13.2.2013 Electric Chevrolet Spark to reach Europe

Following the global reveal of the Spark Electric Vehicle in Los Angeles last year, Chevrolet's all-new battery-powered mini car will be presented to a European audience for the first time at this year's Geneva Motor Show.

The car will be sold in select European markets as of 2014. It will be powered by the most advanced electric motor and battery system General Motors has ever built.

"The Spark EV is a fun-to-drive zero-emission city car with intelligent connectivity. We believe it will resonate particularly in some of Europe's most technologically advanced markets," says Susan Docherty, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet and Cadillac Europe.

Its fast acceleration and torque of 542 Nm make the Spark EV a small car with enjoyable driving dynamics. The heart of the Spark EV's propulsion system is its GM-designed permanent magnet electric motor. It delivers more than 130 hp (100 kW) and will enable 0 to 62 mph acceleration in under 8.5 seconds.

The Spark EV will be equipped with a lithium-ion battery system of more than 20 kWh that operates with the help of an active liquid cooling and heating system. The battery pack in the Spark EV is expected to achieve a driving range that is among the best in its class. The battery pack has been engineered to enable both regular alternate current (AC) and direct current (DC) fast charging.

DC fast charging will allow the car to recharge up to 80% of its capacity in approximately 20 minutes. Moreover, the battery system is capable of handling multiple DC fast charges daily. AC recharging requires between 6 and 8 hours, using a 230V outlet. A charge cord set is standard.

The Spark EV was designed to look edgy and expressive. Among the most prominent aspects of the interior is a column-mounted instrument cluster that features one of two seven-inch full-colour LCD screens. The other display is located in the centre stack and serves as the interface for infotainment, cabin climate controls and energy-efficiency data.

The Spark electric vehicle will begin to appear in Europe early next year, and is likely to be competitive in terms of technical specification as well as pricing.