The forgotten 1970s GE electric lawn tractor you’ve never heard of
As a passion that probably fits nicely in between my car-free lifestyle and my love of strange electric off-road work vehicles, I’ve got a bit of a thing for electric tractors. And so when an awesome little retro electric lawn tractor known as the General Electric Elec-Trak popped into my algorithm, it sent me down one of the most enjoyable rabbit holes I’ve explored in quite some time.
Some of my followers may even know that I spend a lot of time on my NESHER electric tractors, designed for homesteaders, landowners, and average folks like many of us who want right-sized electric work equipment for our properties. But did you know that General Electric was already in that space, building consumer-focused electric tractors over 50 years ago?
That’s right. If you dig a little deeper into the strange niches of off-road EV history, you’ll stumble across something pretty cool known as the GE Elec-Trak, an all-electric riding lawn tractor built in the 1970s that was way ahead of its time.
Yes, you read that right. In the age of bell-bottoms and disco balls, General Electric built a fully electric, zero-emission lawn tractor that could mow your grass, blow your snow, and quietly haul gear around your property – all without a single drop of gasoline. And the best part? Many of them are still running today, thanks to simple engineering, robust components, and a surprisingly devoted fanbase of backyard EV enthusiasts.
The Elec-Trak debuted in 1969, back when the idea of electric anything outside of a toaster was still pretty radical. It was designed by a team inside GE’s Outdoor Power Equipment division, and the company didn’t hold back. These weren’t stripped-down toys, they were legitimate utility machines. The lineup ranged from compact residential tractors like the E8 all the way up to heavy-duty models like the E20, which could outpull a gas mower of the same size.
Power came from a 36V lead-acid battery system using six deep-cycle 6V batteries wired in series. The drive motor on the E12, for example, produced about 1 to 1.5 horsepower (or around 750 to 1,100 watts), though the actual power was often higher climbing hills. Each blade in the mower deck had its own 1/3 horsepower motor. Add in electric lights, horn, power take-off (PTO), and even attachments like a front-end loader or snowblower, and you’ve got yourself a real workhorse with absolutely no tailpipe emissions.
They could mow three acres on a single charge, or an auxiliary battery was offered that could extend the mowing range to five acres.
But what really made the Elec-Trak special, especially looking back through a modern lens, is how practical and modular it was. GE offered over 30 electric attachments, including implements like tillers, sickle bars, rotary sweepers, and even a mini electric chainsaw that plugged right into the tractor’s accessory port. It was an entire electric ecosystem, designed long before anyone was saying words like “electrification” or “sustainability” at garden tool conferences.
So, how well did it sell? GE produced over 30,000 Elec-Traks during its run from 1969 to 1975, which isn’t a huge number by modern standards, but it’s respectable for a weird electric tractor sold during an era when gas was still 40 cents a gallon and nobody was asking for cordless anything. The oil crisis of the early ’70s gave it a short burst of relevance, but ultimately GE shelved the program, and the rights were later sold to a few smaller companies who tried to keep it alive for only a few more years.
GE wasn’t alone. Sears, John Deere, Cub Cadet, and others all offered their own similar electric lawn tractors, but none are as prolific as GE’s. Today, the Elec-Trak has something of a cult following. There are still thousands of units in garages and barns around the U.S., many lovingly restored and upgraded. Some owners have swapped in modern lithium-ion batteries, others have added solar charging, and a few have even built custom Elec-Trak trailers and implements. There are active communities online that trade parts, advice, and just generally enjoy talking shop about interesting electric lawn tractors.
I’ve ridden a lot of modern electric mowers and utility vehicles, and while they’re great in their own ways, there’s something uniquely satisfying about seeing a 50-year-old electric tractor fire up (silently) and start cutting grass like it was built yesterday.
The Elec-Trak isn’t just a quirky piece of history; it’s proof that electric utility vehicles don’t have to be futuristic, flashy, or over-engineered. Sometimes, a few batteries, a motor, and a little ingenuity are all you need. And if GE could figure that out in 1969, maybe we’re finally just catching up.
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President Trump has nominated Jonathan Morrison to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Morrison has previously criticized and tussled with Tesla in his previous role at NHTSA.
Morrison is now Trump’s nominee to head the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is in charge of regulating the auto industry in the US.
The attorney was the agency’s Chief Counsel during Trump’s first term, and he had a few disputes with Tesla during that time.
In September 2018, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its Tesla Model 3 crash test results, and the EV got five-star safety ratings in every category.
Tesla interpreted the data from the test and claimed that Model 3 achieved “the lowest probability of injury of any vehicle ever tested by NHTSA“.
Morrison sent Tesla a cease-and-desist letter over the claim, arguing that it was misleading.
The lawyers also subpoenaed Tesla to get data about a specific crash in 2019.
Next week, Morrison is expected to have his confirmation hearing in the Senate and could take up his role shortly after.
The nomination is significant in the context of the current feud between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and President Trump.
Musk has been criticizing Trump and his allies over their recently passed budget and tax bill, which is expected to significantly increase the federal government’s debt and eliminate virtually all subsidies to electric vehicles and renewable energy, potentially harming Tesla.
Trump has warned Musk that he could go directly after his companies and NHTSA would be the top vehicle for that when it comes to Tesla.
The agency had already launched several investigations into Tesla over the years, with the largest one examining Tesla’s Full Self-Driving program and several fatal crashes related to the ADAS system.
Electrek’s Take
Most NHTSA probes into Tesla have resulted in slaps on the wrist at best, but this FSD probe involves several fatal crashes, and even though it started under the Biden administration, it could potentially ramp up under Trump, especially amid his feud with Musk.
