GM chose the bustling metropolis of Shanghai to unveil
the trio of EN-V concepts. Based on the research conducted
with Segway and the Segway
P.U.M.A. prototype, the GM EN-V is a two-wheeled,
two-seat commuter vehicle with an electric drivetrain.
By 2030 it is predicted that urban areas will become home
to over 60 percent of the world's 8 billion people. This
means there will be an extraordinary strain on the transport
infrastructure in built up areas, and pollution could
also become an even bigger problem for major cities. The
EN-V is not the answer to these upcoming problems, however
it is a novel idea which could help reduce the stresses
on future urban environments.
The EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle,
was displayed in three different forms at its unveiling.
GM say that the three variations are intended to emphasize
three key characteristics of future transport: Jiao (Pride),
Miao (Magic) and Xiao (Laugh). Okay then, glad that's
cleared up.
Each EN-V has a unique design theme to showcase the flexibility
of the propulsion platform. The design gives each EN-V
its own personality, with a unique opening, elegant interior
and innovative color, lighting and seat technology. Xiao
offers a more lighthearted appeal, with its "gumball
blue" paint and nautical-inspired design. Miao takes
most of its design cues from the consumer electronics
industry, as evidenced by its sleek, masculine looks.
Designers also used Miao to display innovative lighting
solutions, including extensive use of LED accent lighting.
With its clean lines and bright paintwork, Jiao takes
its design influence from bullet trains and Chinese opera
masks.
"EN-V reinvents the automobile by creating a new
vehicle DNA through the convergence of electrification
and connectivity. It provides an ideal solution for urban
mobility that enables future driving to be free from petroleum
and emissions, free from congestion and accidents, and
more fun and fashionable than ever before," said
Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM
China Group.
The GM EN-V is powered by two electric motors, one for
each powered wheel. A constantly adjusting stabilization
system allows the EN-V to carry two passengers and light
cargo in a footprint that's about a third of a traditional
4-wheeled vehicle.
Due to the tandem two-wheel layout the vehicle can literally
"turn on a dime" - at low speeds anyway. In
addition, everything in EN-V is drive-by-wire, allowing
it to operate autonomously - using GPS and vehicle-to-vehicle
communications, or under manual control from the driver.
The motors not only provide power for acceleration, but
also bring the vehicle to a halt.
Power for the motors is provided by lithium-ion batteries
that produce zero emissions. Recharging can occur from
a conventional wall outlet using standard household power,
allowing EN-V to travel at least 40 kilometers on a single
charge. EN-V can also improve the efficiency of the public
electric infrastructure since the vehicle can communicate
with the electric grid to determine the best time to recharge
based on overall usage.
The autonomous capability of the EN-V would help reduce
traffic congestion by allowing vehicle to automatically
select the fastest route based on real-time traffic information.
The concept also uses wireless communications to enable
a "social network" that can be used by drivers
and occupants to communicate with friends or business
associates while on the go.
The ability of the EN-V to communicate with other vehicles,
the transport infrastructure and sense its surroundings
could dramatically reduce the number of vehicle accidents.
Using vehicle-based sensor and camera systems, EN-V can
build up an image of what's around it, allowing the vehicle
to react quickly to obstacles or changes in driving conditions.
For example, if a pedestrian steps out in front of the
vehicle, it will decelerate to a slower and safer speed
and stop sooner than current vehicles.
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