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Chrysler's Huggable 2009 GEM Peapod Debuts
AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — Chrysler's electric-vehicle offensive includes a redesigned version of its neighborhood electric vehicle. The GEM Peapod was introduced on Wednesday, not aimed at the crowd that will buy the Chevrolet Volt, but at those people who want to travel with no gas and no emissions around their neighborhood.
Chrysler also announced that GEM will get a new name, Green Eco-Mobility. In addition to the Peapod, the EV maker says it will also market a new light-duty battery electric commercial truck and a larger city electric vehicle with more range and performance. Both are bound for production within the next year, Chrysler said in a statement.
The new Peapod features a podlike exterior and such cabin touches as iPod integration and mesh seating.
Peter Arnell, Chrysler's chief innovation officer, describes the look of the Peapod as "upbeat and positive."
A neighborhood electric vehicle, or NEV, is a federally classified low-speed vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds and a top speed between 20 and 25 mph. It is generally restricted to streets with a maximum speed limit of 35 mph. Because airbags are not required, an NEV cannot travel on a highway.
What this means to you: The Peapod should be a real head-turner in your neighborhood, as NEV makers move away from golf-cart-inspired design. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Chrysler also announced that GEM will get a new name, Green Eco-Mobility. In addition to the Peapod, the EV maker says it will also market a new light-duty battery electric commercial truck and a larger city electric vehicle with more range and performance. Both are bound for production within the next year, Chrysler said in a statement.
The new Peapod features a podlike exterior and such cabin touches as iPod integration and mesh seating.
Peter Arnell, Chrysler's chief innovation officer, describes the look of the Peapod as "upbeat and positive."
A neighborhood electric vehicle, or NEV, is a federally classified low-speed vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds and a top speed between 20 and 25 mph. It is generally restricted to streets with a maximum speed limit of 35 mph. Because airbags are not required, an NEV cannot travel on a highway.
What this means to you: The Peapod should be a real head-turner in your neighborhood, as NEV makers move away from golf-cart-inspired design. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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