EN-V: electric vision of the future
* Urban commuter carries two * 25mph top speed, 25-mile range * Designed for urban expansion...
This is the EN-V, the latest in a string of futuristic concept cars designed for urban commuting.
Urban commuting
As part of a joint venture between General Motors (GM) and Chinese manufacturer Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), the electric EN-V carries two passengers and is designed for the growing numbers of people living and commuting within urban areas.
GM says 60% of the world's population will live in urban areas by 2030 1 billion in China alone so the 25-mile range of the EN-V would be enough for the majority of their journeys.
The EN-V is considerably smaller than conventional cars, allowing five to be parked in the space usually taken up by one vehicle. GM says 30% of fuel used in urban areas is wasted while drivers look for a space to park.
Futuristic technology
The EN-V is packed with futuristic technologies, including drive-by-wire systems which allow for automatic parking. This allows the EN-V to park itself.
The EN-V concept uses a 3.2kWh lithium-ion battery to power an 18kW motor. Besides the top speed and range, no other performance figures or recharging times have been quoted.