On the one hand, it’s disheartening to see the US reach this point, where feuds between billionaires and elected officials are settled through regulatory agencies. Still, at the same time, Musk did buy the election for Trump, so he created this situation in the first place, and there are serious concerns about how safe FSD is.
At the very least, I would hope that NHTSA will start to force Tesla to release all its FSD crash and disengagement data.
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You might remember the GEM as a quirky little electric microcar that’s been cruising through campuses, resorts, and planned communities for years. But now, it’s taking on a more serious job – saving lives. Waev Inc., the maker behind the long-running GEM electric vehicle line, has just unveiled the GEM Ambulance, a purpose-built, all-electric, street-legal low-speed vehicle (LSV) designed specifically for emergency medical services.
While it might not replace a full-size ambulance on high-speed highways, this new electric responder is tailor-made for the dense environments where conventional ambulances often struggle: college campuses, sporting events, entertainment venues, airports, and more. With a top speed of 25 mph, it’s built for maneuverability, safety, and zero-emission performance in pedestrian-heavy areas.
“The GEM Ambulance fills a critical gap in medical response – delivering the ideal balance of agility and safety EMS teams need in crowded settings,” said Byron Dudley, Vice President at Waev Inc.
The new GEM Ambulance is built on the same proven electric platform that has powered GEM vehicles for over 25 years. It’s a highly refined LSV that combines practical engineering with professional-grade EMS functionality. In partnership with emergency equipment supplier QTAC, Waev integrated a skid-mounted EMS system that includes secure patient transport, attendant seating, optional oxygen and IV mounts, and rugged PolyTough™ construction designed to handle demanding conditions.
Unlike golf carts or UTV-based setups that have been DIYed into emergency vehicles, the GEM Ambulance offers a more stable, comfortable, and professional platform. The EMS skid is positioned between the wheels for better weight distribution, and the vehicle’s low deck height and rear step-up provide easy access for patients and personnel alike.
The GEM Ambulance doesn’t skimp on emergency essentials either. It’s equipped with a 360-degree red emergency lighting system, an SAE Class 1-compliant siren with multiple sound patterns, a public address system, turn signals, LED headlights and taillights, and even a pedestrian noise emitter for quiet zones. A backup camera and full 360° sightlines give drivers added confidence when navigating tight environments.
And since it’s 100% electric, there’s no tailpipe emissions to worry about when operating indoors or in crowded spaces. Maintenance is minimal thanks to GEM’s maintenance-free batteries, regenerative braking, and corrosion-resistant aluminum frame. There’s even a seven-year warranty on the lithium-ion battery option.
The biggest surprise might be the price. According to Waev, the GEM Ambulance can cost up to 80% less than a traditional ambulance and 50% less than electric trucks or UTV-based alternatives. Plus, with operating costs of just $0.03 per mile, it promises long-term savings with no fuel, no fluids, and no downtime from engine servicing.
With applications ranging from college campuses and amusement parks to military installations and warehouse sites, the GEM Ambulance could be a game-changer for localized EMS response. It’s available now through GEM’s nationwide dealer network and can also be purchased through government contracts like Sourcewell, Texas BuyBoard, and GSA procurement channels.
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The Kia EV5 is officially heading to North America in early 2026, paving the way for a potential US launch. If so, it could go head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y.
Is Kia launching the EV5 in the US?
On Tuesday, Kia unveiled the new EV5, a global version of its electric SUV that has been sold in China since 2023.
Starting at around $20,000 (149,800 yuan), the EV5 is leading Kia’s comeback in China. It’s also a top-selling EV in Australia, where it’s exported from Kia’s Chinese joint venture, Yueda Kia.
The global version will be made in Korea with a few slight upgrades. For one, it’s powered by an 81.4 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack, rather than the BYD LFP Blade battery used in the version sold in China.
In Europe, the EV5 will be initially available in two variants: a baseline model and a GT-Line model. Both are powered by front-wheel drive (FWD) with up to 215 hp (160 kW) and 218 lb-ft (295 Nm) of torque.
The global version is 4,610 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,675 mm tall, or a bit smaller than the Tesla Model Y. It’s about the size of the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Inside, you’ll find a setup similar to the EV9 and EV3, featuring Kia’s new ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit) infotainment system. The setup features a 12.3″ instrument cluster and a 12.3″ infotainment display in a panoramic format. There’s also an added 5.3″ climate control screen.
During the launch event, Kia said the “rollout begins” in Korea and Europe in the second half of 2025, adding North American sales will start in early 2026.
Does that include the US? I wouldn’t get my hopes up. In January, Kia announced the EV5 will be “exclusive to the Canadian market in North America.” It will begin arriving at dealerships in 2026.
However, it might make sense. The EV5 for North America will have a built-in NACS port, unlocking access to Tesla Superchargers. It will be available in both AWD and FWD powertrains. Two battery sizes will be offered, 60.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh, offering a range of up to 310 miles (500 km).
With sales of the EV6 and EV9 slipping nearly 50% each through the first half of the year in the US, the EV5 could complement the two.
Electrek’s Take
Although it’s still unlikely, the EV5 could serve as a potential electric alternative to the Sportage, Kia’s top-selling vehicle in the US.
Through June, Kia has sold over 87,000 Sportage models in the US. In comparison, it’s only sold 4,938 EV9s and 5,875 EV6 models.
Kia is launching the EV4, its first electric sedan, in the US early next year. However, a smaller compact electric SUV may be an even better fit.
It already builds the EV9 and EV6 in Georgia, so it could produce the EV5 in the US to avoid extra tariff costs. Or, it could even potentially be built at Hyundai’s new EV plant in Georgia. However, nothing is confirmed.
Would you buy the Kia EV5 in the US? Prices would likely start at around $50,000. Drop us a comment below and let us know your thoughts.
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