GEM reveals its new 2024 LSVs that are designed to feel more like real cars
GEM, the company that makes all of those fun-looking people movers you see at places like airports, sports complexes, and hotels, has just launched its new 2024 line of low-speed vehicles (LSVs). And now they’re more “automotive like” than ever.
GEM is pretty much the undisputed leader in the LSV industry in the US. LSVs are street-legal, four-wheeled vehicles that are certified to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, come with a top speed of 25 mph (40 km/h), and are federally approved to travel on public roads with speed limits of 35 mph (56 km/h) or less.
GEM makes both passenger and utility versions of its LSVs, and the appearance falls somewhere between a golf cart and a micro-car. Just don’t call these “golf carts”; they’re so much more.
And now with the new 2024 model year lineup being unveiled today, that “so much more” just got even better.
As the CEO of GEM’s parent company, WAEV, Keith Simon, explained that more people than ever are adopting LSVs as regular-use vehicles instead of larger, costlier, and more energy-intensive personal cars and trucks.
“People are realizing that not every vehicle in their fleet or garage needs to travel over 200 miles or operate at highway speeds. GEM provides an affordable, accessible, convenient and enjoyable alternative way to move. In recent years, we’ve seen a growing number of individuals make the transition to GEM for daily transportation in their community. And more commercial customers are recognizing that GEM vehicles can easily do the job of a truck or van. Today, we’re redefining the LSV to be an even more viable alternative to an automobile – further expanding the lifestyles and operations that GEM can serve.
So what are the big updates? They’re a number of new design features that are largely focused on the vehicles’ electrical architecture.
The totally redesigned new 2024 electrical system boasts more than 30 modern EV enhancements that redefine the LSV’s performance, expand adoption, and provide a more automotive-like driving experience.
Major improvements include:
- A new control panel, gearcase, hill control, smoother acceleration and deceleration, one-pedal driving, and DOT-compliant tires provide operators with the quiet, smooth, and stable ride they expect from a modern EV.
- A turning radius that is 17% tighter than the previous model year allows for sharper turns and easier maneuvering on narrow roadways. The GEM eL XD now has a six-foot tighter turning radius than competitor work trucks. Coupled with electric power steering results in an easy-to-drive vehicle optimal for deliveries, maintenance, and property management.
- A refined in-cab experience includes a new dashboard, display gauge, key switch, FNR switch, hazard flashers, one-touch turn signal, windshield wiper, and optional automatic daytime running lights for seamless operation and improved visibility.
- A new power-off switch simplifies maintenance and helps sustain battery longevity and performance during long-term storage.
As required by law under federal regulations for LSVs, all of GEM’s vehicles feature a backup camera, hazard lights, brake lights, and turn signals.
The new 2024 GEM vehicles also come with an upgraded battery and charging options designed to “give drivers [the] confidence to transition to an EV.”
Those upgrades include:
- Two new AGM battery packages that provide more range – an average of five miles between charges – without adding cost. All models now come standard with the AGM battery package. The e6 and eL XD come standard with the distance AGM battery package.
- Two new Li-ion battery packages provide five times more battery life compared to AGM, opportunity charging, optional fast charging, a seven-year warranty and LiFePO4 technology – the safest, most reliable category of lithium batteries. Li-ion battery packages include 7.2 kWh for lighter-use applications and 14.4 kWh with up to 113 miles (182 km) of range for high-demand applications.
- Included as standard with all models is a 1 kW onboard charger that is now compatible with public EV charging stations – providing more flexibility wherever you drive.
- New custom-fit solar panels option can boost drive time by up to 40% and reduce grid-tied energy consumption.
- A new LCD dashboard display confirms the vehicle is charging and displays charge percentage.
The company is also touting its new designs and styling options.
GEM’s models now feature a “more refined, sleek design” as well as new upgrade options to elevate the vehicles’ appearance and functionality.
That includes:
- Seven gloss-finish exterior colors, including two new colors – Arctic Frost and Tidal Blue.
- New badges and front fascia design modernize the vehicle look.
- New seats with updated styling and increased bolster support for improved comfort.
- New factory-designed roof rack accessory with rugged styling to boost functionality with 15 square feet of additional storage.
