The Consumer Reports Cars Blog, and several others, have noted the recent introduction of the GM EN-V (Electric Networked Vehicle) at World Expo 2010 Shanghai. GM and Segway have expanded the Segway P.U.M.A. (Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility) platform that Segway demonstrated in April 2009. There are three models for future transportation: the Jiao (Pride), the Miao (Magic), and the Xiao (Laugh) — don’t. Propulsion is provided by lithium-ion battery-powered electric motors in the units’ two wheels.
As in the Segway, dynamic stabilization provides balance. If it’s like the P.U.M.A., sitting forward or reclining in the seat will control forward motion and braking; tilting the yoke will provide steering.
The EN-Vs weigh less than 500 kg, and are about 1.5 m long. Carbon fiber, Lexan, and acrylic are the main components of the body and canopy. A single charge should allow an EN-V to “travel at least 40 kilometers.” These two seaters can turn on their own axis.
Having done a Segway tour of Austin, I think the EN-Vs are a neat concept, but I’m not sure about the two-seater concept: somebody leans the wrong way, and you’re toast.
EN-V Concept [Manufacturer's Site]
Photo Gallery of GM EN-V Concept Cars [Popular Science]