GEM golf carts are made by Waev Inc., which owns the Global Electric Motorcars brand and manufactures the vehicles in Anaheim, California.
The brand is known for neighborhood electric vehicles, which resemble enclosed golf carts and have been street legal on U.S. roads since the late 1990s.
Waev Inc. is a privately held company that took over the GEM brand from Polaris Inc. in a 2022 transaction, and Polaris remains a publicly traded company under the ticker PII.
Knowing GEM’s ownership history helps buyers understand how the brand moved from Chrysler to Polaris to its current owner, Waev.
This article covers GEM’s ownership timeline, where the vehicles are built today, its current model lineup, and how it compares to other low speed vehicle brands.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns GEM Golf Carts?
GEM, short for Global Electric Motorcars, is currently owned by Waev Inc., a privately held company.
GEM began in 1992 under the name Trans2, founded by former General Motors engineers, before relocating to Fargo, North Dakota and adopting the GEM name in 1998.
The brand was owned by DaimlerChrysler starting in 2000, then acquired by Polaris Inc. in 2011, before Waev Inc. purchased GEM and the Taylor-Dunn brand from Polaris in 2022.
Where Are GEM Cars Made?
GEM vehicles are currently manufactured in Anaheim, California, under Waev Inc.
This marks a shift from GEM’s original manufacturing base in Fargo, North Dakota, where the company built its first vehicles after relocating from Michigan in the 1990s.
GEM has sold more than 45,000 vehicles worldwide since 1998, according to Wikipedia’s entry on Global Electric Motorcars.
What Models Does GEM Offer?
The current GEM lineup includes the two passenger e2, the four passenger e4, and the six passenger e6.
GEM also produces the eL XD utility truck and the eX UTV, both aimed at commercial, government, and industrial buyers rather than personal transportation.
All GEM models are classified as low speed vehicles, with a top speed of 25 miles per hour and street legality on roads posted at 35 miles per hour or less.
GEM vs Star EV: How Do They Compare?
GEM and Star EV are both long established low speed vehicle brands, but they differ in body style and target market.
GEM vehicles typically use an enclosed body style that looks less like a traditional golf cart, while Star EV’s Sirius and Capella lines lean closer to the classic open sided golf cart look.
GEM has historically leaned on institutional and government fleet sales, a strategy reflected in its long relationship with corporate owners like Chrysler and Polaris, according to a ConsumerAffairs profile of the GEM brand.
For more comparisons in this category, see Who Makes Evolution Golf Carts and Who Makes Denago Golf Carts.
Are GEM Golf Carts Good?
GEM has one of the longest track records in this category, and that history shows up clearly in owner reviews on sites like ConsumerAffairs.
Owners consistently point to GEM’s safety equipment, its street legal status in nearly every state, and its enclosed, automobile like feel as reasons they chose the brand over a traditional golf cart.
Newer lithium models have earned praise for their long range and a seven year battery warranty that owners say gives real peace of mind compared to older lead acid GEM vehicles.
On the negative side, several older reviews describe steep depreciation, with one owner saying their GEM’s resale value dropped by thousands of dollars within a year of purchase.
Other owners of older lead acid models have reported unexpected battery replacement costs not covered under warranty, along with the vehicle stalling in ways that stranded them until it was pushed or towed.
The honest takeaway is that GEM remains a solid pick for buyers who specifically want a street legal, enclosed low speed vehicle, but resale value and out of warranty battery costs are worth researching closely before buying, especially on older or used units.
Frequently Asked Questions About GEM Golf Carts
Who currently owns GEM?
GEM is currently owned by Waev Inc., a privately held company that purchased the brand from Polaris Inc. in 2022.
Was GEM ever owned by Chrysler?
Yes, GEM was owned by DaimlerChrysler starting in 2000 before Polaris Inc. acquired the brand in 2011.
Where are GEM vehicles manufactured today?
GEM vehicles are manufactured in Anaheim, California under current owner Waev Inc.
How far can a GEM car travel on a single charge?
GEM vehicles can travel up to 98 miles on a single charge, depending on the battery configuration, terrain, and load.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.