Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Chrysler pushing to dramatically cut GEM dealer network]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/chrysler-pushing-to-dramatically-cut-gem-dealer-network/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/chrysler-pushing-to-dramatically-cut-gem-dealer-network/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/chrysler-pushing-to-dramatically-cut-gem-dealer-network/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


GEM Peapod - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has made a big deal in the past about its long history selling GEM electric cars, and there are tens of thousands of them on the roads today. Of course, the EVs that Chrysler has been selling since 2000 (when DaimlerChrysler purchased GEM) are all NEVs - expensive, slow electric vehicles that aren't selling well these days. With Chrysler's recent emergence from bankruptcy, the company is still looking to cut losses wherever possible. Letting some GEM dealers go is one option.

Last month, Chrysler axed almost 800 Chrysler dealerships. According to a U.S. Bankruptcy Court filing, the company now wants to eliminate 64 of 150 low-performing GEM dealers as well. Chrysler attorney Corinne Ball wrote in the filing that Chrysler has "determined that the GEM dealership agreements are neither necessary nor valuable to their estates and should be rejected."

The newest addition to the GEM lineup was to be the Peapod (pictured), but Chrysler announced recently that it would release this car under its own brand name, Peapod Mobility.

Gallery: GEM Peapod


[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Chrysler pushing to dramatically cut GEM dealer network originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler bankruptcychrysler gemchrysler nevChryslerBankruptcyChryslerGemChryslerNevgemgem evgem nevGemEvGemNevFri, 03 Jul 2009 12:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Peapod Mobility neighborhood electric vehicle]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/15/pics-aplenty-peapod-mobility-neighborhood-electric-vehicle/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/15/pics-aplenty-peapod-mobility-neighborhood-electric-vehicle/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/15/pics-aplenty-peapod-mobility-neighborhood-electric-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Peapod NEV - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Last week at the New York Auto Show, we got the chance to visit Peapod Mobility, the Chrysler-owned maker of neighborhood electric vehicles, or NEVs. As such, the Peapod is capable of hitting speeds of up to 25 miles per hour and has a range of about 30 miles after a full charge that takes between 6 and 8 hours. Of course, those kinds of specifications are available from a number of NEV manufacturers, but none of them have quite the same sense of style as the Peapod. Whether you love it or hate it, the Peapod definitely stands apart from the crowd due to its happy-go-lucky styling.

The guys behind Peapod Mobility took the time to send us a new set of photos taken of the little EV while it was out and about in The Big Apple. There are quite a few interesting detail shots in the bunch, so be sure to check out our full gallery below.

Gallery: Peapod detail shots


[Source: Peapod Mobility]

Pics Aplenty: Peapod Mobility neighborhood electric vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>neighborhood electric carneighborhood electric vehicleNeighborhoodElectricCarNeighborhoodElectricVehiclenevpeapodpeapod electric carpeapod evpeapod mobilitypeapod nevPeapodElectricCarPeapodEvPeapodMobilityPeapodNevWed, 15 Apr 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Peapod, up close and personal with the electric vehicle in Manhattan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/peapod-up-close-and-personal-with-the-electric-vehicle-in-manha/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/peapod-up-close-and-personal-with-the-electric-vehicle-in-manha/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/peapod-up-close-and-personal-with-the-electric-vehicle-in-manha/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Peapod - click above for a high res gallery

Breaking away from the excitement free food here at the New York Auto Show today, we joined up with our friends over at Engadget to pay a quick visit to Peapod Mobility. You know, the GEM version 2 folks. While saying this is the next-generation GEM is technically correct, the Peapod is really a fresh concept for Chrysler (which owns GEM and made Peapod Mobility its own company earlier this year).

Peter Arnell, the chief innovation officer at Peapod Mobility, took us on a quick descriptive tour of the Peapod and said that the design was influenced by three things. Ready for the list? The reflection in Buzz Aldrin's helmet when he stepped onto the moon, a turtle and Darth Vader. Yeah, that's what we thought, too. Find our more about the Peapod after the jump.

