# Gen 3 (2016) vs Gen 2 and 1 (2015 and older) GEMs **URL:** \ **Category:** GEM Forum\ **Created:** [November 8, 2025, 2:21am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gen-3-2016-vs-gen-2-and-1-2015-and-older-gems/29869 "2025-11-08T02:21:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![raceman95](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7ab992/32.png) [@raceman95](https://community.electricforum.com/u/raceman95)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2025, 2:21am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gen-3-2016-vs-gen-2-and-1-2015-and-older-gems/29869/1 "2025-11-08T02:21:36Z")
New member here, and I’ve done some searching, although maybe I wasn’t searching right, but I couldn’t find a ton of info from people that have good long term experience with both the newer and older models. Hoping yall could give me a quick run down on the 2013-15 vs 2016+ comparisons in terms of comfort and reliability. Currently I have a 2+2 Icon golf cart that goes 25mph, and I use it for commuting to a downtown office job in St. Louis, MO, among other short trips around the city, basically as a car replacement. Streets here can be pretty rough and full of potholes and the ICON just isn’t quite cutting it, in addition to looking for a cart that has a windshield wiper. At first I was looking at the older GEMs, I know they’re 72V. But I was wondering as someone that really only needs to go 25 (maybe 30 max), would a 2016+ model be more comfortable? Also I’ve also been concerned with getting a lithium pack that can handle the cold temps we get here. I’ve heard people say its not an issue, but some batteries could see the regen braking as charging, and if the battery is cold, that could present an issue. Final question for all models, but particularly the 3rd gen. do the OEM hard doors rattle a lot over bumps? At 25mph of course, not 40+. ---
**Author:** ![Tsumi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/edb3f5/32.png) [@Tsumi](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Tsumi)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2025, 11:22pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gen-3-2016-vs-gen-2-and-1-2015-and-older-gems/29869/2 "2025-11-08T23:22:19Z")
We have a 2020 E2 and a 2015 E4. The E2 has a better ride despite the shorter wheelbase (longer wheelbase, all things being equal, have a better ride due to physics). The motor controllers are capable of faster speeds but are limited by software. Even with gel batteries, the E2 accelerates quicker than the E4 with lithium batteries. Both are 35+ mph capable with the right software. The battery will be warming up as it is discharging. Regen charging likely wouldn’t be a concern if the batteries are already warm enough to be discharged. Unless you actually have size constraints, I would go with a used EV for street driving. There’s a lot of decent ones that are fairly cheap these days and a Gem in good condition with lithium batteries aren’t much cheaper. ---
**Author:** ![raceman95](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7ab992/32.png) [@raceman95](https://community.electricforum.com/u/raceman95)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2025, 1:05am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gen-3-2016-vs-gen-2-and-1-2015-and-older-gems/29869/3 "2025-11-09T01:05:49Z")
Thanks. I do have a bit of a size constraint, I have what you could call a “1.5 car” garage, which fits my prius and golf cart just snugly enough. And yeah I’ve looked alot at used EVs like the Mi-EV. Although even that tiny of a car is still a bit too big for a comfortable fit in my garage. Do you mind sharing how much you pay for insurance, assuming you pay for LSV specific insurance? I know I’m looking at like double the cost of a used EV for a 2016+ GEM, but it may equal out when you account for maintenance and insurance. There’s also just a bit of the “vibe” of an open air vehicle like a golf cart or GEM in the summer compared to just driving around in a car. And I do live in the city, where street parking can be tough in some areas, and the golf cart has come in really handy in those cases. ---
**Author:** ![Tsumi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/edb3f5/32.png) [@Tsumi](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Tsumi)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2025, 1:42am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gen-3-2016-vs-gen-2-and-1-2015-and-older-gems/29869/4 "2025-11-09T01:42:01Z")
Our Gem cars are used on HOA private roads so they’re non-op, uninsured. The narrower width and lack of registration fees is why we opted for Gem cars instead of EVs. ---
