General Motors [GM] has a number of electrification projects currently in production, including the light hybrid eAssist system, such as found on the Chevy Malibu Eco, full hybrid system, such as the Chevy Silverado Hybrid pick-up truck, and extended range electric vehicle [EV] technology, such as found in the Chevy Volt.
So far this year, some 50,000 GM vehicles with some form of electrification have been sold, with more expected globally.
The new Chevy Spark EV, to be officially unveiled at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, is just one example of GM’s electrification projects coming to fruition. Building on Chevy Spark’s popularity as a highly fuel efficient and fun-to-drive vehicle, General Motors sees the small form factor as ideal for electrification.
One thing that we learned about this week, which could change the face of EV marketing as we know it, is that the Chevy Spark EV will take advantage of the newly-approved fast charging system. The new standard will be able to fast-charge the depleted battery pack to 80% in as little as twenty minutes. For potential consumers with range jitters and charging concerns, this will come as welcome news.
The pure electric version of the Spark was to be powered by a battery pack from the now-defunct A123 Systems, supposed to be picked up by Johnson Controls. Bankruptcy proceedings are still underway, so its anyone’s guess what battery technology the new EV should be getting.
