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

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Auto Detailing in Las Vegas
Oct 18, 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
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
Oct 17, 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
Oct 17, 2011