GM Plans BEV Fleet Test Worldwide

General Motors Co. will take the next step in its electrification movement, rolling out three test fleets of battery-powered vehicles worldwide beginning later this year.

Details remain sketchy – the auto maker isn’t saying what vehicles will be involved or precisely where the fleets will hit the road, but the company does say testing will occur in several regions of the world, including Asia.

GM, which announced plans for the testing program in Shanghai earlier today at World Expo 2010 Shanghai, says it will partner with suppliers, universities and government agencies on the fleet-test program designed to provide real-world data on driving patterns, battery charging, market needs and customer acceptance.

Specifics on testing for two of the three fleets may be released as early as next month, a spokesman says.

GM has been conducting similar fleet testing with fuel cell-powered Chevrolet Equinoxes, putting vehicles into the hands of consumers for up to several months.

GM’s BEV fleet program follows on the heels of its Project Driveway fuel-cell test program.