About The Neighborhood Vehicle

A "Solar Powered Neighborhood Vehicle" as the name states is a vehicle that is used to drive around the neighborhood and is powered by the Sun. Neighborhood vehicles have been used for decades in planned communities primarily in the South and Southwest. This is a photo of a solar powered neighborhood vehicle currently residing in River Forest, but as yet not authorized to drive on River Forest streets. The GEM neighborhood electric vehicle from Global Electric Motors, which is affiliated with Chrysler, has been around for 10 years primarily in planned communities. Then, why haven't vehicles like the GEM been adopted in large numbers in regular communities, especially in those states that don't require local municipal approval like Illinois? And therefore why do we think neighborhood vehicles will be acceptable in Chicagoland communities? I will suggest that the recent gas prices passing $4.00/gal, along with concerns about global warming, increased food prices due at least in part to the demand for bio-fuel, and other issues, have taken us to the point where the highly energy efficient electrical "Neighborhood Vehicle" and especially a "Solar Powered Neighborhood Vehicle" will be the vehicle for a paradigm shift in the way we see local personal transportation. Let me explain why.