The Detroit-based automaker released photos and more information about the all-electric mini car earlier today, including pricing of ''under $25,000 with tax incentives.''
DETROIT, MI- Ahead of the 2012 LA Auto Show, General Motors Co. is expected to debut the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV today in Los Angeles.
The Detroit-based automaker released photos and more information about the all-electric mini car earlier today, including pricing of “under $25,000 with tax incentives.”
The expected price positions it lower than two of what are expected to be its top competitors -- the Nissan Leaf and Ford Focus Electric. The 2012 Leaf starts at $27,700 with the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles. The 2013 Focus at about $32,495 with the tax credit.
According to GM, the Spark EV, which is set to go on sale next summer, is expected to have among the best EV battery range in its segment and be the first electric vehicle to offer SAE Combo DC Fast Charging capability, enabling the Spark EV to reach 80-percent battery charge in just 20 minutes.
“When you engineer a technology-filled, all-electric mini car that goes from zero-to-60 mph in less than eight seconds, customers won’t miss the gas,” said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America, in a statement.
With the extended-range Chevrolet Volt, Chevrolet accounts for more than 50 percent of all plug-in electric vehicle sales in the U.S., according to officials who expect the Spark EV to grow on those sales.
“The Volt and now the Spark EV show that Chevrolet not only knows EVs better than anyone else, we also know how to help customers get the most out of their EV experience,” Reuss said.
In addition to previously announced markets including California and South Korea, Spark EV will also go on sale in participating dealerships throughout Oregon, Canada and other global markets.
The drive unit and motor will be assembled of U.S. and globally sourced parts at GM’s White Marsh, Md., manufacturing facility, and the first time a U.S. automaker has built both a complete electric motor and drive unit for a modern electric vehicle in the U.S., according to GM.
“The Spark EV battery has undergone more than 200,000 hours of testing in our global battery systems labs,” said Pamela Fletcher, Chevrolet executive chief engineer of electrified vehicles, in a statement. “It is extremely durable and has undergone the same abuse tolerance testing as the Volt battery.”
Spark EV’s long-life battery is designed to be safe, durable and reliable, and is warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles. It consists of a 560-pound (254 kg) square lithium-ion battery pack with a volume of 133 liters, comprising 336 prismatic cells.
GM did not release exact pricing or performance details. Officials have previously said they expect the vehicle to be a “benchmark” for urban electric vehicles.
Chevrolet is expected to unveil its next-generation infotainment system as well as the Spark EV today in Los Angeles at a special media event.
In addition to the infotainment system and Spark EV, other Chevrolet vehicles expected to be on display at the LA Auto Show include the Impala, Malibu Turbo mid-size sedan, Sonic RS, Traverse full-size crossover and Camaro Hot Wheels edition.
Overall, about 50 vehicles will be unveiled at this year’s show. The LA Auto Show is open to the public from Nov. 30 through Dec. 19. About 50 vehicles, including at least 17 worldwide unveilings, are expected to debut during the show’s press preview days from Nov. 28-29.
Continue to check back to MLive Autos for continuing coverage of the LA Auto Show, including all the best unveilings from Los Angeles during press preview days and the 2013 "Green Car of the Year." Follow all of the news here.
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