General Motors Co., maker of the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid, announced its plans Wednesday to introduce a fully electric version of the Chevrolet Spark in select U.S. markets beginning sometime in 2013.
The forthcoming mini car, named the Spark EV , will reportedly be modeled after the Chevrolet Beat EV concept, which was unveiled in India earlier this year .
While details are thus far scarce on the electrified Spark, Car and Driver reports that it will feature a nanophosphate lithium-ion battery from A123 Systems – for shorter charge times and increased battery usage – and probably have a range of 80 miles or so.
“The Spark EV offers customers living in urban areas who have predictable driving patterns or short commutes an all-electric option,” said Jim Federico, global vehicle chief engineer for electric vehicles at Chevrolet.
Federico added that the Spark EV was another “step in Chevrolet’s plan to provide customers with a variety of electrification solutions to address the lifestyle and transportation needs of people around the world.”
GM has not yet announced details such as quantities, price or in what markets it might be sold.
To see the Chevrolet Spark EV in action, check out the clip below: via USA Today
