Automotive

Chevrolet to produce all-electric Spark mini car

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An all-electric version of the Spark will be available from 2013
An all-electric version of the Spark will be available from 2013
Chevrolet will release an all-electric Spark EV in 2013
The Spark EV will be powered by nanophosphate lithium-ion battery packs
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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.

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16 comments
Griffin
Spark? is that like in, \"Electric cars built by GM are fire hazards?\"
Top men... dumb marketing choices.
Maybe Ford should bring back the Pinto...
Max Mad
How fast was that \'Spark\' going?!?! I looks like it was traveling only 20 mph..!!! I can ride MY BIKE faster than that!
JohnMc
Excuse me, but what makes the Spark `all electric` with a 4cyl OHV engine sitting there? Ummmm. Sounds like a hybrid to me.
Pres
What a wonderfully informative video. Actually showed a car w/4 wheels going down the road! To satisfy the technically inclined it even showed a light going from red to green. No wonder GM is doing so well.
Pres
Their x-ray cutaway looks much more like an IC powered vehicle than any all electric.
Luddite
Is it called the Spark due to the sparks that shot out when they unplugged it? Take a look at the very beginning of the video. Definite fire hazard! You don\'t even have to be hit from behind like the Pinto!
Fred Conwell
That is the most complicated electric motor i\'ve seen. I guess even all-electrics need radiator fluids, etc.
bgstrong
The Chevrolet Volt is an overpriced dud and I expect that the Spark will be even worse.
Michael Barreto
They should add the word \"All-\" to the name so it can get Optimus Prime\'s blessing. Ha ha!
Richard Edmonds
R E V O L T I N G ! !