The two-seater GEM e2 starts at US $15,240. The four-seater GEM e4 starts at US $17,490. The six-seater e6 starts at US $21,240. The utility-oriented eL XD mini-truck starts at US $18,740.
Features like doors, moon roofs, and other upgrades can add several thousand dollars to the price but make the GEM vehicles feel even more car-like.
Electrek’s Take
It’s great to see WAEV’s GEM vehicles getting these upgrades. Those Li-ion batteries sound great, but they’re a bit pricey. In last year’s model, upgrading from lead acid to Li-ion was a nearly $10,000 addition, and that was for a vehicle that already started at around $13,000 to $15,000. Now it appears that the 7.2 kWh Li-ion battery is priced at around US $6,000 and the 14.4 kWh battery is priced at close to $12,000. So these Li-ion batteries can add some serious cha-ching to the price. But for those that like the easy-riding vibe of a GEM and want a long-lasting battery, it may be worth it.
I’m also glad to see that public charging station connector, which I assume means J1772. Being able to charge while out and about is a big advantage, and it means owners won’t have to search for a wall plug.
Ultimately, GEMs are one of the most expensive LSVs on the market, but the company knows what it’s doing and has been around for a long time (even if they’ve changed ownership a few times too). They’re also American-made, which, as someone who frequently buys electric vehicles from China, I can tell you that US-built can make a big difference.
So with a history of service and support, that likely gives consumers and commercial customers some extra peace of mind. They’re pretty darn pricey when you add in the nicer features (doors, sunroof, Li-ion battery, etc.), but they sure do look like fun, especially if you love LSVs as much as I do!
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Environment
This solid-state EV battery maker is going public after a real-world test clears 745+ miles
Its solid-state batteries are already showing promise with real-world tests delivering over 745 miles of range on a single charge. Now, Factorial Energy is going public as it aims to bring the promising new battery tech to market as soon as 2027.
Factorial Energy to accelerate solid-state EV battery tech
A modified Mercedes EQS, fitted with solid-state EV batteries, drove over 745 miles (1,200 km) without stopping in September. And it still had some charge left.
The battery cells that Mercedes is already calling “a true gamechanger” were supplied by US-based solid-state specialist, Factorial Energy.
Factorial is working with Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai Motor, and other major OEMs to commercialize the promising new battery tech.
The batteries may be in vehicles sooner than expected. Factorial is planning to tap into the public markets to fund its next growth stage through a business merger with Cartesian Growth Corporation III.
Cartersian III is a special-purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, designed as a blank-check company to acquire a business for listing on a public stock exchange.
Factorial’s CEO, Dr Siyu Huang, called the agreement “a pivotal inflection point” as it transitions from the lab to real-world testing and commercialization. “We’ve proven our solid-state platform delivers what customers want – longer range, lighter weight, and greater cost efficiency,” Huang said.
The battery cells have been proven on public roads, as seen in the Mercedes EQS equipped with Factorial’s 106 Ah cells.
Jeep and Ram maker Stellantis verified 77 Ah cells in lab testing, “demonstrating high energy density, fast charging, and robust performance across temperature extremes.”
Outside of electric vehicles, Factorial plans to offer solid-state battery cells for other markets, including defense, aerospace, and robotics.
The proposed merger is expected to close in mid-2026. Once closed, the company will list on the Nasdaq exchange under the ticker symbol FAC. The merger values Factorial at about $1.1 billion, and provides the company with $100 million to fund growth.
During an interview with The New York Times, Huang said Factorial’s batteries could be powering EVs as soon as 2027. According to Huang, they will likely launch in high-performance or luxury models at first, such as the Dodge Charger Daytona, before becoming more widely available.
Factorial is not worried about US automakers, such as Ford, pulling back on EV plans, because it believes new battery technology will help boost adoption.
“The existing battery is not big enough and it’s not light enough, it’s not efficient enough,” Huang said during the interview, adding that “there needs to be a next generation to address the issues that our U.S. consumers are facing.”
Are Factorial’s solid-state EV batteries the answer? That’s what the battery specialist is banking on.
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Environment
Fed chair candidate Hassett says U.S. is way behind the curve on lowering interest rates
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Tuesday that the Federal Reserve is not cutting interest rates quickly enough, even though the U.S. economy grew at a much faster-than-expected pace in the third quarter.
