAP presented its latest electric truck, van and ATV to the U.S. Army at a first-ever Renewable Energy Rodeo in Fort Bliss, Texas.

ZAP Responds the U.S. Military’s Call for Practical Alternative Fuel Technologies at Renewable Energy Rodeo & Symposium, June 8-9 at Fort Bliss

FT. BLISS, Texas (June 9, 2010) – Electric vehicle pioneer ZAP (OTCBB: ZAAP) is demonstrating its line of electric trucks, vans and ATVs at the Renewable Energy Rodeo and Symposium, June 8-9, hosted by the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command’s Tank and Automotive Center, Fort Bliss, Texas. The two-day symposium brings energy experts from around the world together with specially selected exhibitors showcasing innovative solutions that range from efficient ground vehicles to infrastructure.

ZAP will demonstrate its ZAPTRUCK XL with convertible bed for moving up to 1900 lbs. of cargo, ZAPVAN SHUTTLE for transporting up to four passengers or allowing easy side loading through sliding doors, and the ZAP DUDE ATV (all-terrain vehicle) ideal for installation security patrol and maintenance functions. The event is organized for federal, state and local government legislators, GSA and various fleet managers, Pentagon-level officials from all U.S. service branches, as well as students from El Paso area colleges and universities.

“We are eager to receive first-hand feedback from all levels of military personnel who will have the opportunity to experience our electric vehicles,” said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. “We believe that communication and partnerships between energy innovators and the military will lead to practical solutions that reduce adverse effects on the environment, such as vehicles that are more energy efficient and simpler to maintain.”

Sometimes all it takes is one person to lead the way. The U.S. Army reordered ZAP electric trucks last year after a successful introduction of the vehicles at the Army’s Daegu, Korea installation. On his own initiative, former environmental division chief Robert Chartier procured the electric trucks as part of an environmental awareness program that earned him the highest individual award from the Secretary of the Army’s Environmental Awards Program for 2009.

About ZAP

ZAP is one of the world’s oldest and most experienced electric vehicle providers, having delivered over 117,000 of a broad range of vehicles to more than 75 countries since 1994. ZAP supplies electric trucks and vans to military, government and corporate fleets and is an innovator of electric motorcycles, scooters and ATVs. The Santa Rosa, California based company offers some of the only electric city-speed cars and trucks in production today and is leveraging its accrued technology know-how in developing a cost effective high-speed electric car called the ZAP Alias. It recently started pilot production for an electric taxi through a partnership in China and is developing electric charging stations with China’s Holley Group, the world’s largest producer of electric power meters. 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.

Contact:

Alex Campbell
ZAP Media Relations
707-525-8658 ext. 241
acampbell@zapworld.com