On a sunny day last January, people got together at a parking lot in Las Vegas to see small vehicles that look more like colourful eggs than ordinary cars. These vehicles are electric, run on two wheels instead of four and hold only passengers. Thanks to their tiny size, six of the vehicles would fit in a parking spot. If the idea of parking such a small car makes you nervous, don' worry: these cars can park themselves. And they can return to their owners when controlled by a button on a cellphone.
The vehicle is called the EN-V (Electric Networked-Vehicle). It is built by General Motors, or GM, and it points to what future vehicles might be like. It is designed to be energy-saving, solve environment problems and help ease traffic jams, parking and safety concerns. The automaker says its next concept car (概念车) will help drivers get whatever they want. According to GM, the company has also designed an electric vehicle named Lean Machine. However, it is a small three-wheeler and this single-seater vehicle looks like a motorcycle. One day, such small, electric vehicles might safely carry people around, especially in crowded cities.
Scientists and engineers are finding new ways to make cars safer, smarter and more efficient, or use less energy. New cars may help you keep track of your health by reminding you to take medicine. If it's electric, your car may send you a message reminding you to recharge it. Cars will talk to other cars, your computer, your phone and your iPad. They'll help drivers save energy, watch out for other drivers and avoid walkers on the streets.
This is the future of vehicles: safer, smarter and more energy-saving. Beside they might even drive themselves down the highway through a city. You can sit back and enjoy the ride.
