GEM NEVs lack "the right stuff"; Army decides against electric cars
Six months into trialing 3 GEM neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) at the US Army Garrison Grafenwöhr (in Germany) it has been decided that the small utility vehicles just don't have "the right stuff." The decision has nothing to do with the plummeting price of oil or the lack of cool add-ons. Apparently, not only was their range deemed insufficient, but they reportedly suffered from a reliability problem as well. Said Tom Hays, Grafenwöhr's director of public works, "They broke down too often and didn't have enough range". Definitely not characteristics desired in a military working environment.
The Army hasn't given up completely on the idea of electrics and say that improved batteries, and therefore better range, would be a compelling reason to try again. Perhaps they should check out the 70 mile Nemo. Heck, the Ruff and Tuff has that kind of range as well and comes already painted in camouflage! Thanks for the tip, Evan!
[Source: Stars and Stripes]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Arno 11:46AM (12/21/2008)
Aganst?
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Sebastian 4:41PM (12/21/2008)
my bad. typo fixed
nads 12:22PM (12/21/2008)
"Army decides aganst electric cars."
An NEV is the equivalent of an electric golf cart. I wouldn't compare that to an electric "car". Cars typically come with doors thicker than raincoats and can be driven on public roads. Oh and your stupid is showing.
"Definitely not characteristics desired in a military working environment."
You mean a military base? Its more likely they needed the 3 to be in constant use and couldn't take the charge-up times, but were unwilling to buy anymore when a golf cart (or jeep) is more available, probably cheaper, and does the same thing.
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eb 6:29PM (12/21/2008)
they need Bad Boy Buggies! :-)
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jb 11:08PM (12/21/2008)
Our post has a bunch of them running around. I think they're generally liked around here... they're basically used for the leadership to get around or to take the brass on tours though and aren't used constantly throughout the day.
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