27.11.2012 Chevrolet Spark EV announced for 2014

Chevrolet has announced the launch of the Spark EV, ahead of the Los Angeles International Auto Show , which takes place between November 30th and December 9th.

Expected to go on sale in 2014, the Chevrolet Spark EV will be priced at under $25,000 (£15,600) with tax incentives taken into account.

Although the Spark EV is confirmed to go on sale in markets across the US, Canada and South Korea, it is unclear whether or not it will eventually make its way to Europe.

Like the groundbreaking BMW i3, the Chevrolet Spark EV will feature ‘smart performance and connectivity technologies’, including LCD screens with the potential to display a ‘confidence gauge’, capable of estimating driving range ‘based on driving habits and weather conditions.’

It is reported that the car’s 110 kW electric motor and 20 kWh lithium ion battery will ‘provide among the best EV range performance’ in its class. Along with impressive range, the car is also set to become the first EV in North America to feature an optional SAE combo DC Fast Charge capability, able to charge the battery to 80% capacity in just 20 minutes.

Additionally, the 254kg battery will remain under warranty for 8 years, or 100,000 miles. Chevrolet Executive Chief Engineer of Electrified Vehicles, Pamela Fletcher said: "The Spark EV battery has undergone more than 200,000 hours of testing in our global battery systems labs... it is extremely durable and has undergone the same abuse tolerance testing as the Volt battery."

Los Angeles International Auto Show