Have you seen the Global Electric Motorcar? (GEM)

[Blue Diadem]

http://www.gemcar.com/models/default.asp?ID=309

These little cars are really cute and if you live in the right area for the speed, it would be great savings, NO GAS REQUIRED! They're good for up to 30 miles without a charge..and charging is simply plugging in for 8 hrs(or quick charge of 1 hr with additional option) Prices begin around $7,000.
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Where can GEM cars be driven? http://www.gemcar.com/company/default.asp?ID=334

GEM cars can be driven on most public roads that are posted at 35 mph or less, in states that have approved the use of neighborhood electric vehicles. It is an ideal vehicle for local, around-town use. Uses include transportation from mass transit stations to the workplace or home, taking the kids to school or the library, grocery shopping, or other common neighborhood or downtown errands.

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http://www.mysuncoast.com/Global/story.asp?S=8210621

Lakewood Ranch takes electric car-friendly steps

MANATEE COUNTY - A Suncoast community will soon make its roadways electric car-friendly. Lakewood Ranch is ready to make the switch as more residents buy the green autos.

Lakewood Ranch claims to be the largest green community in the country, and now it has another gem of an idea...with GEM cars, or Global Electric Motorcars.

Lakewood Ranch resident Therese Masseo's driveway holds two cars. But one saves her some big bucks. A GEM car is worth its weight in cash for the money it saves, since it's electric. "Number one being the price of gas. I try to park that as much as I can and use this as much as possible."
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[liberal N proud]

1. If it would do OK in the snow...

I would consider one.

All the roads I take to and from work are 35mph or less.

[Blue Diadem]

10. Snow would probably be a problem

Cold too, I don't think they have heaters although I don't know that for sure. They were brought to my attention by a newspaper story about a man who uses one from early spring through Oct. to go to work.

Golf carts apparently are allowed for street use in my state now. We're a small rural town and the last few years golf cart use has been increasing.

[liberal N proud]

16. It does look like they have both heater and heated seats

Just the traction, ground clearance and power to handle the snow.

[Blue Diadem]

18. Ah, I didn't look far enough. That's good to know.

The snow and ice here would be a problem for us. If I had the money, it would be nice to have one to use around town for small errands during the good weather..but since I don't I'll just have to dream.

[DianaForRussFeingold]

2. Why not switch to a electric motor-- in the car you already have?

I heard that's what some people are doing! Electric with solar seems like a good solution to me!
No more research is needed...we've had the technology for decades and we've come a long way with batteries--just a thought.

Did you know Jimmy Carter had a energy plan -- solar panels on the White House roof...?
Reagan's deregulation and privatizing put a stop to that...
Hmmm...Then we had President Clinton's corporate pandering..

Carter was the last president to make energy a high priority...

However, had Al Gore became president-- electric cars, solar panels and probably even
better technology would have been a priority ..

The movie 'Who Killed The Electric Car"
Check out this video-at 2 minutes 25 seconds-Jimmy Carter was actually one of our greatest presidents...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZk_giOvhfw&feature=related

Tesla all electric

[eppur_se_muova]

3. Yes! University of Toledo uses them on campus.

A lot of other large institions have gas-burning John Deere's or similar vehicles for grounds crew, physical plant use, etc. But UT moved to all-electrics.

Electric golf carts are also common, but the GEM is street-legal in some areas, so a more versatile choice for institutional $$$$.

[Blue Diadem]

11. I'm glad to hear that.

I'd like to see more large institutions use them instead of gasoline powered vehicles.

[SergeyDovlatov]

4. Disney Land uses it too.

[DianaForRussFeingold]

5. It's a cute little car...

only it would have to go 45 MPH, where I live. :-(

Oh~the good old days~
My first car was a VW Super Beetle...
Gas was only 45 cents a gallon...I miss my little putt-putt car :hug:

I bet someone could put a electric motor in the back of one of these--
with batteries in the front under the hood...

[Cobalt-60]

6. Mine was Saturn Yellow

Of all the cars I've owned, the Bug is the one I miss the most.
There is at least one electric beetle out there.
It's been sold, but the photos and description are here:
http://www.preparedness1.com/VWBeetle1969.htm

[Blue Diadem]

13. Speed is an issue for us too.

We'd be able to use it around our small rural town but not to get to work. We'd get run over.

The VW beetles were/are cute cars. My neighbor has a baby blue one but I never see him drive it. :(

[pdxmom]

7. If you can get an electric vehicle, then do it. We've had an electric

car for about 6 years now, and they make a huge difference. Cost to run is about 2-3 cents a mile.

Oregon and Portland in particular are very electric car friendly. Downtown Portland has charging stations for plugging in. Our electric car is a conversion, and actually has regular highway speeds, so we're not limited to the neighborhood streets.

If you can get one that fits the majority of your needs, then I highly recommend it. I still have other vehicles for purpose that don't suit the limitations of the electrics, but since most of our driving is short-distance, it makes a big difference in the gas costs.

[Deja Q]

8. Is this the one from 1969?

[alfredo]

9. In the late 60's Asmara Ethiopia (now Eritrea) used electric garbage trucks

If they had them back then, why hasn't the rest of the world developed a viable electric car?

[Juche]

12. Too slow

I looked at the e2 and it only goes 15-25 mph. If I lived in a city where the speed limit was in that range it would be ok. But I'd prefer something that can do 40 mph safely.

I would probably just buy a scooter if I lived in a reasonably sized city.

[Trillo]

14. Is it "open source"?

I ask because it says "global". What I mean is are all engineering specifications disclosed in their entirety? (useful for when manufacturers either don't make replacement parts, or those parts have developed a particular costliness)

Have 'standardized' parts been used throughout (wheels, bearings {bearing sizes particularly}, motors, batteries, etc.), so that one isn't tied to getting replacement parts only from this particular manufacturer?

[IDemo]

15. Here's the EV for me:

http://www.electricmotion.org/

[Blue Diadem]

17. Thanks, that's very interesting. n/t