An Early Peek into Electric Vehicles: GM’s 1969 Electric Egg on Wheels
In the late 1960s, as the automotive industry was abuzz with innovation, General Motors (GM) took a bold step into the future of transportation with their 512 Electric Experimental concept. This tiny, fiberglass microcar was a testament to GM’s long-standing interest in electric vehicles, even if it didn’t quite meet the needs of the time.
The Tiny Electric Pioneer
The 1969 GM 512 Electric Experimental, often described as an “electric egg on wheels,” was a compact marvel. Measuring only 86 inches in length, this microcar was powered by an 84-volt battery. Despite its small size, the 512E was built for urban commuting, a fact highlighted at the Transpo ’72 trade show where GM showcased a family of experimental microcars with various powertrains.
The car’s design included a unique flip-up canopy that provided access to its two seats, resembling a helmet visor. It also featured side-hinged front doors, reminiscent of a mobility aid bathtub, and tiny wheels at each corner wrapped in thick rubber akin to the fashion of tuned Minis of the era.
Performance and Charging
The 512E’s performance was modest by modern standards. It had a top speed of just 30 mph, taking 12 seconds to reach this limit. This might seem sluggish today, but it bears resemblance to the Citroen Ami, which similarly caps speed at 28 mph. The 512E boasted a range of 58 miles on a full charge, achieved after seven hours of household charging. This range slightly surpassed the Ami’s 47 miles, although the charging times differed.
The vehicle’s power source was quite different from contemporary electric cars. Instead of modern lithium-ion batteries, the 512E utilized lead-acid batteries from Delco-Remy, a technology that was common at the time but now largely obsolete due to advancements in battery efficiency and capacity.
Legacy and Influence
Although the 512E never made it to widespread production in the 1970s or 1980s, it laid a foundation for GM’s continued innovation in electric vehicles. The GM Impact EV concept and its subsequent production as the EV1 in the mid-1990s demonstrated the company’s enduring commitment to electrified transport. Today, GM’s electric vehicle lineup continues to evolve, with models like the upcoming 2027 Chevy Bolt, a testament to the company’s ongoing dedication to innovation in the EV sector.
Original Story at www.carscoops.com