Chevrolet to produce all-electric Spark mini car

After announcing this week that the Spark mini car that is already sold in markets around the world will be available in the U.S. and Canada from next year, Chevrolet has revealed that an all-electric Spark will hit showrooms from 2013. Modeled after the Chevrolet Beat concept that appeared at the 2007 New York Auto Show, the Spark is a five-door, four-passenger hatch designed for urban environments that Chevrolet claims will offer more interior room than other mini cars. It will also be the smallest Chevrolet available in the U.S. and Canada.

While Chevrolet revealed some details of the Spark - 1.2 liter four cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission as standard with automatic also available, heated leatherette seats and alloy wheels - the company was less forthcoming about details on the Spark EV.

Other than the fact the all-electric Spark EV will be sold in limited quantities in select U.S. and global markets from 2013 and will be powered by nanophosphate lithium-ion battery packs supplied by A123 Systems, little else about the vehicle has been announced.

Details on specific markets, range, quantities and pricing for the Spark EV are being held back until a later date - possibly next month's Los Angeles International Auto Show where the ICE-powered Spark is set to be unveiled.

"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."

Such comments suggest the range of the Spark EV won't be anything spectacular but long trips aren't what the vehicle is designed for.

"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," added Federico.

Here's some video of the Spark EV in action.