Technology

GM Looking to Reinvent the Automobile With This Two-Wheeled Car of the Future

GM Looking to Reinvent the Automobile With This Two Wheeled Car of the Future

Will urban drivers be willing to take less traffic congestion over a backseat? GM thinks so. The American auto-maker, who in February reported its first full-year profit since 2004, has been in development of three two-wheeled, Segway-based, all-electric EN-Vs (Electric Networked Vehicles). The three models called the Jiao, Miao and Xiao, look to solve the problems drivers face in urban areas including traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability.

GM is strategizing with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Group to launch EN-Vs by 2030 when “urban areas will be home to more than 60 percent of the world’s 8 billion people,“ which GM stated in a press release ”will put tremendous pressure on a public infrastructure that is already struggling to meet the growing demand for transportation and basic services.” GM’s answer looks to be a mobility machine effective for carrying one to two people at up to 25 mph around cities. The Telegraph’s Mike Rutherford recently had the opportunity to drive the Jiao, and believes transportation in the future with EN-Vs may look something like this:

“At 7.45am a parent might unhook it, fully recharged, from the side of the house, having been automatically parked there. Then a child will be strapped inside, which they must enter through its visor-like polycarbonate front door.

Via the “iWheel” mum or dad will use a password to put the vehicle into autopilot mode, before punching in the first drop-off address (a school perhaps) of the day. While the kids are dozing or doing homework en route, a parent can watch thanks to the on-board CCTV facilities. Then, after delivering its human cargo, driving itself back home and parking itself neatly (three or four can be stored sideways in a conventional bay), it would be time for one or more of the parents to climb in for the morning commute to the office.

After doing its self-driving, self-retrieval and self-parking, the EN-V can idle for a while and fully recharge its lithium-ion phosphate battery pack, a process that takes only two to six hours. Alternatively, it can recharge faster when exploiting inducted (cordless) power technology, which will be available – in part at least – from beneath future road surfaces. The icing on the cake is that regenerative braking provides additional juice for the two brushless DC propulsion motors.

With all this in mind, while the owner is at work from 9-5 they could possibly allow the EN-V to earn its keep by hiring it out as a sort of automated taxi that doesn’t need an expensive driver who expects a tip.”

Would you be willing to give away the experience of driving a car for a smoother commute? Even if the EN-V produces GM’s goals of low running costs, lower parking fees, cheaper insurance policies and a more affordable $10,000 price-tag, it’s hard to believe that the great-grandsons of boys who dreamt of Corvettes and Pontiac GTOs will drool over this design:

GM Looking to Reinvent the Automobile With This Two Wheeled Car of the Future

GM’s 2010 EN-V launch video:

(H/T: Business Insider)

Comments (351)

1 2 3 ... 11
  • LinkedIn G
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:58pm

    Can you see any room for spending cuts ? Social Security is on the chopping block according to Obama. I’m all for clean air…but…I’m also for FOOD. If we spend ourself into oblivion by funding Green projects…food prices will necessarily go up. We are going broke at the hands of GE and GM because of government policy supporting the new Green Energy Movement. You can’t tell me GM has shown an “honest” profit when the government is raining money on these Green Energy projects.
    The Chevy Volt is a prime example of government waste. If it were viable…it would stand on its own without government subsidies. The profit of GM is only because the government is fueling their profits.

    Report Post » LinkedIn G  
    • chazman
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 7:17pm

      Looks like something LADY GAG ME would drive to the Grammy’s, or the Oscars, or to the TOILET!

      Report Post »  
    • Thomas
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 7:30pm

      It might sell okay in Japan.

      Report Post » Thomas  
    • Theleftisda
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 7:38pm

      This say’s it all
      The 2012 Pelosi GTxi SS/RT Sport Edition
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=rAqPMJFaEdY

      Report Post » Theleftisda  
    • LinkedIn G
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 7:38pm

      At Thomas…the Japanese are mostly petite…Can you imagine Michelle driving this vehicle ? I’m not seeing 25 mph with Michelle in the vehicle…They couldn’t even get the presidential limo over a bump in Ireland…when he wanted to discover his roots…with Michelle in the back seat.

