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GM to build all-electric Spark

Chevrolet has joined the growing list of carmakers with all-electric vehicles in the pipeline, announcing that it will sell the Spark EV in select markets beginning in 2013.

 

Chevrolet has joined the growing list of carmakers with all-electric vehicles in the pipeline, announcing that it will sell the Spark EV in select markets beginning in 2013.

The new runabout will be based on the Spark, a nimble two-door city car that GM currently sells in Europe, and on wisdom gleaned from the fleets of prototype EVs that Chevrolet operates in China, Korea and India. Technical details are hush-hush at this point, except that the new EV will use an “advanced, nanophosphate lithium-ion battery pack” from A123 Systems.

The new addition to Chevy’s lineup is aimed at a different niche from the Volt, with its backup gas engine. The Spark EV should appeal to drivers in big cities, where it may soon compete for postage-stamp parking spaces with the likes of the Smart Car.

“The Spark EV offers customers living in urban areas who have predictable driving patterns or short commutes an all-electric option,” said Chevrolet’s Jim Federico, “It complements Chevrolet’s growing range of electrified vehicles, including the Volt extended-range EV and the 2013 Malibu Eco with eAssist technology. 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.”

GM also plans to offer two more Voltec-based electric/gas vehicles in 2012 or 2013 – a hatchback and a crossover called the Volt MPV5, which debuted at last year’s Beijing Auto Show.

 

Image: General Motors

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