Published March 20, 2012
By Jeff Cobb
Trista Schieffer, Chevrolet Spark EV lead development engineer prior to taking the electric Sparks out on the road. ( Photo by GM)
In official GM-sponsored blog posts, Chevrolet highlighted brief info about its 2013 Spark EV saying already it’s good for over 106 miles range, though not specifying how much more.
The cars – camouflaged then driven in a caravan in open view and highlighted by a brief YouTube video – will build on lessons learned from the Volt, not to mention converted GM test mule EVs undergoing testing in regions around the world.
“The Camo's on, but we're inviting spy photographers and enthusiasts alike to come find us,” said Trista Schieffer, Lead Development Engineer, Chevrolet Spark EV.
The exotic locale for the most recent Spark EV parade, photo op, and shake-down run was through the wild streets of Southern California, where this vehicle will be targeted when launched in its initial limited production next year.
“Allow me to modify one of the best movie quotes of all time: ‘It's 106 miles to LA, we've got full battery charge, half a pack of twizzlers, it's dark … and we're wearing sunglasses - HIT IT!,’" she said.
<object width="610" height="340">><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/i3kkfrMCrVw?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0">/></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">/></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">/></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/i3kkfrMCrVw?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="610" height="340" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true">></embed></object>
The Spark EV will be Chevrolet's first production EV since the EV1, and the company says it will offer more such (not-so) sneak previews for the new car that uses A123 Systems lithium nanophosphate batteries, and sport an 85-kilowatt (114-horsepower) electric motor.
We’ve not heard what it will sell for, but will keep a look out for more news on Chevrolet’s battery powered city car.
Chevrolet VoltAge
