Is The Peapod Mobility Stalled?

USA Today is speculating that plans to launch the Peapod Mobility this fall are on hold.  The story is based on the fact that while you can add your name to a waiting list for the vehicles you still cannot place orders on the website.  Learn more:  tuningtruck.com

More Peapod News

A recent interview with Peapod designer Peter Arnell reveals some more information about the vehicle. The first version of the vehicle will be a four-door version with a 10hp motor. A two-door version, called the Twinpod, is coming later in the year and a utility configuration, the Utilitypod, hits the market in April 2010.  Arnell remarks that one of the drivers for their target market of younger purchasers is iPod and iPhone integration.  He also refers to the vehicle as an appliance because it is a “personal transport pod” that can be plugged in.  Learn more:  Treehugger.com

Comment: It will be interesting to see if they can reach the younger market.   In other coverage they have talked about college students as a specific target segment. In a recent interview I had with a dealer that sells NEVs, including the GEM, they thought the Peapod might face tough competition from fully functional vehicles like the Kia Soul that do not cost much more than the Peapod.  However, the dealer thought the speed restricted vehicle might have some appeal to parents purchasing the vehicle for their teenager to use.

I have spoken with an executive of another NEV manufacturer  who also likes to sell their NEV as an appliance, but more in the context of an appliance as part of the typical set of appliances you would associate with a home.  It will be interesting to see if this “appliance” label gains any traction in the market.  mcesare

Peapods Available To Order Starting On Earth Day

Peapod From Peapod Mobility

Peapod Mobility will be taking orders for the Peapod starting on April 22nd, Earth Day.  The electric powered, four passenger  LSV with a top speed of 25 mph will retail for $12,500.  A primary target market for the vehicle is college students. The first vehicles should be drivers hands in September.  Learn more:  wired.com

Peapod Interior With iPod Dock

Chrysler Creates Separate Subsidiary for Peapod

Peapod From Newly Formed Peapod Mobility, LLC

Chrysler recently created a separate subsidiary, Peapod Mobility, LLC, to market the Peapod, which had been under the GEM brand. The new company is headed up by Chrysler “brand guru” Peter Arnell who helped design the Peapod. The company is targeting the 20 something segment with the vehicle. Arnell recently told Brandweek,

You know how the Beetle was the vehicle of choice for the whole ’60s, the hippie revolution and everything? We’re hoping that this becomes the new-wave car for the younger set as well as addressing mom and her needs with her kids.

The company expects to deliver the first Peapod. a four-seater, in September 2009 followed by a two-seater later in the year and a utility vehicle in the Spring of 2010. Learn more

Comment: If they do produce a utility vehicle what will that mean for GEM which sells a large number of vehicles configured as utility vehicles. It seems like it would put the companies in direct competition. The other question is whether or not NEVs with their limited mobility will appeal to a younger and presumably more mobile market segment.

GEM Has A New Model & A New Name

GEM Peapod – New model for 2009

GEM recently announced a re-designed model called the Peapod, which will go into production in 2009. The Peapod includes a newly-designed center console that will offer iPod integration and hands free operation of an iPhone. Additional new features includes the use of eco-friendly recycled and recyclable materials and ergonomic, mesh seating which enables air circulation for comfort.

GEM Peapod features a re-designed console

According to management GEM also has plans to market a new light-duty, battery electric commercial truck and a larger city electric vehicle, with more range and performance. These vehicles are scheduled for production within the next year.

In a related note, GEM has changed its name from Global Electric Motorcars to GreenEcoMobility to reflect the company’s goal to redefine environmentally-friendly vehicles.