Rediscovering GM’s 1969 All-Electric Concept: The XP 512E
General Motors has seen significant growth in its electric vehicle sales, becoming the #2 seller of EVs in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2025. However, this success wasn’t overnight – the company has been experimenting with electric cars for over half a century. While many might think of the GM EV1 from 1996 as their first major foray into electric vehicles, there’s a lesser-known predecessor: the 1969 XP 512E concept car.
The XP 512E, or 512 Electric Experimental, debuted in May 1969 as part of GM’s ‘Progress of Power’ exhibition showcasing innovative vehicles. This compact runabout measured just 86.3 inches in length, 56 inches in width, and had a wheelbase of 52 inches, weighing 1,250 pounds. Its lightweight construction included a fiberglass body with a steel floor pan.
Powered by an 84-volt lead-acid battery pack and a DC electric motor on the rear axle, the 512E could travel up to 58 miles at 25 mph or 47 miles at its top speed of 30 mph. Acceleration was modest, going from 0-30 mph in 12 seconds. Charging was done via a standard 115-volt household outlet, taking about 7 hours to fully charge.
The 512E featured a unique design with a side-pivoted canopy top and a lower front entry door, making access to the tight interior relatively easy. Inside, occupants found a bench seat, standard throttle and brake, steering wheel, and even an ashtray. The canopy was designed to be raised in good weather, giving the car a ‘unique convertible appearance,’ and was also removable, effectively converting it into a tiny electric roadster.
The XP 512E was one of three city car concepts presented at the ‘Progress of Power’ exhibition held at GM’s Warren Technical Center. The other two were a gasoline-powered roadster with a 12-horsepower two-cylinder engine and a plug-in hybrid that could operate in both all-electric and hybrid modes, achieving up to 150 miles on a full tank and charged battery while consuming only three gallons of gasoline.
The 1969 ‘Progress of Power’ exhibition showcased 26 vehicles with unconventional propulsion systems, including steam engines, turbines, hybrids, and battery-electric vehicles. This event demonstrated GM’s long-standing commitment to engineering excellence and innovation, a legacy that continues in their current lineup of electric and gas-powered vehicles.
The story of the XP 512E serves as a fascinating look into GM’s history of electric vehicle development, predating modern EVs by decades. While it never made it to production, this concept remains an ‘adorable’ precursor to the electric vehicles that are now gaining popularity.