**Author:** ![Inwo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/inwo/32/1067_2.png) [@Inwo](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Inwo)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2025, 5:49am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gen-3-2016-vs-gen-2-and-1-2015-and-older-gems/29869/5 "2025-11-09T05:49:50Z")
> [@raceman95](#): > > Also I’ve also been concerned with getting a lithium pack that can handle the cold temps we get here. Think, lithium titanate. Works at -40. I use them in my outdoor solar in Mn. And my 48v Polaris Ranger to plow snow. Same would work in 2016+ Gem. 2014 - 72v, was a tough one for a while. Need a bms for 32-40s, but I just did an 80v 40s forklift, using the new ant modular bms. ---
**Author:** ![raceman95](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7ab992/32.png) [@raceman95](https://community.electricforum.com/u/raceman95)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2025, 1:25pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gen-3-2016-vs-gen-2-and-1-2015-and-older-gems/29869/6 "2025-11-09T13:25:41Z")
I’ve looked into it, and really is probably overkill (and expensive). Like it sounds nice to be able to commute to work even in single digits with a GEM/golf cart, but that also sounds really cold, even with an enclosure. Considering its parked in a garage, even driving around at like 20 degrees should still have the battery well above freezing, only problem is if it sits all day outside at work then the battery could cold soak and thats when I worry about running into issues. Anything under 20 I probably wont be taking the cart, which is pretty much only for a few weeks in January here. ---
**Author:** ![AssyRequired](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/assyrequired/32/7621_2.png) [@AssyRequired](https://community.electricforum.com/u/AssyRequired)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2025, 2:26pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gen-3-2016-vs-gen-2-and-1-2015-and-older-gems/29869/7 "2025-11-09T14:26:40Z")
For extra heat in the garage I have been playing around with the self contained diesel heaters. About the size of a small suitcase, takes a little 12v power, burns a little fuel, and puts out a lot of heat. Bonus that it sounds like the Batmobile when firing up. ---
**Author:** ![LithiumGods](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/lithiumgods/32/672_2.png) [@LithiumGods](https://community.electricforum.com/u/LithiumGods)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2025, 9:28am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gen-3-2016-vs-gen-2-and-1-2015-and-older-gems/29869/8 "2025-11-15T09:28:11Z")
I have titanate batteries for the 2016+.Way cheaper than R4F and can handle any cold. ---
**Author:** ![Inwo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/inwo/32/1067_2.png) [@Inwo](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Inwo)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2025, 11:52pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gen-3-2016-vs-gen-2-and-1-2015-and-older-gems/29869/9 "2025-11-16T23:52:36Z")
Picture of my lithium titanate Polaris Ranger battery. 240ah. Not cheaper than r4f though. More like $5k . Snows coming. I need to get it put in. ![17633372064598446428998088537808](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/electricforum/original/3X/a/9/a917826938a1cc73131d2ac9ee65048db865b94d.jpeg) 2 sets of 120ah 20s ---
**Author:** ![raceman95](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7ab992/32.png) [@raceman95](https://community.electricforum.com/u/raceman95)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2025, 12:57am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gen-3-2016-vs-gen-2-and-1-2015-and-older-gems/29869/10 "2025-11-17T00:57:52Z")
Is the voltage curve not a problem? For a 16S LFP: Nominal 51.2v. Max: 58.4, 10%: 48.0 A 20S LTO would be 46-48v nominal, max ~57 and 10% SOC ~40-42v Granted I don’t know as much about LTO, but it looks like maybe a 22S would be better with a charge limiter (which would help extend lifespan) ---
**Author:** ![Inwo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/inwo/32/1067_2.png) [@Inwo](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Inwo)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2025, 4:38am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gen-3-2016-vs-gen-2-and-1-2015-and-older-gems/29869/11 "2025-11-17T04:38:53Z")
2016 gem oem lithium is 12s. Working down to 36 volts. Yes, more cells would be better, but mine are 10s.