GM EN-V | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | GM |
Production | 2011-2014 |
Body and chassis | |
Body style | hatchback |
General Motors EN-V (Electric Networked-Vehicle) is a 2-seat urban electric concept car jointly developed by Segway Inc. and General Motors that can be driven normally or operated autonomously. [1] [2]
Designed for urban environments and around an extrapolation of the P.U.M.A. prototype announced by GM and Segway in 2009, [3] the EN-V was unveiled at the joint GM & SAIC pavilion at the Expo 2010 in Shanghai from 1 May through 31 October 2010. [3] Three different vehicles are showcased, 笑 Xiao (Laugh), 骄 Jiao (Pride) and 妙 Miao (Magic). [4]
In October 2011 General Motors announced its decision to develop a second concept EN-V under the Chevrolet badge for use in field testing and demonstration programs, beginning in Tianjin, China. [5] In June 2014 General Motors announced it would commence testing of the four wheel EN-V 2.0 at the Tianjin Eco-city [6]
The most significant feature of the vehicles is autonomous operation. [1] [2] The EN-V can detect and avoid obstacles – including other vehicles – park themselves and come to you when called by phone. [1]
Accomplished through a combination of GPS, vehicle-based sensors, and vehicle-to-vehicle communication, this autonomous technology is an extrapolation of that found in GM's 2007 autonomous "The Boss" Chevrolet Tahoe created for the DARPA Grand Challenge (2007). [3] [4]
The EN-Vs can communicate with each other allowing platooning, with one or more EN-Vs tagging along automatically behind a leader. Also, if an EN-V detects another in close proximity, it can check what that other is intending to do and agree on how to pass it safely. [1]
Powered by two electric motors, one on each wheel, and a lithium-ion phosphate battery, the EN-V has a top speed of 40 kilometres per hour (25 mph) and a maximum all-electric range of 40 kilometres (25 mi). [1] The sensors and communications equipment which allow it to drive itself include short-range radio and GPS, as well as optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors and doppler radars. [7] The two-wheeled balancing system the EN-V uses was developed by Segway, [1] [2] and it may be an extrapolation of that found in the P.U.M.A. prototype announced by GM and Segway in 2009. [3]
The three vehicles shown use the same automobile platform but have unique exterior and interior designs.
Xiao, or laugh, was designed in Australia by the GM Holden Design Studio. [3] Its design is intended to appear friendly. [8]
Xiao Dimensions: 1,540 mm (L) × 1,420 mm (W) × 1,770 mm (H) (60.5 in × 56 in × 69.5 in) [7]
Miao, or magic, was designed at the General Motors Advanced Design Studio in California. [3] Miao's design is mysterious and high-tech. [8] It was also exhibited at the Walt Disney World ride Test Track as a Chevrolet
Miao Dimensions: 1,520 mm (L) × 1,405 mm (W) × 1,635 mm (H) (60 in × 55 in × 64.5 in) [7]
Jiao, or pride, was designed in Europe by Opel and takes design cues from bullet trains and Chinese opera masks. [3] Its design is supposed to be chic and stylish. [8]
Jiao Dimensions: 1,500 mm (L) × 1,425 mm (W) × 1,640 mm (H) (59 in × 56 in × 64.5 in) [7]
In October 2011 General Motors announced its decision to develop a second concept EN-V under the Chevrolet badge for use in field testing and demonstration programs in several cities around the world, beginning in Tianjin, China. The Chevrolet EN-V 2.0, as the vehicle is now called, will add new features such as climate control, personal storage space and all-weather and road condition operation while several key elements of the original EN-V will be preserved, such as the small footprint, maneuverability, its battery electric propulsion, connectivity, and autonomous driving capabilities. [5] The new vehicle design as revealed in 2014 has four wheels and has two doors (one of each side). [9] Testing at the Tianjin Eco-city was due to commence in July 2014.