      Report Post » LinkedIn G  
    • Av8tor056
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 7:39pm

      LinkedIn G, I agree with you. I work on a lot of public safety vehicles and guess what? State and local agencies are “encouraged” to purchase GM vehicles. Any agency that would rather have a Ford has to pay full price for it (less any Ford Motor Corp discounts), while purchasing a GM is done through special grants. That makes it about 75% of the cost of a Ford. Oddly enough, most of the agencies I work for would rather have Fords as they’re better made, tougher, and have more room.

      Report Post » Av8tor056  
    • srjim2000
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 7:41pm

      This brings up some interesting questions about GM. With names like Jiao, Miao and Xiao, and a premier in China – has our illustrious leader signed over GM to China?

      Report Post »  
    • Restored One
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:09pm

      So this is your commuter? But what do I use to do my grocery shopping, is there a hitch for the cart. Oh yeah, with the impending food prices, I wont be able to afford groceries. What do we drive to get our kids to school? This is nothing but a fancy golf cart. What a frikin waste of time and money. I liked the car/plane better.

      Report Post »  
    • Restored One
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:10pm

      This thing looks like something from Disneyland.

      Report Post »  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:12pm

      “Officer I know I hit something, but it kinda just evaporated”!

      Report Post »  
    • the hawk
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:18pm

      I could use one to get my mail ! ( my email)
      Man I’ll tell ya dont get hit by grand-ma’s explorer !
      And I guess there’s not gonna be any kids?
      Who’s the workers that are gonna pay the retired social security benifits?
      I’m sure a golf carts cheeper and safer!
      Have companys hire people that live with’in 10 miles of the companies?
      Build co‘s in iner city’s where theres 3out of 4 people unimployed………….. just say’in
      Theres ways to save energy and these people are clueless !

      Report Post »  
    • USAqh
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:25pm

      hmmm … and exactly how am I am I going to:
      1 – Haul my bumper pull horse trailer with 4 horses in it?
      2 – Haul my goose neck horse trailer with 10 horses in it?
      3 – Bring my 2000 pounds of feed home from the feed store?
      4 – Take my cattle to market?
      5 – Bring food home for my family and workers?
      6 – Haul 16 – 1500 pound round bales of hay back to the ranch for winter feed? multiple times ???

      you gotta be kidding … maybe not … the Obomber probably thinks this is just super !!!!

      Report Post » USAqh  
    • FToth84
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 10:01pm

      Looks like a segway on steroids! This guy wont be caught dead in one of those

      Report Post » FToth84  
    • Carl1 Supports Israel
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 10:14pm

      Let me go on record of saying……… F*** GM!

      Report Post » Carl1 Supports Israel  
    • Rightsofman
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 10:51pm

      Maybe its just me but I don’t see a winner here unless the Fed.Govt. decrees we all have to buy one or two. Sure is ugly and where do you put the kids? Oh no kids they all got “terminated with prejudice” in the future for being inconvenient.

      Report Post »  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 12:02am

      Just think of all the fun we will have running these things over in our Suburbans and 4×4′s.

      http://www.allenwestforpresident.us

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 1:20am

      My total reaction to each automotive technology innovation, has always been, what happens when it malfunctions? Does your computer ever mess up? Think of all the auto recalls, next think of strapping your kids in, setting the computer for first drop-off, and going back to preparing for work? Can a hacker access the computer, where would your child finally end up? Maybe kidnapping would be easier if each kidnapper employeed a computer hacker?
      Other than that, it looks like a REALLY FUN AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE!!! Wonder how they’d work for BUMPER CARS?

      Report Post » Mil Mom  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 1:36am

      @srjim2000
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 7:41pm
      This brings up some interesting questions about GM. With names like Jiao, Miao and Xiao, and a premier in China – has our illustrious leader signed over GM to China
      ***
      Look at the dates they’ll be for public sale, and what the interest on our debt will be by then, he‘s probably just figuring they’ll be calling in our debt, and everything will be signed over to China, this makes the Chinese people more familiar with them. Maybe they’re nicknamed for former communist leaders?

      Report Post » Mil Mom  
    • BlueStrat
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:22am

      See, Progressives love China. Whenever one of them pictures China in their heads, they swoon over all the bicycles and few vehicles.

      This is simply a plan to put Americans on bicycles by dressing them up with a bubble canopy, some fancy computer displays to tell you how far you haven’t traveled, and an electric motor. Look for the launch of a line of “designer” riding-wear to accompany these things. They’ll bear a creepy resemblance to a Chinese Cultural Revolution era “Mao suit”. I‘m not sure if they’ll include the little hat and a copy of the “little red book”.

