Shanghai General Motors launched its Sail SPRINGO EV at the Auto Guangzhou 2012 show, and revealed some technical specs for the new electric hatchback. For now, a limited number will go on sale in a Shanghai trial program. Eventually, all of Shanghai GM’s “new energy” vehicles will be sold through an exclusive “Drive to Green” sales network. The first showroom is expected to open in the first half of 2013 in Shanghai, with more to follow as the market develops.
At least in appearance, the Chinese EV is very similar to the Chevrolet Spark EV, which is scheduled for a US launch in 2013. According to GM, however, the SPRINGO is based on a new electric vehicle architecture. It features a permanent magnet electric motor that produces 85 kW of power and up to 510 Nm of torque. Top speed is 130 km/h, and she’ll go 0-100 km/h in just over 10 seconds. The liquid-cooled battery provides a range of 130 km, and efficiency is 15 kWh/100 km. Fill ‘er up using a 3.3 kW charging station or a standard household outlet. There are three charging modes, which can be managed remotely using a smartphone app from Shanghai OnStar.
The Sail SPRINGO EV carries a warranty of three years or 80,000 km, and five years or 100,000 km on the battery. Shanghaians who “spring” RMB 258,000 (US$41,460) for a Sail enjoy incentives of up to RMB 60,000 (US$9,642) from the Chinese government and RMB 40,000 (US$6,428) from the city, as well as a free special EV license plate.
“Production of the Sail SPRINGO EV is an important milestone in Shanghai GM’s ‘Drive to Green’ product strategy,” said Shanghai GM President Ye Yongming. “It demonstrates Shanghai GM’s success in the pursuit of electrification and other eco-friendly technologies for the benefit of our customers.”
Source: GM
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