Gallery: PeaPod

Continue reading Peapod, up close and personal with the electric vehicle in Manhattan

Peapod, up close and personal with the electric vehicle in Manhattan originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler peapodChryslerPeapodpeapodpeapod carpeapod chryslerpeapod electric carpeapod evpeapod mobilityPeapodCarPeapodChryslerPeapodElectricCarPeapodEvPeapodMobilityThu, 09 Apr 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[What is a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV)?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/greenlings-what-is-a-neighborhood-electric-vehicle-nev/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/greenlings-what-is-a-neighborhood-electric-vehicle-nev/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/greenlings-what-is-a-neighborhood-electric-vehicle-nev/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



We all want electric vehicles that we can afford. Unfortunately the only full function electric car "available on the market" in the United States right now is the Tesla Roadster. However even before car loans became hard to get, the Roadster was largely unaffordable. So, what other options are there? For now at least the only option is the neighborhood electric vehicle, also known as NEVs.

These are not exactly full function vehicles. In fact, most NEVs are considered little more than glorified golf carts. By law in the United States, NEVs are limited to no more than 25 mph (although a few locations are looking to increase that to 35 mph). NEVs are covered by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 500 which limits the maximum loaded weight to 3,000 lbs. According to FMVSS 500, an NEV has to be able to get to 20 mph within 1 mile, must have head and tail lights and a windshield, among other things. Learn more about NEVs after the jump.

Gallery: AFVI 2008: GEM's new cargo options

Continue reading What is a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV)?

What is a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV)? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>greenlingsneighborhoodneighborhood electri...neighborhood electric vehicleneighborhood electric vehiclesNeighborhoodElectri...NeighborhoodElectricVehicleNeighborhoodElectricVehiclesnevFri, 06 Feb 2009 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Peapod now out on its own. Will it find love?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/05/peapod-now-out-on-its-own-will-it-find-love/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/05/peapod-now-out-on-its-own-will-it-find-love/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/05/peapod-now-out-on-its-own-will-it-find-love/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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]

Peapod now out on its own. Will it find love? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GEMNEVPeapodPeapod MobilityPeapodMobilityTwinpodThu, 05 Feb 2009 20:04:00 EST<![CDATA[GEM electric cars will serving as shuttles during tonight's Green Inaugural Ball ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/17/gem-electric-cars-will-serving-as-shuttles-during-tonights-gree/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/17/gem-electric-cars-will-serving-as-shuttles-during-tonights-gree/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/17/gem-electric-cars-will-serving-as-shuttles-during-tonights-gree/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Fireball GEM

The most common electric cars in America, GEM NEVs, will serve as shuttle vehicles for VIPs during tonight's "Green Inaugural Ball." The ball is part of this weekend's celebrations of Barack Obama's upcoming swearing in as the 44th president of the United States. Six-seat e6 GEM vehicles, courtesy of e-Cruzers, will be used to move people around while a smaller e4 (guess how many people fit inside) will be on display inside the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, where the ball is taking place. The e4 comes from the Pohanka Chrysler Dodge dealer. If you're not a GEM-worthy VIP, event organizers reminds attendees that, the auditorium "is conveniently located half a block away from a Metro Station, Event Emissary is urging Ball attendees to take advantage of the city's public transportation on celebration night." I suppose if John McCain (remember him?) wants to ride in a battery-powered car this weekend, he can do so in one of his three GEMs.

[Source: GEM]

Continue reading GEM electric cars will serving as shuttles during tonight's Green Inaugural Ball

GEM electric cars will serving as shuttles during tonight's Green Inaugural Ball originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barackbarack obamaBarackObamaelectric carElectricCarGEMgem electric carGemElectricCarinaugurationSat, 17 Jan 2009 17:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Army gets 6 electric vehicles, thousands more to come]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/army-gets-6-electric-vehicles-thousands-more-to-come/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/army-gets-6-electric-vehicles-thousands-more-to-come/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/army-gets-6-electric-vehicles-thousands-more-to-come/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Although one base in Germany may not have been satisfied with their GEM experience, that is not keeping the Army from going forward with their previously-announced plan to introduce thousands of electric vehicles to its American garrisons. To kick off the "Army Green, Army Strong" program, delivery has been taken of the first six EVs with 3,994 left to go. The vehicles will be leased over the next three years from different manufacturers and are projected to save 11.5 million gallons of fuel.

