EN V electric networked car concept by GM begins pilot testing

oct 14, 2011

EN V electric networked car concept by GM begins pilot testing

GM plans to begin pilot testing of its ‘EN-V’ networked electric concept cars

general motors (GM) is beginning urban pilot programs for its ‘EN-V’ zero-emissions concept vehicles, to determine the real-world practicality of the cars. testing is planned to begin in the experimental sino-singapore tianjin eco-city outside of tianjin, china, although chevrolet is investigating other locations both internationally and in the US for potential pilot programs.

moved under the purview of GM’s chevrolet brand, the ‘EN-V’ includes three models of two-seater electric urban vehicles. all are powered by lithium-ion batteries that recharge from conventional outlets to a range of 25 miles (40 km). in addition to manual mode, an autonomous mode is connected to intravehicle communications and traffic infrastructure, permitting the vehicle be used by people otherwise unable to drive as well as offering future options for route optimization based on traffic, knowledge of the state of the electric grid to determine recharging times, and assistance in the finding of available parking spaces.

originally showcased at the 2010 shanghai motor show, the car designs themselves represent ‘jiao’ (pride),’miao’ (magic), and ‘xiao’ (laugh), and are overviewed in this designboom article.

test drive of the ‘jiao’ EN-V model in las vegas, USA

front view, ‘xiao’

rear view, ‘xiao’

interior view

interior detail on control console

concept video

cut-away view of the internal structure

jenny filippetti I designboom

oct 14, 2011

Finally something interesting in the auto-mobile industry.
I’ve been dreaming of this for ages and I hope to be able do live long enough to “drive” one.
Congratulations on the project.
Telmo Silva says:
Oct 14, 2011
Looks like optimus prime lost his head! I love it
WillyHarbs says:
Oct 14, 2011
Looks like a world I definitly dont wanna live in!!!!
rob says:
Oct 14, 2011
Muy aterrizado, la viabilidad no está lejos!! muy cerca veo la industrialización de esta utopia!!
John Montoya says:
Oct 14, 2011
they look so slow and fragile.
maru says:
Oct 14, 2011
the MIT media lab version looks better:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1MSMj08BVU
LML says:
Oct 14, 2011
Interesting, and unique response to Mike & Maaike, but the one thing that was unrealistic in the video is it never showed cyclists. Are they saying that this replaces the bicycle? So how fast does one of these go? And why is it better then a bicycle = physical workout, mental workout, portability, easy to park/store vs. 2 person electric vehicle = no workout, no mental workout/ self automated, horrible to look at, wasteful in materials and manufacture etc. etc. etc.
gimmy says:
Oct 14, 2011
Is there a way to roll down the windows in case of suffocation?
zozo says:
Oct 14, 2011
Thats the fear, that we all end up in a world like this. The houses will be similar to the EN-V and the city covered by a huge dome–which we can never leave. And here we are.
charles says:
Oct 15, 2011
I hope you dont need to go anywhere more than 12 miles away or your not coming back.
ds says:
Oct 15, 2011
wow what a load of negative comments from people supposedly interested in design. Cheer up guys and gals, this is a experiment to see what is possible in zero emission, self navigating micro cars. Its not designed to take over from cycling ( though I’d prefer to be involved in an accident with these vehicles that a 4×4) is imminently safer that riding a motorbike, is less polluting than cars or motorbikes, will reduce traffic congestion, help the elderly get around etc etc etc. C’mon – lets get behind these forward thinking designers and corporations.
Michael Flynn says:
Oct 17, 2011
Very nice idea, i share a lot of vision with this,
the idea of autonomous driving is in my eyes a great step towards a more fuzz free and more efficient way to commute.
sure its great to drive a car, motor cycle or bicycle yourself, traffic can be a fun game of give and take .. but when we go to work, a meeting it would be nice to just jump in the “pod” syncronize your agenda with the cockpit computer, and it makes sure you reach every destination hazzle free, while you arrange the last documents and drink your wifes home made coffee.
refreshing efficiency.. sounds like a tasty combo to me.
keep the ideas coming!
Izanni says:
Oct 17, 2011
PS: look past the image people, it can be modified in to any shape..
try focusing your view beyond eyesight!!
you dont need eyes to see, you need vision.
have a nice day
Izanni says:
Oct 17, 2011
Indeed a nice post. I also belong to Auto Detailing in Las Vegas, I like to read your such a good post, Thanks for writing this post
Auto Detailing in Las Vegas says:
Oct 18, 2011

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