EN-V Electric Vehicles by GM
Not every car at the Detroit Auto Show was a steroidal super-EV; GM unveiled a set of EN-V pod cars that explore the future of efficient personal transportation. These ultra-mobile two-seater electric vehicles are about half the length of a smart car and they’re kitted out with cameras, high-tech sensors that detect pedestrians and cars, gps, and a sonar system that allows each car to drive itself! The drive system is similar to a Segway insofar as it utilizes gyroscopic sensors to balance the car’s weight as you tilt forwards or back.
Ford C-MAX Energi
Glitz, glam, and futuristic EV’s aside, the Detroit Auto Show also offered up a heaping serving of practical green vehicles suited for everyday driving — and the C-Max Energi is a shining example. As a plug-in hybrid, the vehicle affords drivers a great deal of versatility: it has a battery that allows for emission-free driving over short distances in addition to a gas-powered hybrid engine that extends its range up to 500 miles. This versatility has earned plug-ins a lot of popularity with consumers looking to go green but anxious about the range limitations of fully-electric vehicles.
+ Detroit Auto Show Coverage on Inhabitat
+ Detroit Auto Show Flickr Gallery
All photos by Mike Chino and Jill Fehrenbacher
None of these cars are Tesla beaters. The Tesla Roadster is a damn quick car, and quicker than any of these are claiming they will be. But they have the advantage of a name brand behind them. So I wouldn’t be surprised if they outsell the Teslas, even at their inflated price.
yes the racecars are sexy, but kinda like dreaming about a super-model when you could be happy with building your own TODAY. I built one by recycling a drab Suzuki Swift, and I think it is sexy in its own right because I actually get to use it rather than just dream about it. see how at www dot envirokarma dot org.
I thought the Tesla vehicles were pretty foxy, too.
What a car show this year, things are looking up for us efficiency geeks. Now if they only had a hybrid pick up…
These cars are f*&$%#@ HOT!