Low-speed electric vehicles are an alternative to full-size models
October 2024
(photo courtesy Brandpoint)
story courtesy of Brandpoint
Spend a few days in a waterfront town, vacation destination or a golf community, and you’ll likely see a surge of low-speed electric vehicles on neighborhood streets. The street-legal, low-speed vehicle category extends the fun, yet practical vehicles to suburbia and urban downtowns as the market for sustainable transportation grows. Low-speed vehicles offer a safe, more efficient, and more enjoyable drive — especially when highway speeds and 300 miles of range aren’t required for daily drives.
Here’s what you need to know about LSVs:
WHAT IS AN LSV?
LSVs are a specific, federally designated class of motor vehicles, not to be confused with golf carts. LSVs have significant safety upgrades and they are generally street-legal across the country on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. Perfect for everyday errands.
WHAT SETS LSVS APART?
We live in a car-dependent nation, yet nearly 50% of all car journeys are under three miles. That percentage is even higher in cities. Consumers need mobility solutions that fit their needs. These head-turning LSVs are stylish and fun to drive. Flexible charging can plug into any standard 110V outlet with fast-charging options. And with battery packs providing upwards of 100 miles, LSVs have more than enough range for multiple daily trips.
Unlike a golf cart, LSVs are legal after dusk, just like a full-size EV, but at a much lower purchase price. A fully enclosed cab with hard doors and automotive-grade windows provides comfort and peace of mind from the weather while containing kids, gear and groceries. You can also remove the doors for a breezy, open-air ride. LSVs are also incredibly durable and easy to clean, so don’t worry about dirty feet, sports bags or potted plants for the garden.
WHERE CAN LSVS GO?
Business and residential areas in every U.S. state have speed limits between 25-35 mph, making LSVs an increasingly viable, safe and community-friendly option.
Additionally, they work well in populated urban and community environments with congested roads. Their compact footprint takes up less space on crowded roadways.
HOW MUCH ARE LSVS?
The starting MSRPs for LSVs manufactured by GEM, pictured here, range from $15,240 to $21,240. They are inexpensive to operate, costing around 3 cents per mile. As a bonus, they also deliver a 30-50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over combustion vehicles.
(photo courtesy Gemcar.com)