The Spark EV will be the first vehicle on the market to offer (as an option) the new SAE combo charger, which includes Level 2 and DC fast charging.

The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV has a range of 82 miles and combined fuel economy of 119 MPGe, according to the EPA’s estimates. The diminutive new hatchback will go on sale this summer in California and Oregon.

“Being able to provide our customers with the best overall efficiency of any retail EV has always been a key target for the Spark EV engineering team,” said Pam Fletcher, GM’s chief EV engineer. “We’re poised to deliver to the market an EV that’s not just efficient, but also thrilling to drive thanks to the 400 lb-ft torque output of its electric motor.”

The Spark EV’s 21 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles. The GM-designed oil-cooled, permanent magnet motor produces around 100 kW (130 hp) with the coaxial drive unit – both components are assembled at GM’s Baltimore operations plant in White Marsh, Maryland.

The Spark EV will be the first vehicle on the market to offer (as an option) the new SAE combo charger, which includes Level 2 and DC fast charging connectors on the same plug. According to GM, fast charging allows the Spark EV to recoup 80 percent of capacity in about 20 minutes, and the battery system can handle multiple DC fast charges daily.

“The Chevrolet Spark EV is a great city car which blends technology, functionality and style in an unexpected package” said GM marketing exec Cristi Landy. “We built on the success of the Volt and the gas-powered Spark to offer an affordable, fun and efficient mini car our customers will love to drive.”

Source: GM