No word on the price or production plans.
Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation Group (SAIC) and its partner General Motors Company will show an electric vehicle concept at an exhibition in Shanghai at World Expo 2010 later this year.
So called, EN-V, short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, is a two-seat electric vehicle designed to “alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow’s cities.”
Three EN-V models were unveiled today. They are said to represent three different characteristics that emphasize the “enjoyable nature” of future transportation – Jiao (Pride), Miao (Magic) and Xiao (Laugh).
These concepts will be showcased from May 1 through October 31 at the SAIC-GM Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai.
By combining GPS) with vehicle-to-vehicle communications and distance-sensing, EN-V concept can be driven manually or autonomously.
The Chinese auto market is the worlds largest and, unlike the U.S. and Europe markets it is still growing robustly.
EN-V’s platform has evolved from the Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility (P.U.M.A.) prototype developed by Segway, which debuted in April 2009 at the New York Auto Show.
Its autonomous operating capability offers the promise of reducing traffic congestion by allowing EN-V to select automatically the fastest route based on real-time traffic information or let the government do it for you.
There are electric motors in each of its two driving wheels that provide acceleration and deceleration. “Dynamic stabilization” technology allows EN-V to carry two passengers and some cargo in a footprint that’s about a third of a traditional vehicle. It can “turn on a dime” within its own operating envelope. In addition, everything in EN-V is drive-by-wire, supporting its ability to operate autonomously or under manual control.
Power for the motors is provided by, what else, lithium-ion batteries. Recharging comes from a conventional wall outlet using standard household power, allowing EN-V to travel at least 40 kilometers on a single charge.
Like most other electric concepts, EN-V can also, in theory, improve the efficiency of the public electric infrastructure since it can communicate with the electric grid to determine the best time to recharge based on overall usage.
By combining the Global Positioning System (GPS) with vehicle-to-vehicle communications and distance-sensing technologies, the EN-V concept can be driven manually or autonomously.
Its autonomous operating capability offers the promise of reducing traffic congestion by allowing EN-V to select automatically the fastest route based on real-time traffic information or let the government do it for you.
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.
This combination of sensing technology, wireless communication and GPS-based navigation establishes a technology foundation, according to GM, pieces of which could migrate from the concept and, potentially, lead the way to future advanced vehicle safety systems.
The ability to communicate with other vehicles and with the infrastructure could reduce the number of vehicle accidents. Using vehicle-based sensor and camera systems, EN-V can “sense” what is 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, EN-V will decelerate to a slower and safer speed and stop sooner than today’s vehicles, it’s claimed.
“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.