Don’t worry, if you think General Motors of Detroit, Michigan is spending taxpayer dollars on urban transport electric-vehicles, they aren’t… well kind of, depending on how you look at it. Moving on, General Motors of China and its strategic partner, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Group (better known as SAIC) has unveiled their latest urban mobility concept known as EN-V Concept.

Urban mobility concepts are huge on the other side of the world since study shows that by 2030, urban areas will be home to more than 60 percent of the world’s 8 billion people (forecasted figure). Honda recently revealed their take on urban mobility with the new 3R-C and Nissan last year showed its Glider Concept. So how is GM’s EN-V concept any different?

“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.

While all that sounds nice and fancy, it’s really pretty simple. The new EN-V concept is an evolution of GM an Segway’s Puma. It has a closed cabin area to keep you safe, seating for two (instead of a bench like on the Puma) and it has room for light cargo.

Power comes from electric-motors with two driving-mode wheels. Everything in EN-V is drive-by-wire, supporting its ability to operate autonomously or under manual control. The motors get their fuel from a set of lithium-ion batteries that can provide a total range of 25 miles on a full charge.

GM didn’t provide any figures on how long it takes the EN-V to recharge, its top speed or how fast it can go from 0-60 mph, which could be really fun.

Make the jump for the high-res gallery and the press release.

GM EN-V Concept:

Press Release:

GM Unveils EN-V Concept: A Vision for Future Urban Mobility

o Radical Change in Mobility to Address Growing Urbanization Issues
o Convergence of Electricity and Connectivity Redefines Automobile DNA
o EN-V Concepts to be Showcased at World Expo 2010 Shanghai

Shanghai ““ By 2030, urban areas will be home to more than 60 percent of the world”s 8 billion people. This will put tremendous pressure on a public infrastructure that is already struggling to meet the growing demand for transportation and basic services.

General Motors and its strategic partner, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Group (SAIC), share a common vision for addressing the need for personal mobility through a radical change in personal urban transportation. They are exploring several solutions for tomorrow”s drivers. Among the most promising is a new vehicle form called EN-V.

A Promising Solution

EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility ““ freedom ““ while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow”s cities.

Three EN-V models were unveiled today in Shanghai. They represent three different characteristics that emphasize the enjoyable nature of future transportation: Jiao (Pride), Miao (Magic) and Xiao (Laugh). The concepts will be showcased from May 1 through October 31 at the SAIC-GM Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai. Shanghai is expected to become one of the epicenters for the establishment of personal mobility solutions for the future.

“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.

Breakthrough Technology

EN-V”s platform has evolved from the platform of the Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility (P.U.M.A.) prototype that was developed by Segway and debuted in April 2009. Segway has worked collaboratively with GM to develop and deliver multiple copies of the drivetrain platform that seamlessly connect to and power the various EN-Vs.

EN-V is propelled by electric motors in each of its two driving-mode wheels. Dynamic stabilization technology empowers EN-V, giving it the unique ability to carry two passengers and light cargo in a footprint that”s about a third of a traditional vehicle. It can literally “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. The motors not only provide power for acceleration, but also bring the vehicle to a stop.

Power for the motors is provided by lithium-ion batteries that produce zero emissions. Recharging can occur from a conventional wall outlet using standard household power, allowing EN-V to travel at least 40 kilometers on a single charge. EN-V can also improve the efficiency of the public electric infrastructure since the vehicle 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 both manually and autonomously.

Its autonomous operating capability offers the promise of reducing traffic congestion by allowing EN-V to automatically select the fastest route based on real-time traffic information. The concept also leverages 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, pieces of which could migrate from the EN-V concept and potentially lead the way to future advanced vehicle safety systems.

The ability to communicate with other vehicles and with the infrastructure could dramatically reduce the number of vehicle accidents. Using vehicle-based sensor and camera systems, EN-V can “sense” what”s 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.

GM has been a leader in developing autonomous vehicle technology, having worked alongside students and faculty at Carnegie Mellon University in the U.S. city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This collaboration created “The Boss” Chevrolet Tahoe, which brought autonomous vehicle operation to life in 2007. EN-V takes the lessons learned in “The Boss” and offers mobility to people who could not otherwise operate a vehicle.

