El Pollo Loco test drives electric delivery carsEl Pollo Loco test drives electric delivery cars

COSTA MESA Calif. An El Pollo Loco restaurant in Los Angeles is testing the use of two three-wheel electric cars for delivery and catering services in the Beverly Hills and Century City neighborhoods.

The Xebra vehicles developed by Santa Rosa, Calif.-based ZAP, are covered in bumper-to-bumper brand messaging that acts as a “moving billboard” while saving on fuel costs, company officials said.

Electric cars produce 97 percent fewer emissions than gas-powered vehicles and, if driven for 30 miles a day, would save about 700 gallons of gas per year, according to ZAP. The national average price for a gallon of gas reached an all-time high of $4.10 on Monday and tops $4.55 in the neighborhoods the cars will service.

El Pollo Loco operates or franchises 400 quick-service restaurants.