According to Paul Bollinger, the deputy assistant secretary of the Army for Energy and Partnerships, the government institution's interest in electric vehicles doesn't end with this program. He says, "This is the first part of showing the industry that we are serious about electric vehicles and that we are going to buy more." We certainly hope so and look forward to to seeing the Army replace all of its 28,000 sedans with more energy efficient vehicles.

[Source: Army Times]

Army gets 6 electric vehicles, thousands more to come originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArmyArmy for Energy and PartnershipsArmy Green StrongArmyForEnergyAndPartnershipsArmyGreenStrongPaul BollingerPaulBollingerFri, 16 Jan 2009 14:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Mystery GEM based EV spotted being prepared for Detroit show]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/mystery-gem-based-ev-spotted-being-prepared-for-detroit-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/mystery-gem-based-ev-spotted-being-prepared-for-detroit-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/mystery-gem-based-ev-spotted-being-prepared-for-detroit-show/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's now less than 24 hours until the first press conferences begin at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and we'll be there in full force with Sebastian and myself joining a contingent of the Autoblog team at Cobo Hall. However, just like kids waiting to open their Christmas presents, we can't wait and we're always snooping around for hints. The latest comes to us courtesy of Kicking Tires and the photo above. Apparently an electric vehicle is being unloaded for the auto show and its based on an existing vehicle already on sale here. Given the type of truck this is clearly not a full size vehicle and a close look at the photo reveals its probable origins. The visible part of the vehicle looks like a GEM NEV. Whether this is an updated GEM or a modified version produced by some other company is unknown. Either way we'll be searching it out in the darkest corners of Cobo Hall.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Mystery GEM based EV spotted being prepared for Detroit show originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdetroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShowSat, 10 Jan 2009 12:23:00 EST<![CDATA[All new cars in California now carry smog, global warming scores]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/all-new-cars-in-california-now-carry-smog-global-warming-scores/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/all-new-cars-in-california-now-carry-smog-global-warming-scores/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/all-new-cars-in-california-now-carry-smog-global-warming-scores/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Since the beginning of the year, all 2009 model year vehicles (and anything newer, once they're available) sold in California will be sporting a new sticker. No, not the kind that makes your car worth $4,000 more but the kind that describes the vehicle's global warming and smog scores. Just look under the hood of that new car (if you're the unusual kind of person who's still out there car shopping) and you'll see it, courtesy of the California Air Resources Board. As some of you pointed out in the summer when we first got word of these new stickers, the 1-10 rating scale is somewhat counter-intuitive. A higher score means the car is cleaner/better. An average car, CARB says, will get a five. The best of the best, right now, is the GEM, which gets two 10s. That "perfect" rating means that the vehicle emits less than 200 grams of CO2-equivalent per mile. A score of one means the car spits out more than 520 grams over the same distance. Cars like the Honda Civic hybrid and the Prius score nines.

Gallery: LA 2008: Fireballed GEM


[Source: Environment News Service]

All new cars in California now carry smog, global warming scores originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacalifornia air resources boardCaliforniaAirResourcesBoardcarbgemglobal warmingGlobalWarmingsmogTue, 06 Jan 2009 18:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Where's the sled? Pics of Santa's GEM electric car]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/wheres-the-sled-pics-of-santas-gem-electric-car/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/wheres-the-sled-pics-of-santas-gem-electric-car/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/wheres-the-sled-pics-of-santas-gem-electric-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of Santa and his GEM

Twas the night or two before Christmas, and Santa was most certainly not at the North Pole. Instead, he was at the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley in Los Angeles giving out toys and promoting a greener Christmas. He was cruising around in a GEM electric vehicle. As you can see from the pictures, the electric drive GEM seemed to perform quite well all decked out in holiday cheer. Under all those ribbons and bows, though, this vehicle looks suspiciously similar to the one that we found at the LA Auto Show recently. Note the fireball hiding under the holiday icons.