Hassett, a leading contender to succeed Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell when his term ends in May, said the artificial intelligence boom is boosting economic growth while simultaneously putting downward pressure on inflation.
“If you look at central banks around the world, the U.S. is way behind the curve in terms of lowering rates,” the top White House economic advisor told CNBC in a “Money Movers” interview.
U.S. economic growth came in at an annual rate of 4.3% in the third quarter, faster than the Dow Jones consensus of 3.2%. Hassett said 1.5% of that growth was due to President Donald Trump’s tariffs reducing the U.S. trade deficit.
The Fed lowered interest rates by a quarter point on Dec. 10, the third cut this year, but the central bank indicated that the pace of future reductions could be slower.
Three Fed governors voted against the quarter-point move, the most dissents since 2019. After this month’s meeting, Powell said the decision to cut a quarter point was a “close call.”
Trump has repeatedly bashed the Fed for not lowering rates as quickly as he would like. Hassett’s candidacy has raised concerns among some Fed watchers that he is too close to the president.
Hassett told CNBC last week that the Fed’s independence is “really important.”
Trump said in an address to the nation last week that he will announce his nominee for Fed chair soon, emphasizing that he will pick “someone who believes in lower interest rates by a lot.”
The president’s primetime speech focused on affordability. His approval rating on the economy stood at 37% in a CBS News/YouGov published on Sunday.
When asked about Trump’s sagging approval rating, Hassett said that public sentiment often does not reflect the economic numbers.
“In the end, it turns out that I think it has a lot to do with news coverage and how people are processing, their glimpse of the outside world,” Hassett said.
Tesla Energy has secured another massive Megapack project in the UK. Matrix Renewables announced today that it has signed a full EPC agreement with Tesla for a 500 MW / 1 GWh battery energy storage system in Scotland.
The UK has been one of Tesla’s strongest markets for energy storage. We have frequently reported on the company deploying large-scale Megapack projects in the region, including the Pillswood project, which was previously one of Europe’s largest.
Now, a new project is set to dwarf many existing installations.
Matrix Renewables, a global renewable energy platform, confirmed the deal in a press release today. The company stated it has signed a “Full EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) agreement” with Tesla for a standalone system located in Eccles, Scotland.
The specs are impressive: 500 MW of power capacity and 1 GWh of energy capacity.
While the press release refers to it generally as a “battery energy storage system (BESS),” a project of this size and the specific partnership with Tesla confirms the use of Megapacks.
Mike Snyder, VP of Energy and Charging at Tesla, commented on the announcement:
“We are excited to support Matrix Renewables with their entry into the UK, bringing Tesla’s track record in the market together with Matrix Renewables’ expertise and vision. We highly value the partnership with their team and look forward to executing this landmark project together.”
The project is strategically located along key transmission corridors between Scotland and England. This is a critical spot for grid flexibility, as wind generation in Scotland often exceeds local demand and needs to be transmitted south or stored.
Sergio Arbeláez, Managing Director, Europe & Latam at Matrix Renewables, added:
“We are delivering infrastructure at the scale required to support the UK’s transition to a clean, secure, and resilient power system. This installation demonstrates our ability to execute complex, utility-scale storage projects through strong partnerships and a long-term strategic vision.”
Matrix says that all planning conditions have been discharged and full consent has been secured to commence construction.
This 1 GWh project joins a rapidly growing list of GWh-scale Megapack projects globally. Tesla has been ramping up production at its Lathrop Megafactory in California to meet this exact type of demand, and it recently secured a multi-billion dollar contract for over 15 GWh of deployment in the US.
Electrek’s Take
This is a huge project. For context, 1 GWh of energy capacity is roughly enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes for the two-hour duration of the battery.
Tesla’s energy division is the only part of the business that is growing financially, and large projects like this one add to the momentum.
The UK grid is becoming a fascinating case study for renewables. They have massive wind potential in the north, but the load centers are in the south. Projects like this one in Eccles are going to be essential to stop curtailment (turning off wind turbines when there’s nowhere for the power to go) and instead store that cheap energy for peak times.
I wouldn’t be surprised if this project also utilizes Tesla’s Autobidder software, which has been a standard feature for most of their large UK deployments to manage real-time trading on the energy market.
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