History
ZAP Power Systems (for zero air pollution), was launched by Jim McGreen in 1992 with the goal of designing, building and selling innovative electric vehicles. The company was incorporated on September 23, 1994 as ZAP Power Systems of Sebastopol, California, by McGreen, Gary Starr and their wives. In 1993 Automotive News named Starr among the top ten authorities in the electric car industry. He had previous experience with electric cars, including his work at Solar Electric Engineering and U.S. Electricar, which is currently known as Enova Systems. Starr was involved in electric conversion projects, various production cars and kit cars.
1995 – Manufacture of electric bicycle systems, products included ZAP DX and SX, as well as the ElectriCruiser, PowerBike, S&W Patrol Bike, ZAPTRIKE.
1996 – Launched direct public offering stock, debuted an advanced Tricyclopod, the Zappy folding electric scooter (invented by co-founder McGreen).
1997 – Arrangement with Chinese bicycle companies for ZAP's drive system supply. In April, agrees to sell electric bikes to Brunswick Corp, by May signed a distribution agreement with Fondmetal Export AG export company.
1998 – First electric bike store opened in San Francisco.
1999 – Corporate name change, multiple international agreements signed, and announced the launch of the "Z-Boat".
2000 – Introduced a line of sea scooters with battery-powered propulsion, and the KICK-PUSH Scooter. Management additions, as a result of the acquisition in 1999 of EMB.
2001 – Solar powered scooter introduced. Name change to "ZAP".
Read more about this topic: ZAP (motor Company)
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