Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a GEM battery-electric vehicle?
2. Who is Global Electric Motorcars?
3. How fast do GEM cars go?
4. What is a GEM car's driving range on a single charge?
5. Where can GEM cars be driven?
6. Where can I see and purchase a GEM car?
7. What is the price of a GEM car?
8. Are incentives available for the purchase of a GEM car?
9. What about safety?
10. What powers the GEM car?
11. Is special equipment needed to charge the batteries?
12. How much does it cost to charge a GEM car?
13. Will I damage the batteries if I plug the car in when it may only need a partial charge?
14. Do my batteries have a memory?
15. Can I power GEM cars from solar energy?
16. How many people can a GEM car accommodate?
17. What types of options are available?
18. How much are GEM car parts and options?
What is a GEM battery-electric vehicle?
The GEM battery-electric vehicle, manufactured by Global Electric Motorcars, is the first multipurpose neighborhood electric vehicle available for sale from a major automaker. GEM cars are 100% battery-electric and are engineered to meet federal safety requirements for street-legal operation as a low-speed vehicle (LSV). GEM cars are for sale at a variety of Chrysler and authorized GEM dealerships across the United States and Europe.
Who is Global Electric Motorcars?
Global Electric Motorcars is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chrysler Group LLC and is headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, where it manufactures GEM models. With more than 40,000 GEM cars on the road today, Global Electric Motorcars has become a benchmark in the low-speed vehicle industry.
How fast do GEM cars go?
GEM models are electronically limited to a top speed of 25 mph to meet Federal Low-Speed Vehicle requirements.
What is a GEM car's driving range on a single charge?
Many things can affect the driving range of the GEM car, including ambient temperature, terrain, driving conditions, payload, driving habits, battery age, and tire pressure. It is hard to say exactly what your range will be, but a typical GEM car, used under proper conditions with fully charged batteries, can get up to 30 miles on a charge. The GEM e6 with the "S" Package and the GEM eL XD can have a driving range of up to 40 miles per charge.
Where can GEM cars be driven?
GEM cars can be driven on most public roads that are posted at 35 mph or less, in states that have approved the use of neighborhood electric vehicles. It is an ideal vehicle for local, around-town use. Uses include transportation from mass transit stations to the workplace or home, taking the kids to school or the library, grocery shopping, or other common neighborhood or downtown errands.
Where can I see and purchase a GEM car?
GEM cars are available at select Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep dealers, as well as other authorized GEM dealers across the United States and Europe. For more information about purchasing a new GEM car visit our Contact Us page.
What is the price of a GEM car?
GEM vehicle pricing is based on the model, starting at $7,395 MSRP for a standard GEM e2 two-passenger model. For more information about purchasing a new GEM car visit our Contact Us page.
Are incentives available for the purchase of a GEM car?
Depending on your area, state incentives from air districts or other governmental agencies may be available.
What about safety?
GEM cars meet the latest requirements set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for this class of vehicle. The requirements include a safety glass windshield, wipers, headlamps, taillights, turn signals, high mounted stoplights, mirrors, and three-point safety belts, among other accepted automotive safety features.
What powers the GEM car?
GEM cars are powered by a 72-volt-battery system, which provides power to a custom controller and powers the electric drive motor. The GEM e2, GEM e4, GEM e6, GEM eS, and the GEM eL contain six 12-volt batteries, and the GEM e6 with the "S" Package and the GEM eL XD contain nine 8-volt maintenance-free gel batteries.
Is special equipment needed to charge the batteries?
No. The batteries are charged with an onboard charger that plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet. The GEM e2, GEM e4, GEM e6, GEM eS, and the GEM eL take approximately eight to twelve hours to recharge and the GEM e6 with the "S" Package and the GEM eL XD take approximately ten to fourteen hours to recharge from a completely discharged state. In addition, with an optional fast charge package, GEM cars can be optimally charged in less than one hour. The ideal time to charge is at night when the demand for electric power is at its lowest, although the GEM car can be plugged in virtually anywhere, at any time, to top off the charge or to completely charge the vehicle.
How much does it cost to charge a GEM car?
It depends on the cost of electricity in your area. To fully charge a GEM car from a completely discharged state, it takes approximately 5 kwH of power. Multiply that by the local cost per kwH and you will have the cost for charging your GEM car.
Will I damage the batteries if I plug the GEM car in when it may only need a partial charge?
No. You can give your batteries an 'opportunity charge' at anytime. Whether you are plugging it in for 30 minutes over your lunch or letting it charge for four hours, there is no problem with topping your batteries off. The best practice is to fully charge at the end of each day of use.
Do my batteries have a memory?
No. Unlike the old cell phone batteries, you do not need to fully discharge the GEM batteries before charging. We do recommend that you do not leave the batteries in a discharged state for any length of time. Always try to keep the batteries charged.
Can I power GEM cars from solar energy?
At this time, Global Electric Motorcars does not offer a solar panel charge option.
How many people can a GEM car accommodate?
GEM cars are available in two-passenger, four-passenger and six-passenger models. In addition, Global Electric Motorcars offers three utility models that seat two-passengers.
What types of options are available?
Personalizing a GEM car is easy with an array of options that include everything from soft doors and custom wheels to a car cover and a lockable TrunkBack ™. Available colors include red, yellow, green, white, blue, silver and black.
How much are GEM car parts and options?
All GEM car products are sold through authorized GEM dealerships. You can visit our parts page to view available options for all GEM models.