General Motors has released mileage details on it’s upcoming all electric car, the Spark EV. The 2014 Chevy Spark EV will have a combined city/highway EPA estimated range of 82 miles when fully charged and an EPA-estimated combined city/highway 119 MPGe fuel economy equivalent.
This means that the Spark EV will be the most efficient electric car on the market when it goes on sale this summer. GM claims that over a 5 year ownership period the Spark EV could potentially save owners $9,000 in fuel costs. If gas prices keep going up that estimate could be on target.
The Spark EV is equipped with a 130-horsepower engine with 400 lb-ft or torque. “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.” mentioned Pam Fletcher, GM executive chief engineer for electrified vehicles.
The Chevrolet Spark EV will go from 0-60 mph in under 8 seconds. While that doesn’t sound fast being one of the few people to have driven the 2014 Spark EV at GM’s Baltimore operations, I can attest that the Spark EV is actually quite fun-to-drive. It feels agile, but is not fast, and the the ride is smooth. I wouldn’t described the driving experience as “thrilling” but I don’t think regular drivers nor car enthusiasts will be disappointed.
The electric motors and drive unit for the Spark EV will be built at the GM’s Baltimore operations located in White Marsh, MD. Last week, the plant celebrated Spark EV motor and drive unit production, which I was in attendance for. This marked the first time a major U.S. automaker has both designed and built a complete electric motor and drive unit for an electric vehicle in the US. (The final assembly of the Spark EV is in South Korea.)
The Spark EV’s battery will be a 21 kWh lithium-ion pack and carry a limited warranty protection of 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Range figures have not been released for the Spark EV as of this writing.
GM is also quick to point out that the Spark EV will be the first electric vehicle on the market to offer as an available option the recently approved SAE combo charger for DC Fast Charging. The capability, available shortly after launch, will enable the Spark EV to recharge up to 80 percent of its capacity in approximately 20 minutes. The battery system is capable of handling multiple DC Fast Charges daily. Charging can also be completed in less than seven hours using a dedicated 240V charge. A 120V charge cord set comes standard. Charging can be managed and monitored remotely using the Spark EV’s smart phone application, provided by OnStar, which is standard for 3 years.
“The Chevrolet Spark EV is a great city car which blends technology, functionality and style in an unexpected package” said Cristi Landy, director of Chevrolet small and electrified vehicle marketing.
