ZAP Signs Exclusive Fuel Cell Distribution Agreement With Anuvu Anuvu Says Order for PEM Fuel Cells Largest Transaction in History SACRAMENTO, Calif. and SANTA ROSA, Calif., Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Automotive technology pioneer ZAP (OTC:ZAPZ) (BULLETIN BOARD: ZAPZ) announced today that it has signed a purchase order with Anuvu Incorporated of Sacramento, California for its patented Power-X(TM) hydrogen fuel cell engine systems. "I believe that this is the largest order ever for PEM fuel cell engines," said Anuvu National Sales Director Craig Newhouse, PhD. "We look forward to working with ZAP to make reasonably priced zero emission fuel cell powered vehicles available for both consumers and fleet buyers." According to officials from ZAP and Anuvu, the two Northern California companies intend to deliver the first fuel cell powered vehicles to consumers in 2005. ZAP CEO Steve Schneider says it is another opportunity for ZAP to take the lead in introducing automotive innovations into the marketplace. "ZAP has become a leader in this industry by putting energy-efficient vehicle technologies into the hands of consumers," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. "ZAP had the first practical electric bicycle, first practical electric scooter, first practical electric car, and recently the first federally approved SMART Car in the United States. Now, with Anuvu, we have set a goal of marketing the first practical hydrogen fuel cell powered car by 2005." Newhouse calls Anuvu's fuel cell systems "fuel cell hybrids" because they run on both hydrogen and electricity, like the gasoline-hybrids currently on the market. Unlike the gasoline hybrids, the only by-product of Anuvu's technology is water vapor, and can be defined as a "zero emission vehicle." Newhouse says that Anuvu's Power-X(TM) fuel cells are 15 years ahead of Department of Energy goals to create a "Hydrogen Economy." Anuvu's Power-X(TM) fuel cells are designed for real-world products with reliability and durability for a variety of products applications and have been developed to meet near-term market demand. In September ZAP signed a licensing agreement with Apollo Energy Systems of Pompano Beach, Florida for its Alkaline Fuel Cell technology. Apollo's fuel cell technology is fueled by ammonia, while Anuvu's Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell runs on hydrogen. Both technologies produce zero emissions. "ZAP's goal is to dominate the niche for advanced transportation," said Schneider. "Our philosophy is to partner with all of the market players that promise near-term solutions." About Anuvu Anuvu Incorporated, a California corporation founded in 1994, is a fuel cell company that designs and manufactures fuel cell stacks, fuel cell engines and systems, and provides custom solutions for a variety of clients. Anuvu is prepared to provide whatever part of the fuel cell technology your ZAP might require. Current clients acquire stacks and balance of plant technology for development projects around the world. Recent projects have included design and development of fuel cell/battery hybrid engines for a variety of vehicles and boats, as well as a robust system designed specifically for education and research at the university level. Additional areas of interest include off grid power applications. For more information, visit http://www.anuvu.com/ . About ZAP ZAP has been a leader in clean transportation technologies since 1994, delivering more than 85,000 vehicles to customers in more than 60 countries. A public company, ZAP is traded on the Over-the-Counter stock exchange under the symbol ZAPZ. The company offers a variety of advanced technology vehicles, including electric cars, bicycles, scooters, motorbikes, underwater scooters and more. For more information, visit http://www.zapworld.com/ or call 707-525-8658. ZAP is not affiliated with, or authorized by, smart gmbh, the manufacturer of SMART automobiles, or the smartUSA division of Mercedes-Benz LLC, the exclusive authorized U.S. importer and distributor of those vehicles. ZAP purchases its vehicles from non-affiliated direct importer Smart-Auto LLC. Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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. DATASOURCE: ZAP CONTACT: media, Alex Campbell, +1-707-525-8658, ext. 241, or , or investors, Steven Kim, +1-707-525-8658, ext. 298, or , both of ZAP; or Craig Newhouse, PhD, of Anuvu, +1-916-921-7040, ext. 204, Web site: http://www.zapworld.com/

Copyright