In somewhat related news, we also heard about the Tango snowplow and the emergency Prius operation. Does anyone else have a holiday/winter green car story to share?

Gallery: Santa drives a GEM


[Source: GEM]

Where's the sled? Pics of Santa's GEM electric car originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gemgem santaGemSantasanta electric carSantaElectricCarFri, 26 Dec 2008 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Santa drives a GEM]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/santa-drives-a-gem/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/santa-drives-a-gem/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/santa-drives-a-gem/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Photo by krisdecurtis. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.


While NORAD tracks Santa across the sky tonight, they missed his appearance at the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley in Los Angeles last night. Santa was on hand with a GEM electric vehicle and passed out toys, gave children a chance to decorate a red and white GEM and taught about environmental awareness.

The toys were donated in a toy drive and the GEM came from Response Vehicle Solutions, a north Hollywood GEM dealer. We've been promised pictures of the holiday event soon. I'm not sure how Santa will deliver the presents tonight, but it's high time the reindeer enjoyed the holiday at home while a zero emission EV does its duty. If ever range and speed were an issue, though, tonight's the night.

Happy Holidays, everyone.

Gallery: LA 2008: Fireballed GEM


[Source: Global Electric Motorcars; Boys & Girls Club]

Continue reading Santa drives a GEM

Santa drives a GEM originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gemholidashsantasanta cSantaCWed, 24 Dec 2008 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[GEM NEVs lack "the right stuff"; Army decides against electric cars]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/21/gem-nevs-lack-the-right-stuff-army-decides-aganst-electric-ca/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/21/gem-nevs-lack-the-right-stuff-army-decides-aganst-electric-ca/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/21/gem-nevs-lack-the-right-stuff-army-decides-aganst-electric-ca/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



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]

GEM NEVs lack "the right stuff"; Army decides against electric cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GEM electric vehiclesGemElectricVehiclesGrafenwohrTom HaysTomHaysU.S. Army Garrison GrafenwhrU.s.ArmyGarrisonGrafenwhrSun, 21 Dec 2008 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[And <i>this</i> is how Chrysler thinks it will beat the Volt]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/and-i-this-i-is-how-chrysler-thinks-it-will-beat-the-volt/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/and-i-this-i-is-how-chrysler-thinks-it-will-beat-the-volt/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/and-i-this-i-is-how-chrysler-thinks-it-will-beat-the-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Dodge EV

While telling the feds that it needs seven billion dollars - pronto! - just to keep the lights on, representatives for Chrysler are also saying that their plans for affordable electric cars, minivans and off-roaders are already in place and will basically save the company. When we first saw the prototypes, we noticed that none of them seemed ready for prime time. Still, the word from Chrysler is that EVs are "going to be a big deal for Chrysler."

That's what Lou Rhodes, Chrysler's vice president for advanced vehicle engineering, recently told CNNMoney. Chrysler has also said that it could be selling electric cars to fleets by 2009 and to the rest of us a year later; also, the company says that half of its vehicles could be electric drive by 2020. Ambitious goals, sure, but how seriously can we take them when they're asking for the big bucks and the Chrysler hybrids SUVs have already passed us by?