“The EN-V concept represents a major breakthrough in the research that GM has been doing to bring vehicle autonomy to life,” said Alan Taub, Global Vice President of GM Research and Development. “The building blocks that enable the autonomous capabilities found on the EN-V concept such as lane departure warning, blind zone detection and adaptive cruise control are being used in some GM vehicles on the road today.”

EN-V has been designed for the speed and range of today”s urban drivers. It weighs less than 500 kilograms and is about 1.5 meters in length. By comparison, today”s typical automobile weighs more than 1,500 kilograms and is three times as long. In addition, today”s automobiles require more than 10 square meters of parking space and are parked more than 90 percent of the time. EN-V”s smaller size and greater maneuverability mean the same parking lot can accommodate five times as many EN-Vs as typical automobiles.

Smaller, Smarter Design

While EN-V leads the way in terms of efficiency and technology, it also sets a new benchmark for vehicle design. For its debut, GM had design teams around the world provide their vision of what future mobility will look like. Xiao (Laugh) was designed by GM Holden”s design team in Australia, while the look of Jiao (Pride) was penned by designers at GM Europe and Miao (Magic) was designed at the General Motors Advanced Design Studio in the U.S. state of California.

Each EN-V has a unique design theme to showcase the flexibility of the propulsion platform. The design gives each EN-V its own personality, with a unique opening, elegant interior and innovative color, lighting and seat technology. Xiao offers a more lighthearted appeal, with its “gumball blue” paint and nautical-inspired design. Miao takes most of its design cues from the consumer electronics industry, as evidenced by its sleek, masculine looks. Designers also used Miao to display innovative lighting solutions, including extensive use of LED accent lighting. With its clean lines and bright paintwork, Jiao takes its design influence from bullet trains and Chinese opera masks.

“EN-V incorporates significant technology and material innovation, which has given the design team a whole new world to explore,” said Clay Dean, Director of Advanced Design for GM North America. “Because of the lightweight structures, materials and integrated controls, we created unique surface forms not traditionally found in automotive applications.”

The body and canopy of EN-V are constructed from carbon fiber, custom-tinted Lexan and acrylic, materials that are more commonly used in race cars, military airplanes and spacecraft because of their strength and lightweight characteristics. The ability to work with such innovative materials provided a learning opportunity for GM”s design teams to study the feasibility of future traditional automotive applications.

EN-V”s compact size makes it ideal for use in densely populated cities thanks to its use of advanced safety and propulsion technologies. But good things come in small packages, as witnessed by EN-V”s innovative interior design, which provides maximum visibility to the world outside. A simple interface for activating Wi-Fi-based technologies keeps occupants connected to the outside world.

“The future of how we move around in urban areas like Shanghai can combine the best of personal mobility and public transit. There is a better solution and it is called EN-V. It demonstrates that we have both the knowledge and the ability right now to create a way to move people that not only ensures a “˜better city” but also offers people a “˜better life,”" said Taub.

- By: Omar Rana

GM’s partnership with Segway to create the Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility (PUMA) came in at number 1 on Fortune’s list of the ‘Dumbest Moments in Business 2009.’

“It became clear this spring that General Motors was going to have to get smaller to survive, but this was ridiculous,” says Fortune. “A week after President Obama gave the company a 60 day deadline to avoid bankruptcy, GM took time out from its turnaround efforts to unveil the PUMA, a two-seat vehicle being developed with Segway that looked more like a rickshaw than a car.”

With its lithium-ion battery pack, two-wheel balancing and dual electric-motors, the P.U.M.A. can travel 35 miles between charged with a top speed of 35 mph.

GM and Segway P.U.M.A:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CNNMoney

When we first saw GM and Segway’s P.U.M.A. (Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility) prototype, we thought it was the oddest-looking thing we’ve ever seen. Honestly, imagine for a second walking down the street and one of these P.U.M.A. contraptions passes you along.

However, when we saw today in person at the 2009 New York Auto Show and took a ride in around the show, we were totally amazed. With its lithium-ion battery pack, two-wheel balancing and dual electric-motors, the P.U.M.A. can travel 35 miles between charged with a top speed of 35 mph.

Much to our disappointed, GM wouldn’t allow us to have a quick race around the auto show.

Make the jump to view the high-res image gallery.

2009 New York: GM and Segway P.U.M.A:

- By: Kap Shah

To us, it looks like a baby stroller, or a phone booth or even something used by the cops to stop riots - but to GM and Segway, the P.U.M.A. (Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility) is a two-set prototype vehicle that has only two wheels. Apparently the two companies believe that the P.U.M.A. can free up some congestion in crowded urban areas while allowing people to travel around cities “more quickly, safely quietly and cleanly” (because walking didn’t already do that for you).

