Gem State
Gem Peapod – is This Car for Real?
Chrysler LLC recently announced their program for bringing electric cars to the marketplace, by rolling out photographs of three models that will be tested in 2009. Of the three, one of them is expected to go into production in 2010, beating the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid to the market.
America’s third largest automaker has another car in the works, this one dubbed the GEM Peapod. One look at this futuristic model and you may think that what you’re seeing is something straight from the science lab. Guess what? You are! The GEM Peapod is the work of Global Electric Motorcars LLC (GEM) a Fargo, North Dakota subsidiary of Chrysler LLC.
Founded in 1998, GEM has one mission: to bring innovative electric vehicles to the marketplace. The GEM Peapod’s sleek lines and pod-like shape is meant to underscore its environmental friendly capabilities.
“We have evolved the GEM design language to better reflect its eco-friendly performance and its upbeat, positive image,” said Peter Arnell, Chrysler LLC’s Chief Innovation Officer who led the design process and engineering process.
“These vehicles use no gasoline and emit no pollutants. So whether it’s a trip around the neighborhood or the drive to school or work, the GEM Peapod is the ideal way to contribute to a greener planet, and a healthy lifestyle,” Arnell said.
GEM, which was recently renamed GreenEcoMobility, has six models available: two-, four- and six-passenger cars and three utility vehicles. With a limited range of 30 miles per charge and a top speed of 25 mph, battery charge is extended through regenerative braking. Right now, GEM vehicles are street legal in over 40 states and each vehicle can be recharged anytime, anywhere with a standard 110-volt outlet. GEM says a full recharge takes just 6-8 hours to complete.
“Over the past decade, GEM has established itself as the nation’s leading battery-powered, pure electric vehicle,” said GEM President and COO Rick Kasper.
“We have done that by responding to the needs of our customers for safety, utility, versatility and performance in environmentally-friendly vehicles,” Kasper said.
GEM says that by replacing conventional vehicles, their vehicles can reduce overall emissions of pollutants, particularly during short trips when conventional vehicles create the most tailpipe emissions. To date, GEM vehicles have been driven a combined 200 million miles and averted more than 150 tons of pollutants from reaching the air, while saving 10 million gallons of gasoline.
Unlike traditional golf carts, GEM cars come equipped with a host of safety features. Anchored three-point safety belts, headlamps, windshield wipers, four-wheel hydraulic brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, automotive safety glass, front-wheel drive, taillights, front and rear turn signals, and stop lamps are standard on every GEM vehicle.
No, GEM vehicles aren’t for highway travel and are fairly limited in scope, but for people who need access to cheap, local transportation, GEM people movers can get the job done and with very little negative impact on the environment.
About the Author
Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in Cary, North Carolina. Matt provides magazine, web content, and article writing services to clients all over the world serving the automotive, human interest, and business communities. If you are looking for quality aftermarket parts for your vehicles, then consider Dodge Dakota body kits and Dodge Dakota carbon fiber hoods, available to you at discount prices.
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