Polaris GEM
GEM eL XD (Utility Cargo LSV)
Campuses, municipalities, and property managers who need a street-legal electric work truck with serious payload and tow capacity.
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Strengths
- 1,629 lb payload rivals gas work trucks.
- 1,250 lb towing capacity for trailers and equipment.
- True LSV street-legal status — operates on 35 mph roads.
- 22 configurable rear bed / cargo options.
- Backup camera standard, 4-wheel disc brakes.
Weaknesses
- Base 45 mi range is tight for full work shifts.
- 2-seat cab limits crew transport.
- Utility styling and ride won't appeal to lifestyle buyers.
- Dealer-quote pricing opaque.
Specs
- Top Speed Mph
- 25
- Classification
- Street legal LSV (NHTSA FMVSS 500)
- Range Miles
- 45
- Motor Watts
- 5220
- Battery V
- 48
- Battery Kwh
- 8.9
- Weight Lbs
- 1750
- Seating Capacity
- 2
- Payload Lbs
- 1629
- Towing Lbs
- 1250
- Street Legal
- Yes
- Doors
- Open standard; hard doors optional
- Hvac
- Optional HVAC
- Charger
- Onboard 110V/240V compatible
- Display
- Backup camera standard, 4-wheel disc brakes
The eL XD (the successor to the GEM eM 1400) is the work-truck of the GEM lineup. Not for families, not for resort shuttles — for property managers, municipal grounds crews, and campus maintenance teams who need a street-legal electric vehicle that hauls 1,500+ pounds and tows trailers.
The trade-off versus the passenger-oriented e2/e4/e6 is range — 45 miles is enough for a workday but not for long commutes. Get a passenger GEM if you need range; get the eL XD if you need payload and street-legal status combined.
Polaris GEM now has four products in this catalog: e2, e4, e6 (passenger), and the eL XD (utility cargo). All under the same dealer network and battery warranty.
Sources
Every claim in this guide that isn't first-person experience is traceable to one of the sources below. URLs verified at publication; some may rot — let us know if so.
- Polaris GEM eL XD product page — Polaris GEMSpecs, configurations, payload.
- GEM eM 1400 LSV dealer info — Mars Cars LLCConfigurator and pricing context.