Hi folks. I am new to this forum as I am looking to buy my first GEM. I am currently a Ford Think owner but want a more modern NEV. I tried searching for GEM wiki, GEM history, etc but cant seem to find what features were added each model year to determine which years to include/ exclude. Any help on this list? Key things for me are disc brakes, better motors & electronics. Thanks in advance
Well, not as many experts here chiming in as I hoped.
Called a few GEM specialists and salvage yards and got this:
General groupings
1999-2004 Generation 1
2005-2015 Generation 2
2016- Now Generation 3
Generation Details:
1999-2004 Generation 1
-2000 - Upgraded from 48 volt to 72 volt system
2005-2015 Generation 2
-New suspension system
-Front disc brakes added
-Polaris bought GEM from Chrysler in 2012:
*2013 - improvements to fit and finish begin
*2014 - T5 controller introduced
2016 - now Generation 3
-Complete new body style
-48 Volt system
Please add or expand any info you may have.
Since final verdict on the Generation 3 is not out yet, it appears the 2014 and 2015 are the ideal GEMs to purchase used
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Thanks for listing, to be honest there are a lot of GEM experts on this list, they just don’t always check in daily.
I have gotten a lot of help here but like any “hobby” the A job usually has first call and I have learned to be patient. It certainly helps with our 2002 e825!
I just stopped by a dealer in LA last week and sat in a brand new 2016 model. Very nice, only 48volts as you note and priced at about $13k. Ouch.
As you will see elsewhere here, volts = speed so I was immediately suspect of performance.
Thx Reddevil. I get your point.
Updated my info :
Generation Details:
1999-2004 Generation 1
-2000 - Upgraded from 48 volt to 72 volt system
2005-2015 Generation 2
-New suspension system
-Front disc brakes added
-2005 T3 controller released
-2006 T4 controller released
-2012 Polaris bought GEM from Chrysler :
*2013 - improvements to fit and finish begin
*2014 - T5 controller introduced
2016 - now Generation 3
-Complete new body style
-48 Volt system
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Gen 1 would be the “Trans Star” This was a 89-99 model. This was the FIRST and Orignal Gem. It was developed by employees at either Chevy or Dodge not sure but it was a side project for them. Later Chrysler bought the TransStar and it was Re-Named Gem. It was a 48 Volt car. When Chrysler bought it it was switched to 72 Volt. It had all Real Fiberglass body panels (they were heavy duty) it had the super small 10inch wheels and the 9:8:1 transmission. It had a Schott Battery Charger.
Gen2 could be the 2000-2001 were the First REAL Gems they were called “E-825” with a GEM logo. They were 72 Volt with a 3 hp motor T -1 controller, and plastic body work and a 9:81 transmission, and had low back front seats and a Zivan Battery Charger.
Gen 3 would be the 2001-1/2 to 2002 they switch to the 5 Hp motor and T-2 controller. Moved the front shock towers out further to make room for the larger motor. They switched to the 10:35:1 gear ratio. They up graded the lug nut size from 10mm to 12mm. The front seats had a higher back. They added a quick realece rear seat and support. They up graded the battery hold downs in the front and rear, the new Surepower DC to DC converters were standard. Most cars were being switched from Zivan to Delta Q.
I have never came across a 2003. I was told that Gem did not make a 2003. They instead made a bunch of frames in 2002. A government Tax break came only for cars that were made in the year of 2002 & below. So late 2001 or Early 2002 gem decided to bust out as many new chassis as they could in 2002 and back stock them and then sell them as New cars into 2004 as new cars but with a 2002 vin and tax break they came with. As long as the frame was made in that calander year it could receive a 2002 vin. After the back stock of 2002s chassis ran out and GEM was not getting the “Tax break” for newer 2003 cars production slowed WAY down. No longer could GEM sell them for the 5k sticker price. The price of GEMS skyrocketed because no longer was gem getting a government kick back for Every gem they produced. People were shell shocked at non government subsidized Gem sticker price’s. As a result sales went way down.
