Peapod now out on its own. Will it find love?
Click above for a high res gallery of the Peapod
Remember back in September when we told you that Chrysler's GEM division was going to change up its name (but keep the acronym) and be called GreenEcoMobility as it moved forward with the addition of the Peapod to its lineup. Well, scratch all that. Sometime between now and then there was a script rewrite. The new plan keeps GEM the same and creates a new wholly-owned-by-Chrysler company that will market the Peapod and its upcoming offspring under the name Peapod Mobility. We know they're serious this time because they sprung for a shiny new website.
So now that the smiley-faced neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) is out on its own in the big world, will it find the love it needs to survive or will it shuffle off this mortal coil before having the chance to fulfill its aspirations. It has dreams of proliferating and adding a two seater, called the Twinpod, as well as a mini-pickup and van to the range in a little over a year. One day, it even wants its own "real cars." To make that happen, it's going to have to find a place in the heart of those in need of a cute (or evil, depending on your point of view) iPod-centered car that can only travel 30 miles, tops out at 25 mph and costs $12,500. The sales period between the official Earth Day launch and the Labor Day delivery target will be telling.
Gallery: GEMs Peapod
[Source: ADWEEK]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jharlan 9:01PM (2/05/2009)
I see what it is, but where do you put the golf clubs?
Reply
paul 10:09PM (2/05/2009)
Their website is nice because of it's simplicity. But there isn't any content.
Honestely their site could have been built in less than one day.
I know I am a web developer.
So I don't think you can take the website as proof of them being serious.
I hope they didn't pay any more than a $1,000.
Reply
MemphisNET 10:54PM (2/05/2009)
Why does this stuff have to be so hideous to look at. Love the tech tho.
Reply
jpm100 6:31AM (2/06/2009)
I'm sure you can survive a crash with a bike courier, no problem.
Reply
jim 8:18AM (2/06/2009)
While acknowledging the legal parameters for NEVs, for the Peapod or similar to be at all relevant as transportation it needs to have a range of at least 60 miles and a top speed of around 40mph
Reply
-M.Dub 1:08PM (2/06/2009)
AGREED!!! Here in southern Idaho most speed limits around town are 35 mph, with a few 45 mph zones, in town! A bucket that tops out at 25 mph HAD BETTER fit in the bike lane.
That said, I like the looks better than the old GEM models. And 30 mile range would be enough if only it could go 40... =(
Mark 9:01AM (2/06/2009)
I am so annoyed by this. The only electric cars that seem to be appearing on the market are ones which can't go anything more than 25mph. We need small Fiesta size cars that can carry 4 people can go at least 70mph, why can't we have this instead of these NEVs which are frankly damaging the EV movement.
If you don't believe me ask any non Eco person if they are willing to drive a car that carries 2 people can goes only 25mph, they will tell you to get lost.
Reply
paul 10:41AM (2/06/2009)
aptera
ricky 1:27PM (2/06/2009)
a top of 40 is good enough for the caribbean any faster and you wont be going around the corners. a range of 60 to 100 miles will last a week here too. just need to be able to go up a few hills in grenada and that is a good price point too
gorr 11:13AM (2/06/2009)
Each day since 4 years, i check if someone can sell me my green car. This one won't do nor the hundreds other 'new' cars since then. Im still waiting and many billions of dollars have been spent in vain. Im still with a neon 2005, gasoline.
Reply