Chrysler's Peapod Electric Car

Going Green and Buying American

The latest version of a mini, neighborhood electric car was released April 22, 2009 - Chrysler's Peapod. It is the latest edition of Chrysler's GEM (Green Eco Mobility) cars that are the state of the art in green, auto technology. Chrysler has sold over 40,000 of their GEM cars to date.

The Peapod has a stylish look, whose appearance is reminiscent of the sixty's VW Beetle and the European Smart car. It boasts an operation cost of 2 to 2.5 cents a mile, can be started with an iPhone or iPod, is made of 95% recycled and recyclable material, and has a price of $12,500. In time, the iPhone and iPod will record energy efficiency, which makes the Peapod the ultimate iPhone app. [Bieselin]

"We have evolved the GEM design language to better reflect its eco-friendly performance and its upbeat, positive image," said Peter Arnell, Chrysler LLC's Chief Innovation Officer who led the design process. "These vehicles use no gasoline and emit no pollutants. So whether it's a trip around the neighborhood or the drive to school or work, the GEM Peapod is the ideal way to contribute to a greener planet, and a healthy lifestyle."

CEO Bruce Coventry claims that the Peapod will be the first in a series of similar electric vehicles introduced by Chrysler. "With this next generation GEM, we will broaden the market for this clean, emission-free technology," Coventry said.

"Over the past decade, GEM has established itself as the nation's leading battery-powered, pure electric vehicle," said GEM President and COO Rick Kasper. "We have done that by responding to the needs of our customers for safety, utility, versatility and performance in environmentally friendly vehicles."

GEM cars are available in six models: two-, four- and six-passenger cars and three utility vehicles with a top speed of 25 miles per hour. GEM cars have a range of 30 miles a charge, which can be extended through the use of regenerative braking, rack and pinion steering, front wheel drive, and on-board charger. They are street legal in 40 states. The vehicles can be recharged with a standard 110-volt outlet. Recharge time is approximately six to eight hours.

Along with the great initial purchase price and on-going operating costs, a first-time buyer should benefit from electric vehicle tax credits as well.

Chrysler will produce 25,000 Peapods in Fargo, North Dakota for fall deliveries. They will be offered with a variety of colors and seating styles. You can order one online on April 22, 2009.

Sources:

Bieselin, Dave. "Introducing the Ultimate App," Fast Company, April 2009, p. 75.

Chrysler sites: www.greenecomobility.com and www.greenecomobility.com/peapod.

Patton, Phil. "Peapod Mobility Arrives on Earth Day." New York Times, April 1, 2009. http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/peapod-mobility-arrives-on-earth-day/

Wojdyla, Ben. "Shiny, Happy Chrysler EV Really Called GEM Peapod," http://jalopnik.com/5053752/shiny-happy-chrysler-ev-really-called-gem-peapod