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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.

GEM electric microcar

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.

GEM electric microcar

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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Here’s what TSLA analysts are saying about Tesla’s big delivery miss

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Here's what TSLA analysts are saying about Tesla's big delivery miss

Most Wall Street analysts covering Tesla’s stock (TSLA) badly misread the automaker’s delivery volumes this quarter. Some of them have started releasing notes to clients following Tesla’s production and delivery results.

Here’s what they have to say:

According to Tesla-compiled analyst consensus, the automaker was expected to report “377,592 deliveries” in the first quarter.

Tesla confirmed yesterday that it delivered only 336,000 electric vehicles during the first three months of 2025.

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  • Cantor Fitzgerald was the first analyst firm to issue a note after the release. They reaffirmed their overweight rating with a $425 price target. As we previously reported, Cantor has some major conflicts of interest with Tesla and CEO Elon Musk.
  • Truist Securities maintained its hold rating on Tesla’s stock, but it greatly lowered its price target from $373 to $280 a share. They insist that while their earnings expectations have crashed because they overestimated deliveries, investors should focus on Tesla’s self-driving effort, which they see as “much more important for the long-term value of the stock.”
  • Goldman Sachs lowered its price target from $320 to $275 a share. The firm expected 375,000 deliveries from Tesla in Q1 and therefore had to adjust its earnings expectations with almost 40,000 fewer deliveries.
  • Wedbush‘s Dan Ives, one of Tesla’s biggest cheerleaders, called the delivery results “disastrous”, but he reiterated his $550 price target on Tesla’s stock.
  • UBS has reiterated its $225 price target which it had lowered last month after adjusting its delivery expectations in Q1 to 367,000 – one of the more accurate predictions on Wall Street.
  • CFRA‘s analyst Garrett Nelson reduced his price target from $385 to $360 a share.

Electrek’s Take

I find it funny that most of them are maintaining or barely changing their expectations after they were so wrong about Tesla in Q1.

If you were so wrong in Q1, you should expect to be incorrect also for the rest of the year, and readjust accordingly.

But Cantor is invested in Tesla, and the firm is owned by Elon’s friend, who happens to now be the secretary of commerce. Truist still believes Elon’s self-driving lies, Goldman Sachs overestimated Tesla’s deliveries by the equivalent of $2 billion in revenues, and Dan Ives is Dan Ives.

Covering Tesla over the last 15 years has confirmed to me that most Wall Street analysts have no idea what they are doing – or at least not when it comes to companies like Tesla.

Do you know any who have been consistently good lately? I’d love suggestions in the comment section below.

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Fintech stocks such as Affirm, PayPal plunge on concern Trump tariffs will hurt consumer spending

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Fintech stocks such as Affirm, PayPal plunge on concern Trump tariffs will hurt consumer spending

The global market rout on Thursday, sparked by President Donald Trump’s announcement of widespread tariffs, had an outsized effect on fintech companies and credit card issuers that are closely tied to consumer spending and credit.

Affirm, which offers buy now, pay later purchasing options, plunged 19%, while stock trading app Robinhood slid 10% and payments company PayPal fell 8%. American Express and Capital One each tumbled 10%, and Discover was down more than 8%.

President Trump on Wednesday laid out the U.S. “reciprocal tariff” rates that more than 180 countries and territories, including European Union members, will face under his sweeping new trade policy. Trump said his plan will set a 10% baseline tariff across the board, but that number is much higher for some countries.

The announcement sent stocks reeling, wiping out nearly $2 trillion in value from the S&P 500, and pushing the tech-heavy Nasdaq down 6%, its worst day since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

The sell-off was especially notable for companies most exposed to consumer spending and global supply chains, including payment providers and lenders. Fintech companies that rely on transaction volume or installment-based lending could see both revenue and credit performance deteriorate.

“When you go down the spectrum, that’s when you have more cyclical risk, more exposure to tariffs,” said Sanjay Sakhrani, an analyst at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, citing PayPal and Affirm as businesses at risk. He said bigger companies in the space “are more defensive” and better positioned.

Visa, Mastercard and Fiserv held up better on Thursday.

Dan Dolev, an analyst at Mizuho, said bank processors such as Fiserv are less exposed to tariff volatility.

“It’s considered a safe haven,” he said.

Affirm executives have previously said rising prices might increase demand for their products. Chief Financial Officer Rob O’Hare said higher prices could push more consumers toward buy now, pay later services.

“If tariffs result in higher prices for consumers, we’re there to help,” O’Hare said at a Stocktwits fireside chat last month. Affirm CEO Max Levchin has offered similar comments.

However, James Friedman, an analyst at SIG, told CNBC that delinquencies become a concern. He compared Affirm to private-label store cards, and pointed to historical trends in credit performance during downturns, noting that “private label delinquency rates run roughly double” in a recession when compared to traditional credit cards.

“You have to look at who’s overexposed to discretionary,” he said.

Affirm did not provide a comment but pointed to recent remarks from its executives.

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Mazda’s $20,000 Chinese EV is about to launch overseas and a new SUV is up next

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Mazda's ,000 Chinese EV is about to launch overseas and a new SUV is up next

Wait, Mazda sells a real EV? It’s only in China for now, but that will change very soon. The first Mazda 6e built for overseas markets rolled off the assembly line Thursday. Mazda’s new EV will arrive in Europe, Southeast Asia, and other overseas markets later this year. This could be the start of something with a new SUV due out next.

Mazda’s new EV rolls off assembly for overseas markets

The Mazda EZ-6 has been on sale in China since October with prices starting as low as 139,800 yuan, or slightly under $20,000.

Earlier this year, Mazda introduced the 6e, the global version of its electric car sold in China. The stylish electric sedan is made by Changan Mazda, Mazda’s joint venture in China.

After the first Mazda 6e model rolled off the production line at the company’s Nanjing Plant, Mazda said it’s ready to “conquer the new era of electrification with China Smart Manufacturing.”

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The new global “6e” model will be built at Changan Mazda’s plant and exported to overseas markets including Europe, Thailand, and other parts of Southeast Asia.

Mazda calls it “both a Chinese car and a global car,” with Changan’s advanced EV tech and Mazda’s signature design.

Mazda-first-EV-overseas
Mazda 6e electric sedan during European debut (Source: Changan Mazda)

Built on Changan’s hybrid platform, the EZ-6 is offered in China with both electric (EV) and extended-range (EREV) powertrains. The EV version has a CLTC driving range of up to 600 km (372 miles) and can fast charge (30% to 80%) in about 15 minutes.

Mazda’s new EV will be available with two battery options in Europe: 68.8 kWh or 80 kWh. The larger (80 kWh) battery gets up to 552 km (343 miles) WLTP range, while the 68.8 kWh version is rated with up to 479 km (300 miles) range on the WLTP rating scale.

At 4,921 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, and 1,491 mm tall, the Mazda 6e is about the size of a Tesla Model 3 (4,720 mm long, 1,922 mm wide, and 1,441 mm tall).

Mazda said the successful rollout of the 6e kicks off “the official launch of Changan Mazda’s new energy vehicle export center” for global markets.

The company will launch a new SUV next year and plans to introduce a third and fourth new energy vehicle (NEV).

Although prices will be announced closer to launch, Mazda’s global EV will not arrive with the same $20,000 price tag in Europe as it will face tariffs as an export from China. Mazda is expected to launch the 6e later this year in Europe and Southeast Asia. Check back soon for more info.

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