Frequently Asked GEM Questions

Q: What is a GEM?
A: The GEM electric vehicle, manufactured by Global Electric Motorcars, LLC, is the first multipurpose neighborhood electric vehicle available for sale from a major automaker. The GEM is engineered to meet federal safety requirements for street-legal operation as a low-speed vehicle (LSV). It is for sale at dealerships now.

Q: Who is Global Electric Motorcars?
A: Global Electric Motorcars, LLC, a DaimlerChrysler Company, is headquartered in Fargo,North Dakota, where it manufactures GEM Motorcars. Prior to its acquisition by DaimlerChrysler in late 2000, Global Electric Motorcars operated as an independent company and sold more than 7,000 GEMs.

Q: Where can GEMs be driven?
A: GEMs can be driven on all public roads that are posted at 35 mph or less, in states that have approved the use of neighborhood electric Motorcars. 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.

Q: What powers the GEM?
A: A 72-volt GE motor powers the GEM and a battery pack comprised of six deep cycle 12-volt batteries.

Q: Is special equipment needed to charge the batteries?
A: No. The low-maintenance batteries are charged with an onboard charger that plugs into any standard 110-volt outlet. To fully charge a GEM from a completely discharged state, will take approximately 8 hours. The ideal time to charge is at night when the demand for electric power is at its lowest, although the GEM can be plugged in virtually anywhere, at any time, to top off the charge or to completely charge the vehicle. (Please refer to the owners manual for helpful charging tips)

Q: What about safety?
A: GEMs meet the latest requirements set by the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHSTA) for this class of vehicle. The requirements include a safety glass windshield, wipers, headlights, taillights, turn signals, high mounted stoplights, mirrors, and seatbelts, among other accepted automotive safety features.

Q: How fast can the GEM go?
A: GEMs are electronically limited to a top speed of 25 miles-per-hour to meet Federal Low-Speed Vehicle requirements.

Q: What is a GEMs driving range and life on a single charge?
A: Many things can affect the driving range of the GEM, including: ambient temperature, terrain, driving conditions, payload, driving habits, battery age, tire pressure and tire wear. It is hard to say exactly what your range will be, but a typical 2-Passenger GEM, used under proper conditions with fully charged batteries, will get approximately 30 miles on a charge.

Q: How many people can a GEM accommodate?
A: GEMs are available in both 2-seat and 4-seat models. In addition, GEM offers 2-seat long-back and short-back models.

Q: Where can I see and purchase a GEM?
A: GEMs are available at select Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep dealers.

Q: How much does a GEM weigh?
A: Depending on the model, the curb weight is between 1100-2300 pounds.

Q: What is the price of a GEM?
A: Suggested retail on GEMs start at $6,995 for the 2-passenger model, $8,995 for the four passenger, $7,595 for the short-back model, and $8,695 for the long-back model.

Q: What types of options are available?
A: Personalizing a GEM is easy with an array of options that include everything from soft doors and custom wheels to a car cover and a lockable rear pack. Available colors include red, yellow, green, white, blue, and silver.

Q: Are incentives available for the purchase of a GEM?
A: GEM purchases qualify for a federal tax credit. Additionally, depending on your area, incentives from air districts or other governmental agencies may be available.

Q: How much are Motorcars, parts, and options?
A: All GEM vehicle products are sold through authorized GEM dealers. See the �Dealer Locator� to locate a dealer near you.

Q: How do I become a GEM Dealer?
A: Because we are a DaimlerChrysler Company, you must be a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep dealer to sell our motorcars. If so, please contact your regional dealer representative.

Q: How much does it cost to charge a GEM?
A: That depends on the cost of electricity in your area. To fully charge a GEM from a completely discharged state, it takes approximately 7.2 kwH of power. Multiply that by the local cost per kwH and you will have the cost for charging your GEM.

Q: "Can you power the GEM from solar energy"
A: At this time, GEM does not offer a solar panel charge option.

Q: Will I damage the batteries if I plug the GEM in when it may only need a partial charge?
A: 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 4 hours, there is no problem with topping your batteries off.

Q: Do my batteries create a memory?
A: 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.