# New GEM Shopping Advice, Options/Batts
**URL:** https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-shopping-advice-options-batts/20001
**Category:** GEM Forum
**Created:** [October 6, 2020, 4:54pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-shopping-advice-options-batts/20001 "2020-10-06T16:54:59Z")
**Posts on this page:** 5
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@R7000](https://community.electricforum.com/u/R7000)
#### Post date: [October 6, 2020, 4:54pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-shopping-advice-options-batts/20001/1 "2020-10-06T16:54:59Z")
Hello all, total NOOB here. Never owned a EV but my neighborhood is well suited to it so thinking of buying a new GEM E2. There is a dealer in my town.
Q: what are the options that are must have, and the options to avoid?
I can see my longest round trip to be 6 miles. Typical trip might be 2-3 miles. We will be using it mostly to fetch small loads of groceries, go to restaurants or just take a little ride after dinner. What kind of batteries should I select? I am a bit concerned about the replacement cost and life of the batteries. What is the replacement cost of a set for my 6 mile round trip use?
Thanks all!
Tom
---
### Author:  [@Inwo](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Inwo)
#### Post date: [October 6, 2020, 5:02pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-shopping-advice-options-batts/20001/2 "2020-10-06T17:02:56Z")
The lithium option should last forever. $10k from Polaris.
Oem lead should last 5 years but 1/2 the miles per charge.
Now a shameless plug.
I have a near new 2018 E2 in Ca. 12kwh lithium batteries. 30mph.
It needs the transmission isolation recall, rubber mount.
Works fine but has the well known whine without rubber mounting.
@grantwest will customize it to your speed and specs.
I did not drive it at all before Grant found me a couple EL trucks that suited me better.
I believe that he will sell it for little more than the cost of the battery upgrade.
---
### Author:  [@Erniea15](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Erniea15)
#### Post date: [October 6, 2020, 9:21pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-shopping-advice-options-batts/20001/3 "2020-10-06T21:21:56Z")
I probably would have jumped on this if it was an E4. This would be an awesome car for someone in the market for a peppy 2 seater!
---
### Author:  [@grantwest](https://community.electricforum.com/u/grantwest)
#### Post date: [October 7, 2020, 1:36pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-shopping-advice-options-batts/20001/4 "2020-10-07T13:36:02Z")
^^^^ If this car was a E4 I would Have it.
But it is what it is. It’s a very clean little zippy car. Dave will make a great deal on it.
     
---
### Author:  [@Inwo](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Inwo)
#### Post date: [October 7, 2020, 3:30pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-gem-shopping-advice-options-batts/20001/5 "2020-10-07T15:30:37Z")
Someone suggested a rear facing seat.
I like the stake beds myself. Depends on the weather.