What are the California laws for Electric Vehicles, such as the GEM car?
Posted on Jan 25, 2012 with Comments 1
James S asked:
Im looking at two electric cars. the Transporter and the GEM. Both have lites, turn signals and seat belts, and are considered street leagal. What are the laws governing the use of these vehicles?
Greg Bedoya
Im looking at two electric cars. the Transporter and the GEM. Both have lites, turn signals and seat belts, and are considered street leagal. What are the laws governing the use of these vehicles?
Greg Bedoya
Filed Under: Safety
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The GEM cars (and similar cars made by companies like Feel Good cars and Miles Automotive) are called NEVs, or Neighborhood Electric Vehicles. Cars made as NEVs do not have to undergo rigorous safety testing, and so are easier to market in the United States (otherwise, selling a car is a very complicated process.)
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In exchange for being exempt from some regulations, the cars must be speed-limited to about 25mph. So these cars are good for around-town travel, but can’t be taken out on the highway. I believe that you’ll have to stick to roads where the speed limit is 35mph or lower.
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If you want a slightly more speed-capable car, take a look at the ZAP, which does 45mph, and only costs $10,000:
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You can also, for as little as $5000, get an EV conversion (a gas car converted to electric.) These cars will do freeway speeds. More details here:
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