      The good news is it has defrosters on the back. They keep your hands warm in winter when you’re pushing it off into a ditch so as not to block traffic.

      Report Post »  
    • Marci
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:34am

      Screw you G.E. You are recording profits while expecting the taxpayer to suck up the bilking we took from you courtesy of Obama. You want us to buy more crappy cars from you too? Sorry.

      Report Post » Marci  
    • avenger
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 7:28am

      I am waiting for the Mao model..

      Report Post »  
    • OLDBIKEFIXER
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 9:45am

      That thing looks like a giant motorcycle helmet. I don’t wear a helmet when I ride my bike, and I wouldn’t be caught dead (go ahead… I’m used to it.) driving this thing. Honda & Suzuki started out making motorcycles and now also make cars, so maybe GM is trying to do the opposite?

      Hey GM, the motorcycle has been around for over a century, and it’s a MUCH better alternative to this stupid cross between a “Smart for 2” (“Dumb for All” is much more acurate) and a “Segway”.

      I bought a new Chevy Cobalt in 2005, and because of that, I will NEVER buy another GM product again. Even if they tool up to reproduce the ‘59 Cadillac, it’ll most likely be junk because of the UAW workers that build it.

      Report Post » OLDBIKEFIXER  
    • FormerLib
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 1:23pm

      How can these rolling coffins be cheaper for insurance when they would be almost completely unsurvivable in a run in with a car? We already have death traps on the road called Smart Cars (why are they called that when they look so stupid?)

      Report Post »  
    • oriondma05
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 1:25pm

      How much is this going to cost us this time? How much will the subsidies be to buy this thing?

      Report Post » oriondma05  
    • BlueStrat
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:29pm

      @ FormerLib

      “How can these rolling coffins be cheaper for insurance when they would be almost completely unsurvivable in a run in with a car? We already have death traps on the road called Smart Cars (why are they called that when they look so stupid?)”

      —-

      That’s easy. They just have the EPA set emission/fuel/etc standards so high that no standard present-day vehicles will be allowed on the roadways, and also raise the cost of gas to >$50/gallon and available only after applying to DHS with complete info on the requested usage including purpose of trip, photo-ID of the driver and any passengers, cargo/luggage inspections, etc to obtain a one-time purchase-permission for just enough fuel for that trip. Maybe they’ll also have DHS set up “mandatory groping” roadblocks/checkpoints for standard vehicle drivers and passengers as well, to help discourage use of normal vehicles.

      Report Post »  
    • Ladypeppercar
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:30pm

      For a laugh, look at the youtube link on the comment by “THELEFTISDA”. It will make your day! Thanks for sharing!

      Report Post »  
    • pavepaws
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:04pm

      R i g h t ……………

      Report Post »  
    • obamanation
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 9:36pm

      I think I’ll just stick with my Mercedes… Thanks, but no thanks, GM!

      Congrats to Government Motors for making an overdone Golf Cart…………………… YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK.

      Report Post » obamanation  
    • SgtB
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:00pm

      Hey look, its like a motorcycle in that it has only two wheels…

      But there is the fact that they completely made the gyroscopic stability of a motorcycle redundant and made it wider so that it has to move more air out of the way, and they limited it to 25 mph for safety reasons (wouldn’t want to slam the brakes on that two wheeled unicycle, would like to watch it happen though), and they replaced the driver‘s ability to control the vehicle with the furor’s ability to control the vehicle. Looks fan-freaking-tastic to me!!!

      Let GM die. I grew up at the 1/4 strip working on my dad’s tempest and gran prix and love old GM cars. Especially Pontiac, but its time to let this pig die. I can’t stand to watch it hooked up to life support like this anymore. It is a disgrace to America and the fans of old GM.

      Report Post » SgtB  
    • Non-regulator
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 2:06am

      Is the onboard navigaion hack proof? what a crock

      Report Post » Non-regulator  
    • dr_funk
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 2:09am

      Project Codename: Deathtrap

      Report Post »  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 8:20am

      Would you want to be in one of these Erkle cars when my lifted 4×4 runs into you head on in an accident??? No thanks. Ill keep my big SUV and 13 mpg city/18 hwy.