Gallery: 2011 Chrysler EVs


[Source: CNNMoney]

And this is how Chrysler thinks it will beat the Volt originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler electric vehiclechrysler evChryslerElectricVehicleChryslerEvdodge evDodgeEvgemWed, 17 Dec 2008 10:32:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: A GEM with a fireball and official custom line]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/la-2008-a-gem-with-a-fireball-and-official-custom-line/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/la-2008-a-gem-with-a-fireball-and-official-custom-line/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/la-2008-a-gem-with-a-fireball-and-official-custom-line/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Fireball GEM

So, there's an LA-based custom car service called Fireballed that provides all sorts of vehicles to those who want to experience the "Automotive Hollywood Lifestyle." Designer "Fireball" Tim Lawrence makes some crazy vehicles - see these examples - and so we were somewhat surprised to see a fairly standard GEM e4 in this booth at the LA Auto Show last week. As far as I can tell, the only addition is a Fireball sticker on the door panel. There was no one in the booth to ask if there were any underhood enhancements, so I'm left with the question of what was this GEM doing there?

Whatever the reason, this is a good chance to talk about Chrysler's newly-announced MY line of GEM vehicles, which allow for easier custom options. Perhaps Fireball Tim was just waiting for an easier-to-change GEM to work his magic.

Gallery: LA 2008: Fireballed GEM


[Source: Green Car Congress]

LA 2008: A GEM with a fireball and official custom line originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fireballgemla auto showla auto show 2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler: Half of all cars electric by 2020]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/29/chrysler-half-of-all-cars-electric-by-2020/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/29/chrysler-half-of-all-cars-electric-by-2020/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/29/chrysler-half-of-all-cars-electric-by-2020/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Dodge EV

We've taken a good look at each of the three electric vehicle concepts that Chrysler took the wraps off of last week, plus one extra for good measure. For various reasons, none of these vehicles really seems quite ready for prime time - one is based on a Lotus sportscar chassis, two require huge battery packs and the last is limited to 25 miles per hour. Tough bring those to market. Still, Chrysler says it plans to launch one of them by 2010 in the U.S. with European delivery scheduled a bit later. We'll see. If that does happen, Chrysler's EV would join the Chevy Volt as the first mainstream(-ish) cars in the States not powered by gasoline in a very, very long time.

If Chrysler's predictions are accurate, though, don't expect the market to stay petroleum-dependent for long. In fact, Chrysler's executive vice president of product development, Frank Klegon, has said that half the cars sold here in 2020 will feature electric power. That's a long way to go in just a decade. In any case, the future promises lots of interesting things for the domestic auto market.

Gallery: 2011 Chrysler EVs


[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]

Chrysler: Half of all cars electric by 2020 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler electric carchrysler electric carschrysler electric vehiclechrysler evChryslerElectricCarChryslerElectricCarsChryslerElectricVehicleChryslerEvdodge evDodgeEvgem peapodGemPeapodjeep evJeepEvpeapodMon, 29 Sep 2008 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[GEM changes name to GreenEcoMobility, plans new vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/gem-changes-name-to-greenecomobility-plans-new-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/gem-changes-name-to-greenecomobility-plans-new-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/gem-changes-name-to-greenecomobility-plans-new-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We've taken a pretty in-depth look at Chrysler's three most visible electric or range-extended concepts already, leaving just the neighborhood electric vehicle from its GEM division to peer into. First, those three letters now stand for GreenEcoMobility, much more interesting than Global Electric Motorcars, which is what it stood for until now. What's in a name, anyway... Moving along, Chrysler showed off the new GEM Peapod, a low-speed electric vehicle designed primarily for city use. Unlike past GEM efforts, the Peapod is rather car-like in its look; although it is rather egg-shaped, it has a real enclosure with four doors and what appear to be roll-up windows. Inside is a new dash layout that incorporates iPod and iPhone integration. Expect to see them for sale next year.

GEM also has plans to launch "a new light-duty, battery electric commercial truck and a larger city electric vehicle, with more range and performance." We don't exactly know what that means, but we've heard that the truck may be an electric version of the Tata Ace. Of course, as we know more, so will you. Full press release after the break.

