ZAP's new all-electric vehicle, the Xebra, turned a lot of heads during a recent 15-minute test drive. The Xebra is the latest in the company's efforts to bring clean vehicles to the mainstream market.

The Xebra can reach a top speed of 40mph with a reach of 40 miles. It plugs into a conventional outlet without an extra charger and comes with either nickel-metal-hydride or lithium-ion batteries. (Using LI batteries improves acceleration, speed, and driving range.) The Xebra costs around $9,000; you can reserve one and sign up for a test drive at ZAP's website.

ZAP, which stands for Zero Air Pollution, believes it is well-positioned to catch the next revolution in transportation, which will favor efficient eco-friendly vehicles. The company offers a variety of electric and alternative vehicles, including scooters, ATVS, and bikes. The company also plans to produce an ethanol-fueled car, the Obvio. It will have 175 hp, with a 0-to-60 time of 5 to 6 seconds, according to ZAP CEO Steven Schneider. The Obvio should sell for about $14,000.

Though major car companies are becoming more interested in alternative-fuel vehicles, ZAP believes those companies won't dominate the next generation vehicles. ZAP founder Gary Starr said, "No covered-wagon company became a major car company, and typewriter companies didn't take over the computer industry."

To read more about alternative fuels, click here.