The 2014 Spark EV trades the “regular” Spark’s 1.25-liter 4-cylinder engine for a 130-horsepower electric motor. Chevy says the Spark EV will accelerate from 0-60 in less than 8 seconds. Power comes from a lithium-ion battery pack that will have “more than” 20-kWh of capacity. Chevy did not announce the Spark EV’s range.
Crossover Illusion: Meet the Chevrolet Spark Activ
The company claims Spark EV will be the first electric vehicle to be available with SAE Combo DC Fast Charging capability, which allows the car to get a 80-percent battery charge in 20 minutes. The car can also be charged on AC 240V and AC 120V electricity. It is possible to charge the car in about 7 hours using a dedicated 240V outlet.
Full pricing was not announced, but GM says Spark EV will sell for less than $25,000 after all available tax incentives. The Spark EV will be sold in California, Oregon, Canada, and other selected markets globally.
In other news, Chevrolet announced enhancements to the MyLink entertainment system that’s offered in selected Spark and Sonic models. In early 2013, the system will begin supporting Siri integration for Apple iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 users running iOS 6. The revised MyLink system will allow drivers to use Siri, the iPhone’s virtual assistant, hands-free to perform certain tasks. These include placing phone calls to numbers in Contacts, playing songs in the iTunes library, and listening to, composing, and sending an iMessage or text to a person in Contacts.
CG Says: We like Chevy’s Spark, and welcome the new electric version. The addition of quick-charge capability is nice, but in a market that’s quickly filling with new electric vehicles, we wonder what needs to be done to charge up potential buyers.
The iPhone users on our staff are curious to try out Siri on the new MyLink system. Being able to use one voice-controlled system wherever you are may prove to be a significant advancement in hands-free connectivity.
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