Gallery: GEM Peapod


[Source: GEM]

Continue reading GEM changes name to GreenEcoMobility, plans new vehicles

GEM changes name to GreenEcoMobility, plans new vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gemgem electric cargem electric carsgem electric vehiclegem motorcarsgem peapodGemElectricCarGemElectricCarsGemElectricVehicleGemMotorcarsGemPeapodglobal electric motorsGlobalElectricMotorsgreenecomobilitypeapodpeapod evPeapodEvTue, 23 Sep 2008 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Did you know McCain owns three GEM EVs?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/did-you-know-mccain-owns-three-gem-evs/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/did-you-know-mccain-owns-three-gem-evs/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/did-you-know-mccain-owns-three-gem-evs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Maybe this is why John McCain is so gung-ho for better automotive batteries. According to a fluffy piece of reporting by Newsweek, the McCain family owns three GEM electric vehicles. Newsweek wanted to find out how many cars each of the two major party presidential candidates owns, and found out that McCain has 13 and Obama just one. As we know, that one vehicle is the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid he traded for his Hemi last year.

Aside from the NEVs, the McCains also have the Prius his daughter drives (whoops) and a 2004 Cadillac STC, a 2005 Volkswagen convertible, a Lexus, a 2001 Honda sedan, a 2007 half-ton Ford pickup truck, two Jeeps, a 2000 Lincoln, and a 2001 GMC SUV. Note how Newsweek explains to America what the GEMs are: "bubble-shaped cars popular in retirement communities." So true.

Gallery: AFVI 2008: GEM's new cargo options


[Source: Newsweek]

Did you know McCain owns three GEM EVs? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mccainmccain-carsmccain-electric-carsmccain-evmccain-gemobamaMon, 22 Sep 2008 19:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Tata and Chrysler's GEM plan electric delivery vehicle]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/tata-and-chryslers-gem-plan-electric-delivery-vehicle/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/tata-and-chryslers-gem-plan-electric-delivery-vehicle/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/tata-and-chryslers-gem-plan-electric-delivery-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Way back in January, rumors began swirling regarding a potential tie-up between Chrysler's GEM and India's Tata Motors. The rumored love-child was an electric version of the delivery truck known in India as the Tata Ace. Now, we have a potential price for the unit, and it sounds almost too good to be true. According to Auto Observer, the electric Ace could sell for as little as $5,000 and would meet all necessary safety regulations in the United States. We'd imagine that this vehicle would be classified as a NEV, which would limit it to twenty-five miles per hour and operation on streets with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less.

No details are available regarding what kind of batteries or range are available. We can see a small delivery vehicle which uses no gasoline going over rather well in dense urban areas. Sales possibilities exist in both the U.S. market as well as in India.

[Source: Auto Observer]

Tata and Chrysler's GEM plan electric delivery vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler gemChryslerGemelectric aceelectric delivery truckelectric tataelectric tata aceelectric truckelectric trucksElectricAceElectricDeliveryTruckElectricTataElectricTataAceElectricTruckElectricTrucksgemtatatata acetata motorsTataAceTataMotorsFri, 27 Jun 2008 11:17:00 EST<![CDATA[American electric car companies prefer Project Fastr Blastr to Project Better Place]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/05/21/american-electric-car-companies-prefer-project-fastr-blastr-to-p/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/05/21/american-electric-car-companies-prefer-project-fastr-blastr-to-p/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/05/21/american-electric-car-companies-prefer-project-fastr-blastr-to-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Project Better Place has been making lots of headlines with their plan to create a battery swapping and charging infrastructure in different countries. At the recently held Alternative Fuels and Vehicles conference, a panel of representatives from some American electric car makers suggested they would prefer to see a slightly different scenario for the U.S. market. Nay to the whole battery swapping thing, yea to fast-charging stations.

