15 March 2010

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Green Eco Mobility Peapod

From the manufacturers formerly known as Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) comes the Green Eco Mobility Peapod, a modernised neighbourhood vehicle which is seen as the catalyst to lead the company into a new era.

History of the Green Eco Mobility Peapod

A division of Chrysler, GEM was seen as a market leader in producing neighbourhood electric vehicles – a United States Department of Transportation classification for speed limited battery electric vehicles that have a top speed of between 20 and 25mph with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000lbs.

The company, which is based in Fargo, North Dakota, was founded in 1992 by a team of ex-General Motors engineers under the name Trans2. It produced its first neighbourhood electric vehicle in 1998 and was spun off with Chrysler in 2007 after being purchased by the DaimlerChrysler company seven years earlier.

The firm went under yet another rebranding in 2008 when it became Green Eco Mobility and to mark the transition it unveiled the Peapod, which is considered the next generation of battery electric vehicles.

The vehicle has a striking pod like shape with sleek lines and is highly user-friendly with a newly designed centre console for iPod integration as well as mesh seating which enables air circulation for added comfort.

Environmental credentials of the Green Eco Mobility Peapod

The GEM Peapod is not about to replace conventional cars for the vast majority of drivers. Due to their low speeds and limited range, they are instead seen as vehicles that can be used around city centres, in planned communities, military bases, college campuses, corporate and commercial centres and more.

As with other battery electric vehicles, the GEM Peapod is described as a zero emission vehicle – albeit until electricity is produced from entirely renewable resources, the emissions are displaced. Nevertheless, there are dramatic reductions in carbon dioxide levels compared to conventional cars and as such the GEM Peapod is free from road tax and exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

The vehicle has a top speed of just 25mph and a range of up to 30 miles per charge. Though it can be plugged into any socket, anywhere, at any time with a standard mains outlet, its battery charge is extended through the process of regenerative braking. To further the GEM Peapod’s environmental credentials, the car is also made from recycled and recyclable materials.

Green Eco Mobility Peapod statistics

Here are some crucial statistics about the Green Eco Mobility Peapod:

Charge time: Six-eight hours.
CO2 emissions: None.
Range: Estimated 30 miles.
Top speed: 25mph.

Future of the Green Eco Mobility Peapod

GEM has plans to introduce a new battery-electric truck and a larger electric vehicle with more range and performance – both vehicles are scheduled to go into production within a year. The GEM Peapod meanwhile is scheduled for production in late 2009 – stay tuned to TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk for the latest information in our news section.

Author: Lee Sibbald, March 25, 2009

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