GM Sail Electric Concept Vehicle Revealed

General Motors presented at the 2010 Guangzhou Auto Show the new Sail electric concept vehicle developed by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in Shanghai. The car is obviously based on the Chevrolet Sail launched in the first month of this year and is specifically designed to serve as "an environmentally friendly small car that is targeted at ordinary Chinese families," as GM said in a statement.

The concept relies on a lithium-ion battery that generates 65 kW (87 horsepower) and a maximum torque of 220 Nm, which means it could achieve a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph). The battery autonomy goes up to 150 km (93 km) on a single charge, with the vehicle employing multiple functions to save battery power, such as regenerative braking.

“The Sail electric concept vehicle and Chevrolet Volt are examples of industry-leading solutions being developed by GM and our partners globally,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group.

“GM is also establishing battery electric vehicle demonstration fleets around the world to better understand driving patterns, battery charging, market needs and customer acceptance of electric vehicles. At the same time, GM is investing in start-up companies with innovative ideas to accelerate next-generation electrification technologies.”

Genera Motors has focused on the aerodynamic design to make the car more fuel efficient, with inspiration coming from leaves, as it said in a release. There are no details regarding the date when electric Sail could enter production, but more information will probably emerge in early 2011.