GM/Segway PUMA Concept

tags: GM, PUMA, Segway | in: Concept Cars 29 April 2009

At the New York Auto Show GM and Segway have presented the P.U.M.A. project, a working prototype of a two-wheels electronically stabilized electric vehicle. Capable of transporting two passengers, it embodies a new vision for the future of urban transportation.

Project P.U.M.A. (Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility) is an under development project that has the the goal of setting a new vision for the future of urban transportation.

It is an electrically powered vehicle with only two wheels that expands the concept of Segway’s PTs (Personal Transporters).

Built to carry two or more passengers, it can travel at speeds up to 35 miles per hour (56 kph), with a range up to 35 miles (56 km) between recharges.

Project P.U.M.A. combines several technologies demonstrated by GM and Segway, including electric drive and lithium-ion batteries; dynamic stabilization (two-wheel balancing); all-electronic acceleration, steering and braking; vehicle-to-vehicle communications; and autonomous driving and parking.

Those technologies integrate 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.

A working prototype was first unveiled and demonstrated by General Motors and Segway at the 2009 New York Motor Show.

“Project P.U.M.A. represents a unique solution to moving about and interacting in cities, where more than half of the world’s people live,” said Larry Burns, GM vice president of research and development, and strategic planning.

“Imagine small, nimble electric vehicles that know where other moving objects are and avoid running into them. Now, connect those vehicles in an Internet-like web and you can greatly enhance the ability of people to move through cities, find places to park and connect to their social and business networks.”


The P.U.M.A. Prototype at the 2009 New York Auto Show

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.

“There’s an emotional connection you get when using Segway products.

“The Project P.U.M.A. prototype vehicle embodies this through the combination of advanced technologies that Segway and GM bring to the table to complete the connection between the rider, environment, and others.” said Jim Norrod, CEO of Segway Inc.

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 allows off-board connectivity.

About Segway

Since the introduction of the Segway Personal Transporter (PT), Segway has established itself as the leader in the small electric vehicle space. Its approach to congestion and environmental challenges is balanced with a strong understanding of the functional needs of its customers, enabling them to do more with less. Segway has delivered more than 60,000 lithium-ion batteries to the market.