Frequently Asked Questions
GEM (Global Electric Motorcars) began in 1998 and is the leader in the low-speed vehicle (LSV) market. Waev Inc. owns the GEM brand and designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality electric vehicles. GEM‘s are multipurpose, 100% all electric transportation and utility vehicles manufactured in Anaheim, CA. GEM is the leading brand in the LSV (Low-Speed Vehicle) market, and they are street legal in 49 states.
The GEM line of electric vehicles has been designed and manufactured since 1998. Owned by Waev Inc. and produced in Anaheim, CA, GEM is the market leader in the low-speed vehicle (LSV) industry and has sold more than 45,000 vehicles worldwide. GEM vehicles have driven more than 450 million miles (772 million kilometers) and, as a result, have saved almost 20 million gallons (75 million liters) of gasoline. Our goal is to continue to design innovative, environmentally-friendly vehicles that provide a safe, comfortable, and fun ride.
LSV stands for “Low-Speed Vehicle”. An LSV is a vehicle class that has a maximum speed of 25 mph (40 km/h), and can legally be driven on most roads posted 35 mph (50 km/h or less). Additional requirements and information can be found here.
To comply with the U.S. federal safety Low Speed Vehicle standards, GEM cars achieve a top speed of 25 mph.
Many things can affect the driving range of the GEM car, including ambient temperature, terrain, driving conditions, payload, driving habits, battery age and tire pressure. It is hard to say exactly what your range will be, but GEM cars are capable of getting up to 98 miles (157 km) on a charge. See the range diagram for more specifics.
GEM vehicles can be driven on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph (50 km/h) or less. It is an ideal vehicle for personal transportation around your neighborhood or community. Whether you’re looking to take a family trip to the beach or enjoy a night in the town, GEM will get you there safely and comfortably.
GEM has a dedicated sales team that is available to assist in the purchase of a vehicle. We want to ensure you get the right vehicle for your needs so you are happy about your purchase. Find A Dealer near you.
With less maintenance and no fuel costs, GEM electric vehicles are significantly more affordable and cost-effective than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. GEMs require only $0.03 of electricity costs per mile to operate. Check out our GEM lineup for pricing and options.
All GEM models meet all U.S. federal safety standards for low-speed vehicles (LSVs) and are equipped with automotive safety windshield glass, three-point seat belts, turn signals, headlamps and brake lights, horn, mirrors and windshield wipers. With thousands of miles accumulated on GEM test vehicles, you can be assured that quality and safety are our top priorities.
The batteries are charged with an onboard charger that plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet. It takes approximately six to eight hours to recharge a GEM vehicle from a completely discharged state. The ideal time to charge is at night when the demand for electric power is at its lowest, although the GEM can be plugged in virtually anywhere, at any time, to top off the charge or to completely charge the vehicle. Visit our Help Center for more information.
No special equipment is needed. The GEM comes standard with an on-board charger, which plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet. There are also optional fast chargers that can be installed to shorten the time it takes to charge the vehicle, as well as a charger option that adapts to public charge stations, making it easier to plug in any time.
Each battery pack configuration causes the charging time to vary slightly. On average, it takes approximately six to eight hours to recharge a GEM car from a completely discharged state.
Each battery pack configuration will vary some. On average, to fully charge a GEM vehicle from a completely discharged state, it takes 5 to 8.9 kWh of power. Multiply that by the local cost per kWh and you will have the cost for charging your GEM car.
No. Unlike the old cell phone batteries, you do not need to fully discharge the GEM batteries before charging. We do recommend that you do not leave the batteries in a discharged state for any length of time. Always try to keep the batteries charged.
GEM vehicles are orderable right from the factory. Custom build your vehicle by choosing from a variety exterior colors, seat upholstery, wheels, storage trunks, roofs, sound systems, and interior lighting. With thousands of possible configurations, you can personalize your GEM to create the ultimate vehicle exactly how you want it.
All GEM car products are sold through authorized GEM dealerships. Visit our Parts & Accessories page to view and price available options for all GEM models.
There are currently no federal tax credits available for GEM® vehicles. For information on possible state tax credits, visit our Electric Vehicle Incentives page or check with your local/state authorities.
If you are interested in becoming an authorized GEM dealership, please visit our Become A Dealer page and fill out an inquiry form.
Refer to your GEM Owner’s Manual for warranty details specific to your vehicle. GEM vehicles come standard with a two-year/8,000-mile (12,900 km), limited warranty on all components, except batteries. Batteries are handled separately; lead-acid type batteries have a pro-rated two-year/8,000-mile(12,900 km) limited warranty. Li-Ion type batteries come with a five-year/30,000-miles (48,300 km) limited warranty.