Gen4 2004-2012 these New gems were called E2-E4-&E6 the “E-825” ‘s were long gone. The new Gems had lots of emprovments. Front Disk Brakes, new Doubble wish bone front suspension, New Rear suspension. New Shocks, Battery’s were moved from front of the car to the Rear of the car because customers complained about heavy stearing. New gear ratios were introduced. The configuration of how and where the motor was located. New rear fender to accommodate the battery’s in the rear. New digital display t-3 for year 2004-2005 ONLY. 2006 and up switched to T-4 controller. The Delta q Charger was relocated and under the dash electronics were totally new and moved around
Gen 5 2013-2015
This is the absolute best gem you can get. 
but seriously it’s the Last of the upgraded Classic gems b4 gem switched. It’s got All new suspension this is when Polaris started dropping $ in to these cars AND not just reproducing what polaris bought from Gem years ago .suspension from front to rear is Larger round bar. The A-Arms and frame this stuff is Off road quality and rugged Rear suspension All new larger and more heavy duty. Shocks new. Disk brakes larger More powerful drilled disk brakes, steel beaded lines. Delta q Charger now has the DC to DC converter located inside the charger itself.
I could go on and on but that’s enough for now.
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I have had a few different gems and will add some more info . First gem 2002 . Ride is rough , harder to upgrade to lithium because of the suspension . Brakes are drum and require lots of pedal pressure . Disk brake upgrades are available . Steering is hard to turn . Wife didn’t want to drive it complained about hard braking and steering .
Lots of customer complaints so Gem made some improvements . next gem 2006 . comes with disc brakes , big improvement especially if you modify your gem for higher speed . Steering is much easier and ride is softer . Charge plug moved to front of car , improved gauge ,brake lights moved down on to fenders and the upgrade to DeltaQ charger (very nice chargers). Also the T4 controller , easy to program for increased performance . With an 82v lithium upgrade this cart did over 40mph with a stock 5hp ge motor and controller . No need for any R4f parts . Note: these gems mostly had the new 12.44 ratio diff . Great for hills but not high speed . the 40 mph number was swapping to a 10:35 diff with larger tires .
Next 2007 , this gem similar to 2006 but they changed the steering ratio to make this even easier to steer . Even with large tires you can steer with one hand .
next 2014 , You would have thought Cadillac took over Gem . These things ride much softer , even with the light weight lithium pack the ride is great . Better suspension ,better brakes (parts compatible with other polaris vechicles ) T5 controller . Comes with stock 7hp motor and back to 10:35 gear ratio . Unfortunately they switched to a different diff manufacture and once they get high mileage they get noisy . Upgraded seats . If your looking for the best the 2013-15 is it .
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Clearly, the 2014-15 are the best model years but what is the value proposition?
I am looking at a few e4s (truck bed versions), so what are your opinions on a 2008 for $8K vs a 2014 for $10.5?
If you can afford it the 2013-2015 are worth a 2500 upcharge . They all come with the high speed 10.35 gear box , all have 7hp motors . easier to work on and the updated suspension is very nice .
Follow up question
Why does it seem that the majority of cars listed in my area are all 2002 models? Where there incentives of some sort that drove sales numbers higher or are the newer versions that much better people are upgrading.
Im in northern New Jersey.
yes . There was a big tax incentive and a bunch were sold . The most common year .
You can’t find any new gems because MIKE keeps telling everyone on the Fourm how good they are so people snatch them up 
lol lol lol
well coincidentally I happen to have a custom 2014 for sale . It was owned by the King himself .
Now that @grantwest and @Inwo have 2016 GEMs you’ve got the itch to trade up. 
I’m NOT one of those AC/DC guys . Strictly DC for me .
I am surprised to not see the e580 mentioned here… I have one manufactured in 1999, but the VIN is non-standard… I saw on another site that the e580 was essentially a Trans2.