Chevrolet Spark EV EPA-rated at 119 MPGe and 82-mile range
24 April 2013
The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV (earlier post) now carries a combined city/highway EPA-estimated range of 82 miles when fully charged and an EPA-estimated combined city/highway 119 MPGe fuel economy equivalent (28 kWh/100 miles), making it one of the most fuel-efficient EVs assessed by the EPA.
By comparison, the 2013 Scion iQ EV is EPA-rated at 121 MPGe; the Honda Fit EV at 118 MPGe; the Fiat 500e at 116 MPGe; the i-MiEV at 112 MPGe; the Ford Focus Electric at 105 MPGe; and the smart fortwo electric at 107 MPGe. Other EVs on the market have combined fuel economy ratings below 100 MPGe.
The Spark EV’s 21 kWh lithium-ion battery pack carries a limited warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Spark EV will be the first vehicle on the market to offer as an available option the recently approved SAE combo charger for DC Fast Charging. The capability, available shortly after launch, will enable the Spark EV to recharge up to 80% of its capacity in approximately 20 minutes. The battery system 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 comes standard. Charging can be managed and monitored remotely using the Spark EV’s smart phone application, provided by OnStar, which is standard for three years.
The GM designed oil-cooled, permanent magnet motor is the heart of the Spark EV’s propulsion system. Putting more than half a million road miles on development versions of the Spark EV enabled engineers to make the performance of the electric motor the best it could be by using a bar wound copper stator and unique rotor configuration.
Maybe this could be an honest, low end, GM vs Nissan BEV competition.
In any case, on the surface it offers more positive choice, volume, and exposure for BEVs.
Posted by: kelly | 24 April 2013 at 10:13 AM
I have heard that it will be priced at $25K. If that is true, that would be awesome. I will withhold judgement however, since GM has shown no sign of practical pricing on the Volt.
Posted by: Brotherkenny4 | 24 April 2013 at 11:00 AM
Check that, I believe $25K is after the anticipated federal tax break, so the Leaf is likely the better value.
Posted by: Brotherkenny4 | 24 April 2013 at 11:03 AM
While a good effort, I don't think it will sell that well compared to the LEAF.
While range is similar and the A123 batteries should be near bullet-proof, the car is smaller and more expensive than the LEAF.
If the Spark EV comes in at $25 after federal tax credit that is about $2-3k more than the LEAF.
Now if they had put the same drivetrain into the Cruze but perhaps with another 5-6 kWh of battery for the same price, I think they'd have a better chance of competing.
Otherwise this car will remain the same league as the Fit EV, Focus EV, iMiEV and other similar EVs.
Posted by: Dave R | 24 April 2013 at 11:11 AM
"..will enable the Spark EV to recharge up to 80% of its capacity in approximately 20 minutes. The battery system is capable of handling multiple DC Fast Charges daily."
vs Leaf 5 passenger seating could yield interesting data and sales.
Posted by: kelly | 24 April 2013 at 11:30 AM
The batteries will probably last 2 to 3 times longer than the car?
Posted by: HarveyD | 26 April 2013 at 07:33 AM