General Motors signs MoU with SSTEC to explore integration of EN-Vs into Tianjin Eco-City

General Motors and the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development (SSTEC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on integrating a next-generation of GM’s Electric Networked-Vehicle (EN-V) into the Tianjin Eco-City, located in north China, from a power, communications and physical infrastructure perspective. The award-winning EN-V was one of the stars of World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

The first-generation EN-V was showcased to the public at last year’s global exposition in Shanghai. The intelligent two-seat electric vehicle concept aims to tackle urban problems such as traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability. The EN-V is powered by lithium-ion batteries that produce zero emissions. By combining GPS with vehicle-to-vehicle communications and distance-sensing technologies, the EN-V can be driven both manually and autonomously. These innovative features, together with the EN-V’s compact size, mean greater maneuverability and safety, especially in areas where space is limited.

“At World Expo 2010 Shanghai, GM demonstrated our vision of sustainable urban mobility and published the GM Sustainable Urban Mobility Blue Paper at the conclusion of the event as a call for action and a roadmap to the future,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “We are pleased that GM’s partnership with SSTEC can serve as the first step for realizing our vision."

This MoU is part of SSTEC’s efforts to identify global eco-solutions and drive the adoption of new-energy vehicles in the Eco-City. As an innovative zero-emission small networked vehicle, the EN-V could contribute by reducing congestion and making the Eco-City a more comfortable and pleasant place for future residents.

Ho Tong Yen, CEO of SSTEC, said: “SSTEC is committed to building a practical and sustainable Eco-City, which includes having a comprehensive and integrated green transport system. We look forward to welcoming EN-Vs in the Eco-City.  We are confident that GM’s expertise, commitment and innovation will help in our drive to promote the early adoption of new-energy vehicles in the Tianjin Eco-City.”

SSTEC is the master developer for the Tianjin Eco-City. It is a 50/50 joint venture between the Chinese consortium led by Tianjin TEDA Investment Holding Co. (Tianjin TEDA) and the Singapore consortium led by the Keppel Group.

The Tianjin Eco-City is a landmark bilateral project between China and Singapore with private-sector investment and development. Located in the Tianjin Binhai New Area (40 kilometers away from Tianjin’s city center), the 30-square-kilometer Tianjin Eco-City is designed to create a harmonious and sustainable community that meets the needs of an urbanizing China. Once completed, it will be a modern township where 350,000 residents will eventually live, work and play. The 4-square-kilometer start-up area will contain as many as 26,500 households, with the first residents expected to move in around 2012.

“Since its global introduction at World Expo 2010 Shanghai, the first-generation EN-V has travelled the world and received attention from global leaders, academics and environmentalists,” said Alan Taub, Vice President of GM’s Global Research and Development Organization. “The EN-V provides a glimpse into the future and represents another major step forward in GM’s advanced vehicle technology leadership.”