GEM FAQs, speed, range, price, safety, regulations, options, accessories and other questions about GEM electric cars answered.
Q:
What is a GEM® battery-electric vehicle?
A:
GEM battery-electric vehicles are multipurpose low-speed neighborhood electric vehicle available for sale by Polaris, a leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles and motorcycles for nearly 60 years. GEM cars are 100% electric and are engineered to comply with federal safety requirements for street-legal operation as low-speed vehicles (LSVs). GEM cars are for sale at a variety of authorized GEM dealerships across the United States and worldwide.
Q:
Who is Global Electric Motorcars® (GEM)?
A:
The GEM line of battery-electric vehicles have been designed and manufactured since 1998. Owned by Polaris Industries and produced in Spirit Lake, Iowa, GEM is the market leader in the low-speed vehicle (LSV), Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) industry and has more than 45,000 cars on the road worldwide. These GEM cars have been driven more than 450 million miles and as a result, have saved almost 20 million gallons of gasoline and have kept over 190 tons of pollutants from reaching the air. Our goal is to continue to design cutting-edge transportation products that are not only eco-friendly, but also fun to drive!
Q:
How fast do GEM cars go?
A:
GEM models are electronically limited to a top speed of 25 mph to meet Federal Low-Speed Vehicle requirements.
Q:
What is a GEM car's driving range on a single charge?
A:
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 nine 8-volt battery option and the GEM eL XD can have a driving range of up to 40 miles per charge.
Q:
Where can GEM cars be driven?
A:
GEM cars can be driven on most public roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. It is an ideal vehicle for driving in work sites, campuses, city centers, military bases, gated communities, resorts, sports stadiums, or just around the neighborhood. Uses include running errands, commuting to work or school, hauling equipment, transporting people, maintaining grounds, or patrolling parking lots. Visit our Markets & Applications page for more information.
Q:
Where can I see and purchase a GEM car?
A:
GEM cars are available at over 100 dealers throughout the country – locate one near you on our Find A Dealer page.
Q:
How much does a GEM car cost?
A:
With less maintenance and no fuel costs, GEM electric vehicles are significantly more affordable and cost-effective than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Visit our Cost Of Ownership page to see how you can save by choosing GEM. You can also find deals on the Special Offers page or find individual pricing on our model pages.
Q:
Are incentives available for the purchase of a GEM car?
A:
Through December 31st, 2011, GEM battery-electric vehicles qualify for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Federal Tax Credit. This tax credit offers 10% of the GEM cars' cost. Additional tax credits and other financial incentives may be available for the purchase of a GEM car. Check with your federal, state and local government for specific details, and visit our Special Offers page for more information.
Q:
What new features and options are available for the 2011 model year?
A:
We have a higher standard for standard features, and now we are offering even more. We’re adding a few new features that will be coming with every GEM car starting in 2012:
- Grab Handles, at each seating position, assist you in entering and exiting your GEM.
- An Accessory Outlet, accepting a standard 12-volt accessory plug, lets you charge your favorite devices, such as a cell phone or music player, while you’re out for a drive.
- Each GEM will also come standard with a Dome Light, mounted on the interior roof panel, adding illumination inside your vehicle.
- Hazard Lights are now standard, for limited visibility or whenever you need them.
- Also, for utility models, Utility Tie-Downs come standard, designed to allow you to easily secure all types of cargo.
- Most importantly, our 2012 GEM cars come with a 24-month warranty. That’s a full 2 years of bumper-to-bumper protection, batteries included, along with roadside assistance and no-charge transfer of warranty.
These new features help GEM cars stand out from the competition even more.
Q:
How safe are GEM cars?
A:
Each of the six GEM models meets all federal safety standards for low-speed vehicles (LSVs) and is equipped with automotive safety windshield glass, three-point safety belts, turn signals, headlamps and brake lights, horn, mirrors and windshield wipers. GEM cars have been performance-tested on the same facilities and with the same resources as major automobile manufacturers, by top automotive engineers. With thousands of miles accumulated on GEM test vehicles, you can be assured that safety is a top priority.
Q:
What powers the GEM car?
A:
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, the GEM e6 contains six 12-volt maintenance-free gel batteries, and the GEM eL XD contains nine 8-volt maintenance-free gel batteries. Visit our Service & Support page for more information.
Q:
Is special equipment needed to charge the batteries?
A:
The batteries are charged with an onboard charger that plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet. It takes approximately six to eight hours to recharge a GEM car 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. Visit our Service & Support page for more information.
Q:
How much does it cost to charge a GEM car?
A:
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.
Q:
Will I damage the batteries if I plug the GEM car in when it may only need a partial charge?
A:
No. You can give your batteries an “opportunity charge” at any time. 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.
Q:
Do my batteries have 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.
Q:
What types of options are available?
A:
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. Visit our Build A GEM page for more information and to configure yours exactly how you need it.
Q:
How much are GEM car parts and aftermarket options?
A:
All GEM car products are sold through authorized GEM dealerships. Visit our Parts & Accessories page to view and price available options for all GEM models.