Spark EV Delivers Exceptional Power, Fast-Charge Capability

[ne_one]

Spark EV Delivers Exceptional Power, Fast-Charge Capability
GM
November 15, 2012

The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV will set a benchmark for urban electric vehicles when it arrives in California dealer showrooms next summer by offering industry-leading EV power, outstanding driving range, and exceptional fast-charge capability.

Spark EV’s driving force is an oil-cooled, permanent magnet motor that produces at least 100 kW (130 hp) and instantaneous torque of about 400 lb.-ft. with the coaxial drive unit, resulting in 0-60 mph acceleration in less than eight seconds.

Not only is Spark EV quick for its segment, its industry-first SAE combo charger will allow DC Fast Charging of up to 80 percent of battery capacity in approximately 20 minutes. That capability, available shortly after market launch, also will provide EV range among the best in the segment.

“When our team set out to develop the propulsion system for Spark EV, we knew we had to provide surprising fun-to-drive acceleration with maximum efficiency,” said Spark EV Chief Engineer Chuck Russell.

“What we think customers will enjoy most is how fun Spark EV is to drive; it’s seamless and power is available at every stage of the drive,” Russell said. “This will help us to provide an exciting option for those customers who are looking for an EV that’s as much fun to drive as it is environmentally responsible.”

Spark EV’s more than 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack will carry on Chevrolet’s tradition of industry-leading warranty protection of eight years /100,000 miles, and is capable of handling multiple DC Fast Charges daily. Charging can also be completed in less than seven hours using a dedicated 240V charge. A 120V charge cord set is standard. Charging can be managed and monitored remotely using the Spark EV’s smart phone application, provided by OnStar.

“Spark EV’s battery has undergone more than 200,000 hours of testing in our global battery systems labs,” said Larry Nitz, executive director of GM’s global electrification engineering team. “This testing paved the way to allow our customers to do multiple DC Fast Charges daily to help alleviate range anxiety and improve convenience.”

The Spark EV team was able to leverage expertise gained on the groundbreaking Chevrolet Volt program and uses many of the same components and systems. More than 75 percent of the propulsion system components are from the Volt and GM’s hybrid truck programs.

Spark EV’s motor and drive unit will be manufactured beginning in early 2013 at GM’s transmission plant in White Marsh, Md., near Baltimore. It is the first time a U.S. auto manufacturer has built both a complete electric motor and drive unit for a modern electric vehicle in the United States.

“Spark EV is the latest demonstration of our growing expertise in electric motor and battery technologies – expertise we will need as we grow our portfolio of electric vehicles to address the needs of our global customers,” Nitz said.

Video available at link.

[ne_one]

permanent magnet motor that produces at least 100 kW (130 hp) and instantaneous torque of about 400 lb.-ft. with the coaxial drive unit, resulting in 0-60 mph acceleration in less than eight seconds

That's... ludicrous speed!

[wallus13]

It sounds like a winner... now the question will be price.

[zete]

That should be a blast to drive.

My guess in terms of price is $25k ($15k - $2k (engine, exhaust, etc.) + $12k (Voltec & battery)). If they can do that they'll do a serious number on the Leaf.

The price will tell us a lot about the price of the packs and what we might be seeing in terms of Volt prices next year.

[nsap]

I would not mind owning one of these as my daily driver. Not at all.

[balthazar]

2300 lbs (gas version) and 400 ft-lbs at idle seems pathetically slow at 7.9 sec to 60.
Unless it's burning the tires right down to the belts vs triggering the radar gun...

[ChevyRules]

May god have mercy on the batteries soul for the owners that fast charge the battery.....

[FenwickHockey65]

That should be a blast to drive.

My guess in terms of price is $25k ($15k - $2k (engine, exhaust, etc.) + $12k (Voltec & battery)). If they can do that they'll do a serious number on the Leaf.

The price will tell us a lot about the price of the packs and what we might be seeing in terms of Volt prices next year.

If it does end up being $25k (plus tax incentive) this thing will destroy the Leaf in sales. Even if it is much smaller.

The first affordable EV?

[usa1]

I'm betting $30K before tax credits.

[F14CRAZY]

limited availability "compliance" car..."moving on..."

[MechEng]

I'm betting $30K before tax credits.

I would have to agree. $27K to $30K is my guess before tax credits.

This won't be a base Spark.
More like a 2LT Spark with number of added features (my guess):
optional heated seats
custom LCD displays
different suspension setup (to handle added weight)
push button start and keyless operation

But this car will be quick. Especially off the line. Decent at higher speeds.

I think it still could do well. Wish it had 6.6KW L2 charging (as most charging stations are 6.6KW or greater). I would strongly consider it as a second car.

I hope they sell it in Canada. At least in the markets where the Volt is doing well.

[Ambalanche]

I saw a Spark at the dealership when I had 45's first oil change. Kinda underwhelmed and blah. Micro car, whatever. Maybe new Chevette... But then I saw one drive by in Publix's parking lot, then I saw one on the road and I have to say, I actually like the little *****! As an EV, as long as it's not super expensive, Chevy might even have something here!

[hydrogen]

Sign me up! I hope it delivers like the Volt.

[gdvalente]

Perhaps the first practical EV? Now if they'd just fix the ugly factor.

[r22wink]

Any speculation on range?? Also, what exactly is this quick charge? Can a person do it from home with the proper hook up?