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
    • old white guy
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 8:58am

      i bet that would be a winner in the northern states in jan and feb. should be a real piss-r in a foot of snow at 20 below.

      Report Post »  
    • Bluefish49
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 10:30am

      Besides, It would be tough to sling a deer over the hood.

      Report Post »  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on July 23, 2011 at 9:21am

      Could you imagine farting in one of these???

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
  • Thighmaster
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:58pm

    But My electric golf cart is illegal in most towns and it looks much safer and way cheaper than that government motors car. It‘s almost like there’s something they’re not telling us…..

    Report Post » Thighmaster  
    • orkydorky
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:04pm

      GM, (government motors) must have had first year law students from Haaaaarvard design this one. I wonder if this will replace the scooters for our seniors?? The only colors available will be Gore green, the color of money, and the color of his face, when the massage therapist had him by the balls!

      Report Post » orkydorky  
    • Hefsmaster
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 9:58pm

      Watching segways crash is comical enough. They are inherently unstable with morons onboard. The inventor drove one off a cliff. (true story) Now imagine a packed freeway with these rolling bowling pins. On the other hand, better hurry up and get these things out to the public. I’m bored… (as i am sure many lawyers are also.)

      Report Post » Hefsmaster  
  • last frontier
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:55pm

    And we shall call it the Obummer.

    Report Post » last frontier  
  • isobamamadd
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:54pm

    Segway with a seat .this is a liberals vision of impact euthanasia,should be a hit with Holderen .

    Report Post »  
    • corbecket
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:19pm

      It looks for all the world, to be a technically mod’d rickshaw. Do you suppose it has airbags as well? This is what comes of the socialists running a car company. It looks good to the technically addled, but it will never sell to anyone but the Volt factions.

      If they ever move to production, it is going to cost the taxpayer a bigger fortune

      Report Post » corbecket  
  • tclove
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:53pm

    Will it vacuum my floor too?

    Report Post »  
    • concealled9mms
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 7:13pm

      What a perfect car for al gore can you see his fat azz trying to get in it

      Report Post »  
    • ccfonten
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:29am

      I want one to do my floors too!!! Will it also peel potatoes????

      Report Post » ccfonten  
    • Deepwater
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 7:02am

      Hah! With all the $$$ the “Goracle” has amassed with his global warming scam, he’ll still be idling his stretch limo with the a/c running outside his local burger joint!

      Report Post »  
  • likwidlizard
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:52pm

    It looks like the head of a wasp. I won’t EVER buy another Bail-out vehicle from these people. Ford? My kind of vehicle. Ford doesn’t have to bow down to socialism.

    Report Post » likwidlizard  
    • Theleftisda
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 7:29pm

      Really ????
      Ford is allowed to murder !!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post » Theleftisda  
    • LV2SURF
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 7:34am

      Ummmm… You lost me on that one. Please explain. Great YouTube video, by the way, on your other comment!

      Report Post » LV2SURF  
  • burnteye86
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:50pm

    I’d have to put some big fat tires on it

    Report Post » burnteye86  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:54pm

      and some shiny rims too….this thing needs to be pimped up

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Devil Dog 7175
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:01am

      Maybe some nice brass handles that pop out when you get hit, so they can just pick you up and drop you in the grave.

      Report Post » Devil Dog 7175  
  • mossbrain
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:50pm

    The hell with all this fuel efficiency. I‘m retrofitting an old train locomotive with street legal wheels and I’ll be damned did you know these things don’t even have a steering wheel? I don’t have the patience to put in a steering wheel. Forward and reverse is good enough for me and if you are in my way, get ready to taste my cattle guard idiots.

    Report Post » mossbrain  
    • Shane the Golden
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 7:05pm

      come by the farm, I will load your tender with wood and the tank with water

      Report Post » Shane the Golden  
    • Andrew Ryan
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 7:20pm

      You can fight against the idea all you want but this is the future. One day everything will be automated and electric and there is nothing wrong with that. Your grandchildren will look back at this era and they won’t believe that we actually used internal combustion engines in our cars.

      Awww, I look forward to the day when all the worthless babyboomers are gone and my generation is being ferried about by robots.

      Report Post » Andrew Ryan  
    • BlueStrat
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 12:48am

      @Andrew

      Do you remember the Rush song; “Red Barchetta”?

