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In the blue and red corners - green cars
David Williams and Mark Prigg07.12.07
Two new electric cars aimed at revolutionising travel in London have been unveiled.
Both vehicles are exempt from congestion payments and can be recharged overnight from a household plug socket.
The cheapest is the threewheeled ZAP Xebra, which its makers say would make a "perfect" second car. It is expected to go on sale early next year for around £5,000. The Xebra has a range of 25 miles, a top speed of 40mph and is available in a range of colours as well as zebra stripes.
Its rival is a revamped version of the G-Wiz. Jade Jagger, Jerry Hall, Jonathan Ross and Kristin Scott Thomas are among owners of the original model.
The new G-Wiz has extra crash protection, better streamlining and improved electronics, increasing its top speed from 45mph to above 50mph. Like the original, it has a range of 48 miles. It is also roomier thanks to a more curvaceous windscreen, say the importers, GoinGreen.
When it goes on sale in February it will cost £8,895, up £598 on the original.
Experts say the capital is set for a green car boom with Londoners expected to spend £1.2billion on environmentally friendly cars in the next year.
Research has shown many drivers want to swap their gas-guzzling "Chelsea tractors" for eco-friendly cars to reduce their carbon footprints and take advantage of the congestion charge exemption for low-emission vehicles.
ZAP defended its car's threewheel design, which has been likened to Del Boy Trotter's van in Only Fools And Horses. "Many car buyers drive green vehicles because they want to be recognised for making a difference," said chairman Gary Starr.
