Chevrolet confirmed it will build and an all-electric version of the Chevrolet Spark (Beat) subcompact. Known as the Chevrolet Spark (Beat) EV, the model will be sold in limited quantities in select U.S. and global markets starting in 2013. Of course, one of those markets will include California.
India, a market in which the Chevrolet Beat was launched first globally, isn’t likely to get the electric version of the Beat as 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.
A few months ago, General Motors India showcased the Chevrolet Beat Electric in India. Back then, the automaker asserted that the possibility of the Chevrolet Beat Electric making it to the Indian car market in the near future to be very slim. The company also did not release any image of the car, now Youcarpress.com has managed to take a spy video of the upcoming Spark EV from factory and post a 4 minutes long video on Youtube.
GM has installed electric motor on current generation Beat, at mass production stage the new body shell may come into picture. The charging socket has been hidden beneath the camouflage in driver side fender.
“We’ve spent the past few years highlighting our in-house battery capability, which will play a significant role as one of our core competencies going forward,” said Larry Nitz, GM executive director of Vehicle Electrification Engineering. “Electric motor development and manufacturing is another area of expertise we’ll need as we expand vehicle electrification technologies to address the needs of our customers around the world.”
Refresher – The Spark/Beat EV generates 116PS, compared to the measly 60hp produced by the test mule that visited India. The Indian mule used the Volt’s battery pack that produced 20 kWH providing the Beat a range of 130 km under normal driving conditions. It takes about 8 hours to reach full charge from a 240V power socket. GM has not provided details on the range after this massive power increase.
Also see – 2013 Chevrolet Beat facelift unveiled
Spied video 0f Chevrolet Beat EV –
Source – YouCarPress
