Later this-month at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, GM will take the wraps off of its all-electric 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV (known as Beat in India). The production will begin in the U.S. in early-2013 with sales to start in California next-summer. The company also stated that more than 75 percent of the propulsion system components found on the Spark EV are sourced from the Volt and GM’s hybrid truck programs.
“When our team set out to develop the propulsion system for Spark EV, we knew we had to provide surprising fun-to-drive acceleration with maximum efficiency,” said Spark EV Chief Engineer Chuck Russell. “What we think customers will enjoy most is how fun Spark EV is to drive; it’s seamless and power is available at every stage of the drive.”
Power for the Chevrolet Spark EV comes from an electric-motor that makes 130-hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 60 mph comes in just 8 seconds. While not many other details were released about the range, GM said that its industry-first SAE combo charger will allow DC Fast Charging of up to 80 percent of battery capacity in approximately 20 minutes. When using a 240V charger, the Spark EV will reach full charge in less than 7 hours.
“Spark EV’s battery has undergone more than 200,000 hours of testing in our global battery systems labs,” said Larry Nitz, executive director of GM’s global electrification engineering team. “This testing paved the way to allow our customers to do multiple DC Fast Charges daily to help alleviate range anxiety and improve convenience.”
In India, the GM showcased the Chevrolet Beat Electric Vehicle in June-2012. However, the company isn’t likely to get the electric version of the Beat in India as the General Motors feels that our market isn’t ready for electric technology yet due to the higher costs involved and also the infrastructure to support electric cars lagging in the country.
Also see – GM India showcases Beat BEV concept car in Bangalore
See more pictures of 2014 Chevrolet Beat EV –
