Photo: Chevrolet
General Motors is making final preparations before updating the Chevrolet Spark EV. The Detroit giant announced that its Brownstown Battery Assembly finished the development of an all-new battery system, with production slated to start shortly.
According to Larry Nitz, the executive director of GM global transmission and electrification engineering, the new design features an overall storage capacity of 19 kWh, while its 192 lithium ion cells are produced at LG Chem's facility in Holland, Michigan.
However, that's 2 kWh short of the 2014 Chevrolet Spark's 21 kWh battery pack. Even though it packs less juice, the newly developed system is 86 pounds lighter than the one powering the current generation Spark EV. Larry also declared that changes in battery design will not affect the MPGe or the performance of the new model.
Range will remain at an EPA-rated 82 miles, with the MPGe at 119. The future model will command an entry price of $19,995 including full federal incentives, being one of the most affordable pure electric cars sold in North America. With the SAE combo charger for DC fast charging, the Spark EV's battery can be charged up to 80 percent in just 20 minutes.
The Spark EV's all-new battery pack is built on a dedicated production line at the Brownstown facility , which also manufactures complete battery packs for the Chevrolet Volt, Opel Ampera and Cadillac ELR.
Currently available for order at dealer showrooms in California and Oregon, the 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV is powered by an electric motor that produces 140 horsepower and 400 ft-lb (542 Nm) of torque, better figures than its internal combustion powered sibling equipped with a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated four-pot engine.
Featuring goodies such as Siri Eyes Free for your Apple iPhone, OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and the aforementioned fast charging system, the new Chevy plug-in hybrid is an ideal car for daily urban cruising.
However, that's 2 kWh short of the 2014 Chevrolet Spark's 21 kWh battery pack. Even though it packs less juice, the newly developed system is 86 pounds lighter than the one powering the current generation Spark EV. Larry also declared that changes in battery design will not affect the MPGe or the performance of the new model.
Range will remain at an EPA-rated 82 miles, with the MPGe at 119. The future model will command an entry price of $19,995 including full federal incentives, being one of the most affordable pure electric cars sold in North America. With the SAE combo charger for DC fast charging, the Spark EV's battery can be charged up to 80 percent in just 20 minutes.
The Spark EV's all-new battery pack is built on a dedicated production line at the Brownstown facility , which also manufactures complete battery packs for the Chevrolet Volt, Opel Ampera and Cadillac ELR.
Currently available for order at dealer showrooms in California and Oregon, the 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV is powered by an electric motor that produces 140 horsepower and 400 ft-lb (542 Nm) of torque, better figures than its internal combustion powered sibling equipped with a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated four-pot engine.
Featuring goodies such as Siri Eyes Free for your Apple iPhone, OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and the aforementioned fast charging system, the new Chevy plug-in hybrid is an ideal car for daily urban cruising.
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