GM Reveals 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV - 130 HP, 400 lb ft torque

FenwickHockey65 · 11-15-2012, 05:02 PM

Spark EV Delivers Exceptional Power, Fast-Charge Capability
Chevrolet’s new electric car goes 0-60 mph in under eight seconds
General Motors

November 15, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO – 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.

jdenotter · 11-15-2012, 05:39 PM

Nice a overpowered golf cart

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

trewyn15 · 11-15-2012, 06:21 PM

400 ft lbs of tq, sounds like hella burnouts!!!

KMPrenger · 11-15-2012, 07:17 PM

Pretty cool....but I can't get over how those headlights go all the way back to the windsheild lol.

I still like it for a small compact car though, and this looks to have promise.

GaBoy25 · 11-15-2012, 07:24 PM

Anythings better than a Prius

MikeSVX · 11-15-2012, 08:28 PM

No word on range for fully charged battery......

SleepWarz · 11-15-2012, 11:27 PM

I wonder if that torque would be good for towing.
I'm sure the car isn't designed for it but why the hell not with 400 foot pounds.
My newyorker with half of that tows just fine.

midnighter · 11-15-2012, 11:31 PM

My R/C car has 500 ft lbs of volt

fielderLS3 · 11-15-2012, 11:31 PM

Pricing? Expected battery life? Range?

*DGthe3* · 11-15-2012, 11:39 PM

I'm going to guess that torque is after gear reduction. Thats a fairly common practice for electric vehicles, because ... well, I don't know why they decided to do it differently that its done for regular cars. The equivalent would be saying that the Camaro SS manual makes 1449 ft-lbs in 4th gear

FenwickHockey65 · 11-15-2012, 11:48 PM

No clue what the range will be, but most are pegging around 60-70 miles, maybe more.

Same deal with pricing. When you consider a Spark tops out around $15k, however, subtracting the cost of the engine + exhaust and adding in the EV drivetrain could bring the Spark EV to mid 20s. Which, if true, could make it the first reasonably affordable EV on the market.

SleepWarz · 11-16-2012, 12:11 AM

Affordable maybe, however the looks leave much to be desired for a mid 20k car. Mainly the headlights. But then again there is only so much to do with that shape really. Once the new tech cost on the EV drivetrains come down I suspect we will see various iterations of this as packages for GM's other commuter/grocery getter vehicles.

Captain Awesome · 11-16-2012, 12:56 AM

I wonder how well the heater works in this thing.

SleepWarz · 11-16-2012, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Awesome

I wonder how well the heater works in this thing.

Electric, so most likely just fine. There is a reason why I have an electric heater in the 69. =p

11-15-2012, 05:02 PM	#1
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2023 Expedition Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 37,375 View My Garage	GM Reveals 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV - 130 HP, 400 lb ft torque Spark EV Delivers Exceptional Power, Fast-Charge Capability Chevrolet’s new electric car goes 0-60 mph in under eight seconds General Motors November 15, 2012 SAN FRANCISCO – 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. __________________ 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation 2023 Ford Expedition SSV (State-Issued)

11-15-2012, 05:39 PM	#2
jdenotter Drives: 2010 2SS/RS,M6,Black w/CGM Stripes Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Nashville, NC Posts: 1,777 View My Garage	Nice a overpowered golf cart Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2 __________________ 3" RDP Motorsports aggressive cat-back exhaust w/ x-pipe, Vararam CAI, Hurst's short throw shifter, Gary's Customs painted bowties, Ofer's HID DRL/Fog Light wiring harness, Kelvin 8K HID DRL bulbs, ZL1 grille. Johnson's window tint film, LSR lowering springs, Metra dash kit with Pioneer In-Dash DVD head unit.

11-15-2012, 06:21 PM	#3
trewyn15 Drives: 2004 Monte Carlo LS Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Janesville, WI Posts: 2,414	400 ft lbs of tq, sounds like hella burnouts!!! __________________ 2004 Monte Carlo LS - 1966 AMC Rambler Rebel Classic - 2000 Trans Am WS6

11-15-2012, 07:17 PM	#4
KMPrenger Drives: 16 Camaro SS, 15 Colorado Join Date: May 2009 Location: Jefferson City, Missouri Posts: 13,967	Pretty cool....but I can't get over how those headlights go all the way back to the windsheild lol. I still like it for a small compact car though, and this looks to have promise. __________________ 2016 Camaro 1SS - 8-speed - NPP - Black bowties 2010 Camaro 1LT V6 (Sold. I will miss her!)

11-15-2012, 11:31 PM	#9
fielderLS3 Drives: 2016 Mazda6, 2011 Mustang 5.0 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Portage, Wisconsin Posts: 4,049	Pricing? Expected battery life? Range? __________________ 2022 1SS 1LE (Arrived 4/29/22) "The car is the closest thing we will ever create to something that is alive." . 2022 1SS 1LE (Coming Soon)

11-15-2012, 08:28 PM	#6
MikeSVX The magic smoke genie.... Drives: Jewels (2010 RJT 1SS) Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Escondido, CA Posts: 2,294	No word on range for fully charged battery......

11-15-2012, 11:27 PM	#7
SleepWarz Banned Drives: 1991 New Yorker, 69 Tbird, ABM2SSRS Join Date: May 2009 Location: BC Canada Posts: 2,248 View My Garage	I wonder if that torque would be good for towing. I'm sure the car isn't designed for it but why the hell not with 400 foot pounds. My newyorker with half of that tows just fine.

11-15-2012, 11:31 PM	#8
midnighter Account Suspended Drives: nothing Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: a hole Posts: 17,904	My R/C car has 500 ft lbs of volt

11-15-2012, 11:39 PM	#10
DGthe3 Moderator.ca Drives: 05 Grand Am GT Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Niagara, Canada Posts: 25,366	I'm going to guess that torque is after gear reduction. Thats a fairly common practice for electric vehicles, because ... well, I don't know why they decided to do it differently that its done for regular cars. The equivalent would be saying that the Camaro SS manual makes 1449 ft-lbs in 4th gear __________________ Note, if I've gotten any facts wrong in the above, just ignore any points I made with them __________________ Originally Posted by FbodFather My sister's dentist's brother's cousin's housekeeper's dog-breeder's nephew sells coffee filters to the company that provides coffee to General Motors...... ........and HE WOULD KNOW!!!! __________________ Camaro Fest sub-forum

11-15-2012, 11:48 PM	#11
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2023 Expedition Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 37,375 View My Garage	No clue what the range will be, but most are pegging around 60-70 miles, maybe more. Same deal with pricing. When you consider a Spark tops out around $15k, however, subtracting the cost of the engine + exhaust and adding in the EV drivetrain could bring the Spark EV to mid 20s. Which, if true, could make it the first reasonably affordable EV on the market. __________________ 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation 2023 Ford Expedition SSV (State-Issued)

11-16-2012, 12:11 AM	#12
SleepWarz Banned Drives: 1991 New Yorker, 69 Tbird, ABM2SSRS Join Date: May 2009 Location: BC Canada Posts: 2,248 View My Garage	Affordable maybe, however the looks leave much to be desired for a mid 20k car. Mainly the headlights. But then again there is only so much to do with that shape really. Once the new tech cost on the EV drivetrains come down I suspect we will see various iterations of this as packages for GM's other commuter/grocery getter vehicles.

11-16-2012, 12:56 AM	#13
Captain Awesome Account Suspended Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New York Posts: 3,746	I wonder how well the heater works in this thing.