By Karthik Mayilvahanan

The General Motors conceptually designed the Electric Networked Vehicle (EN-V) in 2009, and revealed the first prototype in Shanghai 2010 with three different models. The EN-V, commonly referred to as the “bubble car,” seats 2 in a very compact compartment and measures approximately half the length of a Smart Car. Incorporating segway technology, the car balances on two wheels, but can only attain a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour. Although there is a steering device, the EN-V has networking capabilities which allow it to drive itself using GPS or radio signals within the short range. Ultimately, GM envisioned the bubble car as a vehicle of the urban future, when more cars will be able to fit in the roads and more people will be able to live in the city.