Here are some quotes from the participants as reported by Jennifer Kho of greentechmedia:
  • Bryon Bliss of Phoenix Motorcars: "With the ability to do rapid charge, we see that playing more of a role than stations to exchange them." "There are a lot of complications [in exchanging the batteries]."
  • Richard Kasper of Chrysler's Global Electric Motorcars said the investment that battery-replacement stations would require would be "very significant."
  • Jeff Boyd of Miles Electric Vehicles: "Fast charging is here; it's available. You can put a station at a Starbucks for a cost of $125,000. There's no reason to wait [for something else]."
During the question and answer session after the panel, Dean Taylor, a senior technical scientist at Southern California Edison, brought up a point often raised in debating fast-charging. Specifically, that daytime charging by drivers would add to peak demand as well as put strain on the grid. That was countered by Bryon Bliss who stated that charging stations could pull the electricity from batteries, like those made by Altairnano, which could also be a boon to utilities by helping them with grid stabilization. Click the "read" link to learn more of this interesting discussion. [NOTE: AutoblogGreen's Sebastian Blanco moderated the AFVI panel]

[Source: Greentechmedia]

American electric car companies prefer Project Fastr Blastr to Project Better Place originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 21 May 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AFVIbattery swappingBatterySwappingfast chargeFastChargeWed, 21 May 2008 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[AFVI 2008: Miles, GEM and Phoenix share EV product line-ups]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/05/15/afvi-2008-miles-gem-and-phoenix-share-ev-product-line-ups/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/05/15/afvi-2008-miles-gem-and-phoenix-share-ev-product-line-ups/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/05/15/afvi-2008-miles-gem-and-phoenix-share-ev-product-line-ups/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


click to enlarge

This week, at the AFVI Expo, I moderated a panel on the roll-out of electric vehicle products from Miles EV, Phoenix Motorcars and GEM. The representatives were Bryon Bliss, vice president of sales and marketing for Phoenix, Jeff Boyd, COO of Miles, and Richard Kaspar, GEM's president and COO. Oh, and our friend Ed Begley, Jr. was there as well, continuing his relationship with Phoenix.

The purpose of the panel was for each company to present their case not only for EVs but for their particular products. Since these companies all offer vehicles with quite different capabilities and styles, they're not really competitors, and it was a congenial event. Since I expect our readers to be pretty familiar with the vehicle line-ups of these three companies, I won't go into details about them. There were a few things said during the 90 minutes that caught my ear, though, that I think you'll want to hear about.

  • The Miles EV offices are in Santa Monica, CA. To commute to work, Boyd drives a prototype of the XS500, Miles' upcoming highway-speed battery-powered sedan. The price target is still $35,000 and deliveries should start in the third quarter of 2009. The sedan will be followed by an electric SUV. I told Boyd that the next time I'm in town, I'll be knocking on the office door, begging for a ride. I mean, it worked for the Roadster.
  • Phoenix expects deliveries of its all-electric SUT to start at the end of June (yes, in six weeks). Certification should be finished June 1, Bliss said and the company has orders for 600 vehicles to fill as of today.
  • GEM's big news is the addition of new options to the back cargo space of its work trucks. Since GEM vehicles have been selling for over a decade, GEM has had plenty of time to listen to customers and find out what they want/need. New covers and door types are now available, and you can see a list of GEM vehicle options here.
Greentech media was also in the room, and wrote up this account of what happened. Both Miles and GEM had vehicles on the show floor, and I've included galleries of their displays below. The Phoenix photos are from the 2007 AFVI Expo. For those of you keeping score, Zap and Dynasty were nowhere to be found at the Expo this year (unlike last year).

Gallery: AFVI 2008: Miles EV booth


Gallery: AFVI 2008: GEM's new cargo options


Gallery: AFVI Ride & Drive Phoenix SUT

AFVI 2008: Miles, GEM and Phoenix share EV product line-ups originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 15 May 2008 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afviafvi-2008afvi-expobryon-blissed-begleyed-begley-jr.electric-carelectric-carselectric-sutelectric-vehicleelectric-vehiclesjeff-boydmiles-automotivemiles-electric-vehiclesmiles-evphoenixphoenix-begleyphoenix-motorcarsphoenix-sutrich-kasparrichard-kasparrick-kasparThu, 15 May 2008 13:10:00 EST