DETROIT — General Motors is giving its Chevrolet Spark a jolt of electricity.
The all-electric version of the mini-car goes on sale this summer in California, Oregon, Canada and South Korea, wher its made. Other markets will follow.
Unlike the Chevrolet Volt sedan, which can run in all-electric mode but also has a backup gas engine, the Spark EV is a pure electric car. GM wont say how far the car will go on a charge, but says it will be a top performer among the small number of EVs available. The current leader, the electric Ford Focus sedan, can go 76 miles (122 kilometres) on a charge.
The Spark EV will also be cheaper than most of its electric rivals, GM says. Exact pricing hasnt been revealed, but the car will start for less than $25,000 in the US when a $7,500 federal tax credit is factored in. The electric Nissan Leaf starts at $27,700 with the tax credit. Like all electrics, though, the Spark is much pricier than its gasoline-powered equivalent. The gas-operated Spark starts at $12,245.
The Spark EV is powered by an electric motor and a 20 kWh lithium ion battery. It gets 130 horsepower and can go from zero to 60 mph (96 kph) in less than 8 seconds, which is several seconds faster than the gas-powered Spark.
GM says the Spark EV is the first all-electric vehicle in North America to offer SAE Combo DC Fast Charge capability, which can charge the battery to 80 per cent of capacity in about 20 minutes. It can also be fully recharged in seven hours using a standard 240-volt outlet, or longer using a 120-volt outlet.
Though its a mini-car, it has lots of big-car touches, like leather seats and GMs onStar safety system.
The Spark EV will have a smartphone-based infotainment system that gives drivers access to navigation and music apps like Pandora. Drivers with a compatible iPhone can link up their phones and perform tasks – like sending email or texts – by talking to Apples Siri.
The car also has 10 air bags and electronic stability control, which helps keep it steady despite its small frame.
The five-door hatchback is tiny, at 144.7 inches (367.5 centimetres) long. Thats about five inches (12.5 centimetres) longer than a Fiat 500. It comes in lime green and other unusual hues.
Demand for electric cars has been anaemic so far. GM and other automakers have fallen significantly short of EV sales targets, especially as gas prices have fallen. Electrics remain expensive, and drivers are concerned about getting stranded too far from a charging station. While the Spark is great for city drivers who need to fit into tight parking spaces, those drivers may not have garages or other spots to charge up their cars at night.
