The next step in General Motors’ electric future is the development of a second generation of its EN-V concept study that was introduced at last year’s Shanghai World Expo in China, and which will enter a pilot program for testing.
The EN-V, which stands for Electric Networked-Vehicle, is an ultra-compact and futuristic-looking two-seater model that addresses the basic needs for transportation in today’s mega-cities. The Detroit company said that all future concepts of the EN-V will carry a Chevrolet badge
“For 100 years, the Chevrolet brand has been focused on making advanced technology that improves customers’ lives accessible and affordable, and the Chevrolet EN-V will continue that tradition,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing and strategy.
“By 2030, more than 60 percent of the world’s 8 billion people will live in urban areas,” he added. “The Chevrolet EN-V represents a possible solution for global customers living in markets where alternative transportation solutions are needed.”
GM said that the next-generation of the Chevy EN-V will be more production ready adding several necessary features such as climate control, personal storage space and the ability to operate in all kinds of weather and road conditions.
However, it will keep the original concept’s electric powertrain and lithium-ion batteries that allows the vehicle to travel at least 40 kilometers (25 miles) on a single charge.
The Detroit-based automaker said it plans to explore several locations around the world including the United States for potential pilot programs to try out the Chevy EN-V in real life conditions.
This past April, GM and the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co. Ltd. (SSTEC) signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on integrating the next-generation EN-V into the Tianjin Eco-City from a power, communications and physical infrastructure perspective.
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