An area car dealer has introduced to the market a new line of street-legal electric cars to help local governments, colleges and other customers zip around town or campus without emissions. GEM cars, made in the United States by Global Electric Motorcars, a Chrysler company, operate on a battery that can be recharged any time through a standard 110-volt outlet. The vehicles are available in six models carrying between two and six people.
For Dominion Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Bedford, GEM cars are a way to introduce a growing vehicle segment to people and businesses considering alternative fuel transportation.
“This is a unique model not available before in our area,” said Dominion owner Bob Kaplan. “GEM cars are perfect for quick trips around town or on large properties. Because they’re electric, they don’t produce emissions, so it’s a great choice to keep our air clean. And they cost about 2 cents per mile to operate.”
GEM cars are licensed to operate on any road with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. With a top speed of 25 mph, GEM cars have a range of up to 30-40 miles on one charge. They can be recharged in approximately six to eight hours from any outlet.
The cars are available in six models: the GEM e2 two-passenger; the GEM e4 four-passenger; the GEM e6 six-passenger; the GEM eS two-passenger utility vehicle with a short-back bed; the GEM eL two-passenger truck with a long-back bed; and the GEM eL XD two-passenger extra heavy duty truck with a long-back bed.
The vehicles meet and exceed all federal safety regulations for low-speed vehicles, and are thoroughly tested at the Chrysler Automotive Proving Grounds for quality and endurance. They are equipped with safety belts, headlamps, windshield wipers and safety glass. More than 38,000 GEM cars are in service around the nation. They are typically used by local governments, colleges, corporations, hospitals and other businesses for maintenance, landscaping and transportation or to deliver such items as catering, laundry and mail.
“Alternative fuel vehicles are an increasingly important addition to any local government fleet where these vehicles serve a specific purpose,” said Ken Bernard, fleet manager for the City of Roanoke, where its “Clean and Green” initiative is promoting sustainability. “Using electric cars where it makes sense reduces the cost of fuel by 75 percent while making a long-term commitment to the environment.”
For Kaplan, who was forced through Chrysler’s bankruptcy to close his Salem showroom, moving inventory to Dominion’s Bedford location and transforming the Salem location into a service and parts center, it’s an opportunity to introduce a new product to meet the demand for electric alternatives.
“These are sophisticated yet simple vehicles that represent a new kind of personal transportation and also demonstrate innovation and ingenuity,” Kaplan says.
GEM cars are available at Dominion Dodge Chrysler and Jeep in Bedford with service performed by Dominion Service & Parts in Salem. GEM electric vehicles are eligible for federal tax credits up to $5,002 for vehicles purchased before Dec. 31.
For more information about GEM cars, please visit www.gemcars.com or contact: Bob Kaplan at (540) 819-2853
