Would you like a vehicle that can transform quickly from a boxy passenger vehicle into a cargo vehicle? GM is working on one.
The saying that you need to “think outside the box” doesn’t take into account the fact that the box is usually a proven commodity while the outside the box area isn’t. Even so, we’re encouraged to be creative, to think about other solutions that might not have been tried in the past, and figure out a way to do things better than before. This type of thinking has been part of what GM has done for many generations as this company has been a leader in the automotive industry, but recent patent applications filed by GM show this company is looking to reshape the box.
Patent Filings for GM
These patent filings show a vehicle that appears to be able to transform from one that has room for several passengers into one that has no room for any at all when not needed. This could be a strange and interesting way to handle driving in the future when autonomous vehicles are finally used for the shuttle and mobility solutions we want to have on the road. It seems these patents truly do only apply to the vehicles that can drive themselves on the road to help ensure you can have the movement you need.
Changing the Shape for Charging GM Models and for Aerodynamics
It’sno secret that a vehicle needs to be able to cut through the air as easily as possible in order to save on fuel. In the future, that fuel will likely be electricity, but whatever fuel is being used, the size and shape of the vehicle is the enemy of efficiency. By collapsing a vehicle inward when no passengers are inside, the vehicle can save on the fuel used. With this same thought in mind, the patent filing shows vehicles that could have a reduction in width to make these vehicles fit into more narrow charging spots and save space.
It Might Not be Realistic
The reality is the equipment needed to fold in and expand a vehicle or to reduce the width, even if only by a few inches, will cause several motors to be used and panels that may need to be specialized. This means there could be more weight added to these vehicles when they are offered as autonomous models that will be driven on the roads. These changes could result in small savings for each ride, but those small savings will certainly equate to greater savings over time.
Imagine what GM Could Do
Because one vehicle owned personally will likely be harder to manage with these panels and transforming shapes it’s more likely this patent is filed by GM in regards to autonomous vehicles that will be managed by a ride-sharing service that could be used around the country. Imagine a fleet of these vehicles and the results of the fuel savings and additional charging space offered at the end of a day of driving and you can understand how these added features could benefit a ride-sharing company but certainly wouldn’t benefit a private owner when transforming vehicles are offered.
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