      “My uncle has a country place
      That no one knows about.
      He says it used to be a farm,
      Before the Motor Law.

      And on Sundays I elude the Eyes,
      And hop the Turbine Freight
      To far outside the Wire,
      Where my white-haired uncle waits.

      Jump to the ground
      As the Turbo slows to cross the Borderline.
      Run like the wind,
      As excitement shivers up and down my spine.

      Down in his barn,
      My uncle preserved for me an old machine,
      For fifty-odd years.
      To keep it as new has been his dearest dream.

      I strip away the old debris
      That hides a shining car.
      A brilliant red Barchetta
      From a better, vanished time.

      I fire up the willing engine,
      Responding with a roar.
      Tires spitting gravel,
      I commit my weekly crime…”

      Report Post »  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:50pm

    Jiao,Miao,and Yiao. If you take the Letter I out. You have Jao. Mao, and Yao. You won’t have to worry about parking ? How about safety? It’s all electric. Yeah, when these make it to the street, because of the skyrockeyed electricity costs, no one will be able to handle the cost of plugging it in, and if present day electrics cost 37,000 imagine what these street sweepers will cost.

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
  • FireTheLeft
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:49pm

    PLUS ++++ I can use it as my motorcycle helmet, too !!!

    Report Post »  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:49pm

    Why does this “ car” remind me of this
    http://www.profilebrand.com/funny-pictures/category/animated/566_two-leg-horse.gif

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
  • Gary S
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:48pm

    What a death trap!

    Report Post »  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 1:49am

      I don’t know about the 2 wheeled deathtrap bit, maybe they’ve already got the engineers working on an 16 (oops 8) wheeler that will haul a whole 12 pack from factory to Minimart for the 10 people who can still afford to buy it. Of course semi‘s won’t be illegal, they’ll just tax them until nobody can afford to drive them!

      Report Post » Mil Mom  
  • Outlaw_Josey_Wales
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:48pm

    Obama Looking to Reinvent the Automobile With This Two-Wheeled Car of the Future

    Report Post » Outlaw_Josey_Wales  
    • chips1
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 7:07pm

      Lib democrat child molesters will be following it and more children will become victims.

      Report Post »  
  • go2gym
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:47pm

    Now remind me how many of our tax dollars went to GM?

    Report Post »  
  • BOMUSTGO
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:46pm

    A Mack truck will blow it off the road!

    Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
  • Dustyluv
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:45pm

    How stupid would you have to be to drive one of those things on the streets?

    The good news is you can fit it in your living roon after you get run over and use it for your wheelchair…

    Report Post »  
  • Gary S
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:43pm

    An Obama Clown Car!

    Report Post »  
  • Brasil2520
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:42pm

    If this is the future, then death doesn’t sound that bad after all.

    Report Post » Brasil2520  
  • AshogNorth
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:42pm

    60% of people live in urban areas so you justify it by making a Tilt-o-Whirl car that goes 25 MPH…. Yeah because no one in the city uses the freeway. I am glad I moved out of the city and I will never buy anything from Government Motors.

    Report Post »  
  • UlyssesP
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:41pm

    I would not be caught dead in one of those sharing the roadways with regular cars.
    Actually, after my first collision, I would be caught dead.

    Report Post » UlyssesP  
  • trolltrainer
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:41pm

    Yep, that GM is on a roll!!! I see a bright future for that company…

    Report Post »  
  • PrfctlyFrank
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:41pm

    I am down for that!! How cool can you get?? Now, about the batteries and the carbon footprint.. Forget that!! I want one..

    Report Post » PrfctlyFrank  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:40pm

    Its a scooter with side-by-side seating
    right ??

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • chips1
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 7:14pm

      What a gay idea. I know someone out there is trying to put a S&S engine in it. Until then, I’m thinking bumper cars.

      Report Post »  
  • conservative510
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:39pm

    I’m going to go drive my Suburban on the empty LA freeways!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Eric_The_Red_State
    Posted on July 16, 2011 at 6:38pm

    America actually manufacture something?

    Whoa – calm down there slim. That’s pretty radical thinking.

    Report Post » Eric_The_Red_State  
    • copatriots
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:03pm

      Check the cars names again there, Eric. Miao, Jiao and Yiao. Coming to a Main Street near you! Wonder if Bob Seger is learning to sing in Mandarin???

      Report Post »  
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