A kind-of golf cart as a second car: EVs and retirees

Approaching retirement, Rick and Gloria Owen decided to give up their second car and replace it with a sort-of golf cart. They bought a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle: a tiny EV street legal only on roads with 35mph speed limits or below. Rick takes us for a ride in their GEM (Global Electric Motorcar)- there's is secondhand, but it costs about $7500 new- and shows us just how easy it is to park.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• golf carts
• NEV
• gem car
• neighborhood electric vehicle
• EV
• electric vehicle
• electric car
• batteries
• green car
• cloverdale
• global electric motorcar

[kirstendirksen]

It's called a GEM (Global Electric Motorcars), or Chrysler Group Global Electric Motorcars-- part of the Chrysler family. They're actually not officially considered golf carts, but NEVs (Neighborhood Electric Vehicles), but seems, as Rick Owens pointed out, that they can be used on "turf".

[alexnkassiesavage]

I'm seriously considering replacing our second car with one of these; bicycling every day would absolutely tear my body apart, walking takes an ungodly amount of time, the car eats money (gas, repairs, etc.)... this thing, you just replace the batteries every few years (although at a near $1200 price tag from what I've read) and you're set. Seems like it would be a little cold in the winter, but I see no reason why one couldn't just bundle up... you're likely to anyway, right?

[kirstendirksen]

@alexnkassiesavage You don't necessarily need to be cold in winter as it comes with doors. The Owens had theirs stored in the garage attic since it was a hot summer when I filmed them.

[peasoup251]

I thought I was looking at myself.. I have a GEM and a Prius as well.. although the Prius has sat since I got the GEM.. I live in the Denver area and only know of two others that are privately owned in the are.. like the Owens.. I get a lot of looks and questions..

[theteacuphead]

What is the name of the manufacture of this golf cart?

[kirstendirksen]

@MrYummy35 I think they're mostly sold through dealerships. This couple I interviewed bought theirs online, but it was used. You could try sites like craigslist or ebay for a secondhand option.

[OGdank13]

its funny how people are the same everywhere you go