The cute toy-like eco-friendly cars have been made a reality by Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), which is a DaimlerChrysler company. Almost 10 years ago, they came up with a 48-volt GEM vehicle that could easily accomodate two passengers and give a top speed of 20 mph. Call it a coincidence, but the same year the National Highway Traffic Safety Regulation acknowledged a new class of vehcile, the Neighbourhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) aka low-speed vehicle. So these adorable toy-like cars actually found their way to the public roads.

That was then. Even now GEM vehicles are legal in many countries, but only on roads posted at 35 mph or less. The speed has increased in the latest model at 25 mph. Plus with an ability to cover around 30 miles on a single charge and modifications in the car body to suit your requirements, they have become very popular for traveling around neighbourhoods.

Meeting the safety guidelines, these GEM vehicles come with safety belts, headlamps, windshield wipers and safety glass. And their strongest point is that they are easily rechargeable at any 110-volt outlet in just six to eight hours.

Via EVO