The Chevrolet Spark EV is a prototype city electric car developed by the Chevrolet division of General Motors and first shown to the public at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.[1] The Spark EV is scheduled to be sold in select U.S. and global markets beginning in 2013 in low volumes. GM has not disclosed details about the range or specific markets, except that the Spark EV will be sold in California. The electric car will be powered by a nanophosphate lithium-ion battery pack supplied by A123 Systems,[2][3] and a electric motor with a peak power of 85 kW (114 hp) and sustained power of 56 kW (75 hp).[4] The Spark EV would be the first all-electric passenger vehicle marketed by General Motors in the U.S. since the EV1 was discontinued in 2003.[2]
The Spark EV is an all-electric version of the Chevrolet Spark sold in Europe and Latin America, and marketed as the Chevrolet Beat in much of Asia. Design of the Spark EV is considering feedback from participants in Chevrolet’s electric vehicle demonstration fleets in India (Beat EV), Shanghai (Sail EV), and Korea (Cruze EV). The Beat EV prototype has a range of 80 mi (130 km).[2][3]
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The Beat EV was presented by General Motors in India in November 2011. The electric version uses the same glider as the conventional petrol and diesel-powered Chevrolet Beat. The Beat EV is powered by a 300 cell lithium-ion battery with a total energy capacity of about 20 kWh. The battery weighs 270 kg (600 lb) and has an estimated all-electric range of 130 km (81 mi) under normal driving conditions. The liquid-cooled battery can be charged from 240V domestic electrical sockets and can be operated at temperatures ranging from -20°C to 45°C. The car also has a regenerative braking system.[5]