General Motors unveiled a new electric concept car in China Wednesday, offering a freaky look at what we might be driving in another decade or two.
Less a car than a personal mobility device, the EN-V, or “Electric Networked-Vehicle” is a small two-seater that looks like a covered segway. It’s a wonder of a device, capable of communicating with other vehicles on the road to help avoid crashes and ease traffic congestion.
Designed specifically for the mega cities of the future, like Shanghai (where the device was unveiled) the three models of the helmet-shaped EN-V are powered by electric motors and can travel about 25 miles on a single charge.
Before you get too excited, remember the car is just in the concept stage and won’t hit showrooms for another 10 to 20 years, even in the best case scenario. It would also require regulatory changes for it to be allowed on the roads (I bet! I mean, look at that thing: It’s the size of an adult-sized stroller!)
GM is looking to reposition itself as a manufacturer of cutting-edge, fuel efficient vehicles after emerging from bankruptcy last summer, reports Reuters. China is the world’s biggest auto market, where car sales hit record highs in 2009 even in the midst of the global economic slowdown. The country is also GM’s second-largest market after the United States.
Other major automakers, including Toyota and Nissan have similar zero-emission mobility concepts. Car makers are all looking to meet higher fuel economy standards and increased consumer demand for greener vehicles.
The EN-V is not GM’s first environmentally-friendly vehicle. The Chevrolet Volt hybrid is slated to reach showrooms in late 2010.
Photos by segwaysocial2 via Flickr.