PluginChryslerPeapod

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]