The Chevrolet introduced the 2014 Spark EV at the Los Angeles International Auto Show with packed smart performance and connectivity technologies into an affordable five-door urban mini car designed to make the trip as electrifying as the destination. Spark EV builds on Chevrolet’s proven electric motor and battery development programmes. It goes on sale next summer and expected to have among the best EV battery range in its segment and be the first electric vehicle to offer SAE Combo DC Fast Charging capability enabling the Spark EV to reach 80-percent battery charge in just 20 minutes.
It will be priced under $25,000 with tax incentives.
The car goes from 0 to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds, customers won’t miss the gas,” said Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America. “The Volt and now the Spark EV show that Chevrolet not only knows EVs better than anyone else, we also know how to help customers get the most out of their EV experience.”
Inside the Spark EV, critical vehicle functions are clearly and intuitively displayed on one of the vehicle’s two reconfigurable, high-resolution, seven-inch colour LCD screens, including a confidence gauge that shows the expected driving range based on driving habits and other conditions.
Spark EV also will keep urban drivers musically connected with Chevrolet’s exclusive MyLink radio that comes standard and safely brings smartphone-based infotainment – including apps for BringGo full-function navigation, TuneIn global internet radio, Pandora and Stitcher – into the vehicle. Apple’s Siri will ride shotgun, for customers with compatible (4S and newer) iPhones.
In addition to previously announced markets including California and South Korea, Spark EV will also go on sale in participating dealerships throughout Oregon, Canada and other global markets. Spark EV will be eligible for coveted high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes in California.
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 (110 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. Its long-life battery is designed to be safe, durable and reliable, and is warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles (160,934 km). It consists of a 560-pound (254 kg) square lithium-ion battery pack with a volume of 133 litres, comprising 336 prismatic cells.