Published April 25, 2012
By Jeff Cobb
If you have already seen General Motors’ electric-powered EN-V and thought it was merely fanciful, rest assured, the company is still endeavoring to lead it toward reality, particularly in China.
The second generation called the EN-V 2.0 is again being showcased there, this time at the ongoing Auto China 2012 show. It is an evolution of the first version shown in 2010 at Shanghai’s World Expo.
Without further elaboration GM, said it expects to use EN-V 2.0 prototype models in pilot studies throughout China.
“Our designers and engineers are exploring a range of options for turning the EN-V concept into a reality,” said Kevin Wale, president and managing director of the GM China Group. “ The EN-V 2.0 concept would use technologies such as the mobility Internet, electrification and telematics to help change the automotive landscape and ensure a sustainable future for our industry.”
The two-seater has been shown in as many as four different iterations. Some have balanced like a Segway on their two side by side wheels, although it appears GM's rendering above rests on four wheels. GM says it has “pioneered a new automobile DNA based on the convergence of electrification and connectivity.
The concept has been made as a solution for the densest cities now and expected in the future with greater ability to park and maneuver in confined environments, although GM has shown imagery of these one day on highways as well.
Being small and emissions free, the vehicle is also testing a host of safety and guidance features utilizing GPS, radar, and motion sensors that keeps it from running into other things. It can thus be operated by the driver, or set to run autonomously with minimal input by the occupants.
GM says the EN-V 2.0 concept adds more convenience and features for consumers such as in-vehicle climate control and personal storage space. In addition, it would be capable of driving in all weather.
Now clearly an idea GM is pushing in China, where they want electric vehicles above all other types, and will have more congestion to contend with, we are interested in seeing where this experiment goes.
Last year in April, GM and the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co. Ltd. (SSTEC) signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on integrating the next-generation EN-V into the Tianjin Eco-City from a power, communications and physical infrastructure perspective.
That may be one locality to test these transportation pods under ideal circumstances, but GM says they’ll be tested “throughout China.” If we learn more, we’ll let you know.
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