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Manufactured by its GreenEcoMobility division, GEM (formerly known as Global Electric Motorcars) hopes the PeaPod can be a new take on the
neighborhood electric vehicle, or NEV. Typically little more than glorified golf carts, NEV's are often allowed in gated communities or small towns, where
short, low-speed jaunts are the norm. Although previous GEM's were noted for outlandish styling, the PeaPod takes its design to a new level.
Resembling the byproduct of a Mitsubishi i mated with an iMac, the PeaPod's five-door body is distinctly ovoid, if nothing else. Even the doors, with
upper- and lower glass sections, emerge from the body in a convex form, while the bulbous front bumper allows the PeaPod to form a faux smile. Unlike
previous GEM vehicles, the PeaPod's front wheels are driven by an unspecified 72-volt motor. The car uses six 12 volt wet-cell batteries
(maintenance-free models are optional), replenished either via an on-board charger or regenerative braking. As can be expected from a NEV, GEM
estimates the PeaPod's top speed to be no more than 25 mph, allowing it to travel 30 miles on a single charge. Look for the PeaPod to arrive in early
2009, and possibly spawn a new generation of GEM utility vehicles. [Via Evan.McCausland - blogs.automobilemag.com]

With gas prices continuing to fluctuate, many auto companies are
looking to go electric with their future line of cars. Chrysler surprised
the industry last week when they unveiled a fleet of three electric cars,
one of which will go on sale in 2010... but less hyped was their
announcement about the new Peapod “neighborhood electric
vehicle” from their Global Electric Motors division. Designed and
engineered by Chrysler's ENVI division, which is dedicated to
producing electric cars away from the normal corporate climate, the
Peapod is a sleek and futuristic electric vehicle that produces
absolutely zero emissions. The Peadpod is designed to be driven in
traffic congested urban areas, gated communities, and other private
and public areas with low posted speed limits, and they're street legal
in most states on roads with a posted speed limit of under 35 miles
per hour. The Peapod has a maximum speed of 25 mph, and the car
can drive 30 miles on a full charge... so if you pick one up, don't
expect to replace your old car for everything. But the Peapod can take
a lot of the burden off your old gas engined car, because it will be great
for local trips within your neighborhood, to places like the grocery
store, a nearby movie theater, or trips to school. And if you don't think
driving an emission free Peapod on short trips only will have much
environmental impact... you'd be surprised. Chrysler's Global Electric
Motors Division, or GEM, has sold over 38,000 electric cars even
before Peapod was announced, and they've collectively driven over 200
million miles and saved an estimated 10 million gallons of gas and 150
tons of tailpipe emissions. And with the Peapod's fully enclosed form,
eight eye catching color options, and sleekly futuristic look, GEM is
sure to sell a lot more cars when the Peapod goes on sale in 2009.
Chrysler has not announced the price of the Peapod yet, but the
current range on GEM vehicles is between just under 7,000 and just
over 12,000 dollars. You can learn more about the Peapod ...