GM and Segway say that the P.U.M.A. also enables creativity, fashion, fun and social networking (or makes you look like a social outcast). Okay enough with the shots – you’re probably wondering how fast this baby can go and whether or not you can race other P.U.M.A.s down 5th ave.

The P.U.M.A. prototype vehicle uses a lithium-ion battery, two-wheel balancing, dual electric-motors and a digital smart energy management system. That allows the P.U.M.A. to hit a top speed of 35 mph with a range of up to 35 miles between charges.

Check out the press release and more high-res images.

GM and Segway P.U.M.A:

Press Release:

GM and Segway Join Forces to Reinvent Urban Transportation

NEW YORK – General Motors Corp. and Segway today demonstrated a new type of vehicle that could change the way we move around in cities.

Dubbed Project P.U.M.A. (Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility), GM and Segway are developing an electrically powered, two-seat prototype vehicle that has only two wheels. It could allow people to travel around cities more quickly, safely, quietly and cleanly – and at a lower total cost. The vehicle also enables design creativity, fashion, fun and social networking.

GM and Segway announced their collaboration, while demonstrating the Project P.U.M.A. prototype in New York City this morning.

“Project P.U.M.A. represents a unique solution to moving about and interacting in cities, where more than half of the world’s people live,” said Larry Burns, GM vice president of research and development, and strategic planning. “Imagine small, nimble electric vehicles that know where other moving objects are and avoid running into them. Now, connect those vehicles in an Internet-like web and you can greatly enhance the ability of people to move through cities, find places to park and connect to their social and business networks.”

Trends indicate that urbanization is growing, and with that comes increased congestion and more competition for parking. Cities around the world are actively looking for solutions to alleviate congestion and pollution. Project P.U.M.A. addresses those concerns. It combines several technologies demonstrated by GM and Segway, including electric drive and batteries; dynamic stabilization (two-wheel balancing); all-electronic acceleration, steering and braking; vehicle-to-vehicle communications; and autonomous driving and parking. Those technologies integrate in Project P.U.M.A. to increase mobility freedom, while also enabling energy efficiency, zero emissions, enhanced safety, seamless connectivity and reduced congestion in cities.

“We are excited to be working together to demonstrate a dramatically different approach to urban mobility,” said Jim Norrod, CEO of Segway Inc. “There’s an emotional connection you get when using Segway products. The Project P.U.M.A. prototype vehicle embodies this through the combination of advanced technologies that Segway and GM bring to the table to complete the connection between the rider, environment, and others.”

Project P.U.M.A. vehicles will also allow designers to create new fashion trends for cars, and to focus on the passion and emotion that people express through their vehicles while creating solutions that anticipate the future needs of urban customers.

The Project P.U.M.A. prototype vehicle integrates a lithium-ion battery, digital smart energy management, two-wheel balancing, dual electric wheel motors, and a dockable user interface that allows off-board connectivity. The result is an advanced and functional concept that demonstrates the capabilities of technology that exists today.

Built to carry two or more passengers, it can travel at speeds up to 35 miles per hour (56 kph), with a range up to 35 miles (56 km) between recharges.

Since the introduction of the Segway Personal Transporter (PT), Segway has established itself as the leader in the small electric vehicle space. Its approach to congestion and environmental challenges is balanced with a strong understanding of the functional needs of its customers, enabling them to do more with less. Segway has delivered more than 60,000 lithium-ion batteries to the market.

GM has been a leader in “connected vehicle” technologies since it introduced OnStar in 1996. Today, this on-board communications package connects six million subscribers in North America to OnStar safety and security services. GM has also pioneered vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications systems and transponder technology. These and additional connected vehicle technologies could ultimately enable vehicles that don’t crash and drive themselves.

“Imagine moving about cities in a vehicle fashioned to your taste, that’s fun to drive and ride in, that safely takes you where you want to go, and “connects” you to friends and family, while using clean, renewable energy, producing zero vehicle tailpipe emissions, and without the stress of traffic jams,” said Burns. “And imagine doing this for one-fourth to one-third the cost of what you pay to own and operate today’s automobile. This is what Project P.U.M.A. is capable of delivering.”

- By: Omar Rana