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Home | Green Cars News | Concepts | GM, Segway Unveil Two-Wheel Electric-Vehicle Prototype

GM, Segway Unveil Two-Wheel Electric-Vehicle Prototype

07 April, 2009 08:13:00

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General Motors and Segway unveiled a two-wheeled electric two-seat vehicle that the companies say could be a solution to the world's urban transportation problems.

GM and Segway said that the P.U.M.A. (Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility) project would also involve a vast communications network that would allow vehicles to interact with each other, regulate the flow of traffic and prevent crashes from happening.

The prototype electric vehicle, to be unveiled at the New York Auto Show, uses lithium-ion batteries and balances on two wheels.

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. These technologies come together 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.

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 allow off-board connectivity. The result is an advanced and functional concept that demonstrates the capabilities of technology that exists today.

The 300-pound prototype carry two or more passengers, it can travel at speeds up to 25 miles per hour (56 kph), with a range up to 25 miles (56 km) between recharges.

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