Contributing blogger Norman Alston recently wrote about the electric car known as the GEM. In fact there's been pretty extensive conversation here at Back Talk regarding so-called Smart Cars and electric cars as our neighborhood and the world struggle with gas prices and/or environmental concerns.
From what I've read, here and elsewhere, seems the GEM is funny looking and often draws unwanted attention either from irritated drivers of bigger faster vehicles, or amused passersby who hurl snarky remarks at operators of the tiny cart car that tops off at about 25 mph. But what if, somehow the GEM became cool ... what then?
Young people drive the market for many purveyors of modern technology —so if teenagers start clamoring for GEMS and similar electric cars, will the miniscule motor vehicle become the trend of the near automotive future? Kids aren't crazy over these cars yet, but at least one teenager, Kiley Trent, a junior at Lakehill, hopes they will be someday soon. See Kiley in this video here—she's just awesome.
The video of Kiley came attached to a story about Lakewood businessman, Dennis Wheeler, who plans to open a new business devoted exclusively to selling all-electric vehicles. From his comments it's evident he believes the cars will sell ... a lot faster than they run, anyway.
No such thing as a "fender bender" in a car that is closer in size to a hot wheel.
Posted by: Rick C. | Jul 30, 2008 at 02:46 PM
An update to my GEM story; It seems they are only restricted by law to the 25 mph maximum speed limit at the time of manufacture. They can't sell you a car that does faster than 25, but there is apparently no law that prevents the owner from modifying it to do so. It seems the 25 mph governor can be overcome by fooling with the control program, a job for computer hacker types. Also, I have heard that substituting a 7hp motor for the stock 5hp, simultaneous with over-riding the governor, helps alot. I'm still trying to find out what effect, if any, these changes have on the car's range.
Posted by: Norman Alston | Jul 30, 2008 at 05:10 PM
Acually, I think this is the future for most motorist. The Car is an excessive waste of just about everything, and that waste is about to catch up with us. Right now batteries that are big enough to drive a full size car (or even a compact) is far too expensive. That is why GM killed the electric car, and why Tesla only makes electric super cars. And don't make the mistake that battery cost will come down with manufacturing. We are already manufacturing millions and millions of batteries, and they are still a very expensive carrier of energy. And what is worse, anyone with a laptop or iPod knows that batteries ware down over time. You will probably need to get it replaced. And that is unlikely to change. The car age as we know it is over.
Posted by: Dallas | Jul 31, 2008 at 08:42 AM
yeah, i talked to this guy on the street while he was driving the little car. he's selling htem at greenvehiclesoftexas.com and has photos and stuff about all of his electric cars. and now he's a celebrity! cool.
Posted by: cjunder | Jul 31, 2008 at 07:00 PM