help - need electric car info.

[katusha]

don't know if this is right forum to post this but...

I was looking at the general electric motor car or GEM for short manufactured by Daimler-Chrysler which retails for $6995.00
http://www.gemcar.com/asp/subpage_e2.asp

now I live within 25 miles of my job round-trip so i could use this as a commuter vehicle. The only problem is the top speed is only 25 mph. according to the FAQ:

"GEMs are electronically limited to a top speed of 25 miles-per-hour to meet Federal Low-Speed Vehicle requirements."

so the top speed is LIMITED to 25 by fed. reg. this one I think:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/rulings/lsv/lsv.html
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards:

"Under current NHTSA interpretations and regulations, so long as golf cars and other similar vehicles are incapable of exceeding 20 miles per hour, they are subject to only state and local requirements regarding safety equipment. However, if these vehicles are originally manufactured so that they can go faster than 20 miles per hour, they are treated as motor vehicles under Federal law. Similarly, if golf cars are modified after original manufacture so that they can achieve 20 or more miles per hour, they too are treated as motor vehicles. Further, as motor vehicles, they are currently classified as passenger cars and must comply with the Federal motor vehicle safety standards for that vehicle type. This creates a conflict with the state and local laws because compliance with the full range of those standards is not feasible for these small vehicles."

SO...

QUESTIONS-
1- since the car is limited in its top speed what is it's top speed if you remove the limitations?
2- what would have to be added if vehicle is classified as passenger vehicle and subject to federal motor vehicle safety standards?

[katusha]

1. anyone????

[katusha]

2. going once.......

[indy_azcat]

3. hi katusha

:hi:

I have no ideas about your questions, but, since you're starred, you could try posting in the auto group:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=310

or even GD if you don't get any Lounge biters :o

~indy

[katusha]

5. hey thanx!

i will try this. did not know about that forum. will check it out.

[SCDem]

4. Or you may find answers here

www.greenhybrid.com - although it is more about hybrids if you search for the words you're looking for I'm sure you'll find something.

[katusha]

6. cool thanx!!!

had not heard of this site b4, thx for the heads up