Gem (automobile)
The Gem was a line of low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs), also often referred to as neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs), produced by Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), a Chrysler subsidiary. These vehicles were primarily designed for use on streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph (56 km/h) or less.
GEM vehicles were battery-electric and charged via a standard 110-volt outlet. They were available in a variety of configurations, including two- and four-passenger models, as well as utility and cargo versions. Key features included open-air or enclosed cabs, depending on the model, and safety features compliant with federal LSEV regulations.
Production and sales of GEM vehicles occurred primarily between 1998 and 2021, under various ownerships, including Chrysler and later Polaris Industries. The vehicles were marketed for use in planned communities, college campuses, resorts, and industrial facilities where short-distance transportation was required.
While GEM vehicles provided a zero-emission alternative for local transportation, their limited speed and range restricted their use to specific environments. The brand was eventually discontinued.