Chevrolet Spark Dubbed Most Efficient Electric Vehicle In US Market

On November 27, 2012, Chevrolet unveiled the 2014 Spark electric vehicle at the LA Auto Show, an EV offering a 130 HP electric motor alongside a 20+ kWh lithium ion battery. Fast forward half a year, and the small electric car has been dubbed the most efficient retail EV in the US, offering an EPA-estimated range of 82 miles. Calculated out, this comes out as a 119MPGe equivalent.

The 2014 Spark hasn't hit the market yet, slated for Oregon and California later this year. The numbers indicate, according to General Motors, that it will save drivers up to $9,000 in fuel over the course of a five-year period. In addition to its high fuel rating, this electric car is also said to be on the verge of setting the new acceleration benchmark for urban EVs, clocking in at less than 8 seconds in the 0 to 60mph test.

Such a benchmark is made possible, says GM, by the Spark's oil-cooled electric motor, which features a permanent magnet design that outputs in excess of 100 kW of power and 400 lb-ft of torque. Recharging the Spark has been expedited via approval for an SAE combo charger that enables DC Fast Charging, resulting in an 80-percent charge in 20 minutes. General Motors says this is the first EV to offer the feature.

General Motors' Executive Chief Engineer for Electrified Vehicles Pam Fletcher said: "Being able to provide our customers with the best overall efficiency of any retail EV has always been a key target for the Spark EV engineering team. We're poised to deliver to the market an EV that's not just efficient, but also thrilling to drive thanks to the 400 lb-ft torque output of its electric motor."

[via GM]