NOV 29

Chevrolet is introducing an electric version of its Spark small car. The Spark EV is being called a "high tech electric city car," and its initial rollout is being aimed at urban markets and areas with a growing infrastructure to support electric vehicles.

Driving range numbers, which are usually a concern for potential electric vehicle drivers, have not been included in the GM press release, although the company claims it will have some of the best EV range. The Spark EV will optionally offer a new fast-charge system which allows the battery to be charged to 80 percent of capacity in about 20 minutes. The SAE Combo DC Fast Charging capability is a new industry standard, and the Spark EV will be the first electric vehicle to offer it in North America. The Spark EV will also have a "confidence gauge" that shows the expected driving range based on driving habits and other conditions.

Spark EV is powered by an advanced electric motor and battery system. It consists of a GM-designed, coaxial drive unit and electric motor that together deliver 130 hp (more than 100 kW) and 400 lb.-ft. (542 Nm) of torque for instant acceleration; and a more than 20-kWh lithium ion battery is expected to provide among the best EV range performance in its segment.

The Spark EV is a 2014 model, and will initially be available in California and Oregon, as well as in Canada and South Korea and "other global markets." Pricing for the Spark EV, according to GM, will be less than $25,000 with tax incentives.

via: GM Media

Comments (8)

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I think I will wait for a Chinese model
written by Sally, December 01, 2012

GM are not even honest enough to quote a driving range for this car, yet spruik it having a good range. There is no way I would buy one of these things.

I think I will wait for a Chinese model to come on the market (which they will). The Chinese EVs will be cheaper and of higher quality.

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Way of the future
written by Greg Reinuaer, December 06, 2012

Electric cars are the way of the future (along with better public transportation infrastructure, bikes etc.) I'm glad American companies are working on the technology.

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On the back of the volt?
written by Eco Friendly Guy, December 11, 2012

I'm not sure how another GM electric car will be taken in North America after the dismal Volt. It's sad though as a good ranging electric car could do well but with the Volt's fire issues and high price tag I think it may scare off potential buyers.

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written by Bob, December 28, 2012

You might call the Volt dismal, but check the Consumer Reports owner satisfaction numbers. The Volt is #1, so the people who own one, unlike those who have just read about them, apparently love them. As for a Chinese EV being higher quality than a US EV, I have my doubts. Cheaper, yes. Since I'm seeing a fair number of Nissan Leafs (Leaves?) in this area, I suspect the Spark EV might do OK too. We have to start somewhere, and you should give GM credit for trying to create a market.

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written by juan pelotas, December 28, 2012

the volt has been selling very well here in the Pacific NW (same goes for the leaf). I see at least a couple a day (not as many as camrys, etc; but certainly more than Hummers, Lexus 470s, Sequoias, Chevy Sparks, buicks, etc). I am sure GM would like to sell more; but there are plenty out there if you are in the right parts of the country (I recently moved from ass backwards Florida, and I saw one Leaf and no Volts in the 18 months they were out in the state).

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Wicked EV!
written by Colin Bhimsen SEO Guru, May 07, 2013

Electric cars are certainly the natural way leading everyone to wonder how gasoline engines and diesel will survive. A true issue is where would everyone recharge? Recharging stations for long distance requirements large dollars.

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written by Ganzalian, May 29, 2013

We are now living in an advance world which is always ready to adopt new and advanced technology and science. Hybridization is the result of these new and advanced technology and science. This phenomenon also applied in automobile sector; there many hybrid cars are present in market.

It is good for our financial condition and automobile sector. Our country’s’ growth depends on such types of new generations.

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Electric vs Petrol
written by Troliu Saru, June 15, 2013

The development of the electric cars have great benefits both on global environment and for the society. For example more jobs could be created for battery charging stations.
Anyway I do not believe that we could see mass production in the near future. Why? Because the petrol based businesses still have a lot to profit until the natural reserves would be finished.

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