GM to launch Chevrolet Spark EV in U.S. next year

Model won't be sold nationwide and will be focused on the California market

GM will be launching an all-electric version of the Chevrolet Spark in the United States in 2012.

The Spark EV will be based on the Chevrolet Beat EV concept unveiled in India earlier this year. The Beat is the name given to the Spark model in certain global markets.

That concept featured a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery powering a 61 PS (45kW / 60 hp) electric motor. Range on the Beat EV concept is 130 km (81 miles) and charging takes less than eight hours using a 240V outlet.

But GM won't offer the Spark EV in some U.S.-regions and marketing will be focused primarily on California in order to meet that state's Zero-Emissions Vehicle mandate. Volumes will be low, around 2,000 units a year.

A gasoline-powered Spark will debut in the Chevrolet lineup as an entry-level vehicle early in 2012. The U.S.-market Spark will feature a new front fascia that differs from the global Spark seen in the photos published here.

The Chevrolet Spark EV will be launched in late 2012 as a 2013 model.

Source: Chevrolet

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Chevrolet to Produce Spark EV All-Electric Vehicle

Mini-car joins growing portfolio of electrified vehicles

Chevrolet today announced it will produce an all-electric version of the Chevrolet Spark mini-car - the Spark EV. It will be sold in limited quantities in select U.S. and global markets starting in 2013, including California.

"The Spark EV offers customers living in urban areas who have predictable driving patterns or short commutes an all-electric option," said Jim Federico, global vehicle chief engineer for electric vehicles at Chevrolet. "It complements Chevrolet's growing range of electrified vehicles, including the Volt extended-range EV and the 2013 Malibu Eco with eAssist technology."

Feedback from participants in Chevrolet's electric vehicle demonstration fleets in Shanghai (Sail EV), Korea (Cruze EV) and India (Beat EV) are being incorporated into the Spark EV.

"Our global demo fleets continue to provide insight into the needs of electric vehicle customers living in urban environments," said Federico. "The Spark EV is another step in Chevrolet's plan to provide customers with a variety of electrification solutions to address the lifestyle and transportation needs of people around the world."

A123 Systems will supply the advanced nanophosphate lithium-ion battery packs that will power the Spark EV. Details on specific markets, range, quantities and pricing will be announced later.