Nestled in Anaheim, California, is a thriving company that builds refined and mega functional electric low-speed vehicles. The company’s name is Waev Inc. and it produces the GEM electric vehicle line. Electrified was invited to tour the facility to see firsthand how GEM electric vehicles are made.

A GEM e4 in final stages of assembly.

From Loose Parts To A Finished Vehicle

Seeing a GEM electric vehicle come together is a fascinating experience. We had the opportunity to see almost the entire process from loose parts to a finished GEM vehicle being loaded onto a truck for delivery. You can witness the process via the included video. You’ll see several stations that comprise the assembly process and you’ll see a variety of GEM vehicles being assembled.

The 2024 GEM vehicle lineup includes the e2, e4, e6, and eL XD.

What Is A GEM Electric Low-Speed Vehicle?

GEM electric vehicles are high-tech machines engineered for local streets. Don’t get a GEM vehicle confused with a golf cart. GEM electric vehicles are street legal on most roads 35 mph or less and they have a maximum speed of 25 mph. And safety is baked into each machine. Example: They’re engineered to exceed low-speed vehicle (LSV) federal safety standards. And the all-new 2024 GEM sports more than 30 modern EV enhancements designed to deliver a driving experience that replicates automotive standards. GEM electric vehicles are available in four models. There’s the two-seat e2; the four-seat e4; the six-seat e6; and the two-seat eL XD truck.

Standard And Optional Power

All models come with AGM batteries as standard equipment. Also standard is a 1 kW onboard charger that is compatible with 110V and 220V outlets. However, 7.2 kWh and 14.4 kWh lithium-ion batteries are available to increase driving range. Furthermore, the company offers 3.3 kW and 6.6 kW fast-charging options for GEM electric vehicles fitted with lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, GEM offers optional solar panels. The company says the panels can extend a GEMs range by up to 40 percent. They can add between .72 and 2 miles of range per hour and between 4.3 and 12.41 miles of range per day depending on conditions. The panels work with both AGM and lithium-ion batteries.

A GEM e6 in final stages of assembly.

About GEM

Our visit to the GEM facility began in a conference room, chatting with Keith Simon. Simon is President and Chief Executive Officer of the company. He filled us in on GEM’s backstory, and it’s a good one. It could fill a book, so we’ll summarize. In 1998, Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) produced the first U.S.-manufactured NEV (neighborhood electric vehicle). GEM was founded by a group of former General Motors engineers. GEM would benefit from the NHTSA’s new 1998 LSV class designation. This allowed GEM vehicles to be driven on roads up to 35 mph posted speed limits. In 2000, Daimler Chrysler Corporation purchased GEM, and this contributed to GEM becoming an LSV market leader. In fact, 45,000 GEM vehicles were produced. Polaris Industries acquired GEM in 2011 and unveiled an all-new GEM in 2016. In 2021, Waev Inc., a company founded by five former Polaris leaders, purchased GEM.

Best Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Company

Nowadays, GEM is on a roll. For example, in 2023, Micromobility Industries named GEM the “Best Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Company.” Micromobility Industries is a global media platform and community that champions small EVs. In total, 1,500 micromobility companies were nominated across 26 categories. GEM took the honor again in 2024. Also in 2024, GEM revamped its lineup. Changes include increased charging flexibility, new lithium-ion battery options, and new solar panels. There’s also a refined vehicle design, and more style options.

This GEM eL XD truck is fitted with the L-Box and ladder rack.

A Wide Range Of Options

Like a major automaker, GEM’s website offers the ability to build and price vehicles. After you select a color, you can scroll through the many options. Using GEM’s popular e4 model as an example, options include full doors, a Panoramic Sky Roof, and roof rack. Additionally, solar panels, bumper upgrades, a LED headlight upgrade, and much more. Heck, you can even get a Rockford Fosgate four-speaker stereo system, tilt steering column with electric power steering, and an upgraded motor. The eL XD truck offers a variety of configurations, including 22 rear options. These include fold-down box sides, an L-Box, and a ladder rack.

GEM e4.

The e4 Is Gem’s Most Popular Model

As noted earlier, the e4 is GEM’s most popular model. It’s also very versatile. It hits that sweet spot many buyers want with its ability to carry up to four passengers. The e4 is 135 inches long, 55.5 inches wide, and 73 inches tall. It has a MacPherson Strut front suspension and an independent trailing arm rear suspension. The front and rear suspension offers 5.6 inches and 6 inches of travel, respectively. The e4 has an impressive 8 inches of ground clearance and a payload capacity of 1,150 pounds.

A new GEM eL XD truck staged for shipment.

E4 Walkaround Video

We had the chance to get some seat time in a new 2024 GEM e4. It had the new-for-2024 seats, optional power steering, rugged front and rear bumper set, and 16-inch wheels. It also had the optional transparent roof. The ride quality of the e4 was outstanding, and power was impressive. Ingress and egress was fluid and visibility was top notch. We also appreciated the easy-to-access high-mount charging port on the front of the vehicle. Check out the walkaround video of the e4 below.

The Bottom Line

It’s impressive how many models, configurations, and options are available in the GEM model lineup. This flexibility and function has caught the eye of many commercial buyers. Indeed, cities, municipalities, government agencies, security firms, and other entities actively utilize GEM vehicles. They’re also in use at over 500 college campuses. And of course, GEM vehicles are also popular in the consumer personal transportation space. Finally, for lots more info on GEM vehicles visit the company’s website.