GEM e2 and GEM e4 - electric cars
August 4, 2008 Posted by: Lee Sibbald
Vehicles that have been used by NASA, the US Army and various police forces around the world are sure to earn recognition – and the futuristic appeal of the GEM e2 and GEM e4 vehicles are as head-turning as they are ground-breaking. GEM offers several passenger vehicles for private ownership, which we’ll examine in this guide.
Quick links:
- History of the GEM e2 and e4
- Environmental credentials of the GEM e2 and e4
- GEM e2 and e4 statistics
- Future of the GEM e2 and e4
History of the GEM e2 and GEM e4
GEM, standing for Global Electric Motorcars, was established in Fargo, North Dakota in April 1998. It is a Chrysler company that first manufactured a 48V vehicle for two passengers with a top speed of 20mph.
Since then it has progressed significantly and more than 40,000 GEM vehicles have been sold worldwide, with its latest designs including the GEM e2 and the GEM e4 now available in the UK.
The former, is a two-passenger vehicle made for short journeys that are made on a daily basis. It features standard six 12V flooded electrolyte batteries that can produce a powerful range up to 35 miles and a top speed of 25mph. It has an eye-catching appearance and is available in an extensive number of colours including metallic green, black, blue and silver.
The GEM e4 takes the same features to a new level within a four-seater that make it ideal for visiting family and friends or even just recreational driving. As well as the standard six 12V flooded electrolyte batteries that can be found on the e2, the e4 also includes a sunroof and a range of up to 30 miles on a single charge.
Environmental credentials of the GEM e2 and GEM e4
As part of the Chrysler group, alongside Jeep and Dodge, GEM has brought electric cars to the American market where they were previously inconsequential. Now with growing demand for alternative fuel vehicles as petrol prices grow the GEM e2 and e4 are well-positioned to grab a share of the market.
Their benefits to UK drivers are apparent through a number of financial incentives such as the relief from vehicle excise duty and the London Congestion Charge. The GEM e2 and GEM e4 are best-suited to city driving conditions where their zero emissions can help drive down pollution. GEM cars cost less than a penny a mile to run, compared to 17p a mile on a 1.0l petrol city car according to the AA.
The carbon neutrality of electric cars has been called into question because they still rely on a non-renewable power source to supply the vehicles’ energy. However, energy generation is increasingly emerging from non-renewable sources and even with the current energy mix, the likes of the GEM e2 and e4 can still drastically reduce emissions.
GEM e2 and GEM e4 statistics
Here are some crucial statistics about the GEM e2:
- Charge time: Six-eight hours.
- CO2 emissions: None.
- Kerb weight: 1,140lbs.
- Range: 35 miles.
- Top speed: 25mph.
- Transmission: Automatic.
Here are some crucial statistics about the GEM e4:
- Charge time: Six-eight hours.
- CO2 emissions: None.
- Kerb weight: 1,290lbs.
- Range: 30 miles.
- Top speed: 25mph.
- Transmission: Automatic.
Future of the GEM e2 and GEM e4
A six-seat model known as the GEM e6 will soon be made available in the UK. For the latest information on GEM and other electric car manufacturers visit TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk.
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