An all-electric version of the Chevrolet Spark, which has 130 horsepower and is powered by an electric motor and a 20 kWh lithium ion battery, will go sale next summer in California, Oregon, Canada and in South Korea, where it’s manufactured.
General Motors didn’t disclose the range of the electric Spark, but said the electric version of the popular entry level car, will accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than eight seconds.
The price of the Spark also hasn’t been released, but it will be eligible for the $7,500
federal tax credit. The gas-operated Spark starts at $12,245, while the electric could cost nearly double the amount of its sibling.
According to the Chevrolet, which is showcasing the Spark at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the new all-electric car will also feature:
* SAE Combo DC Fast Charge capability, which can charge the battery to 80 percent of capacity in about 20 minutes. It can also be fully recharged in seven hours using a standard 240-volt outlet, or longer using a 120-volt outlet.
* Additional standard equipent: leather seats, GM’s OnStar safety system and a smartphone-based infotainment system, 10 air bags and electronic stability control.
Article Last Updated: December 3, 2012.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
