GM begins manufacturing Spark EV electric motor in Baltimore

General Motors has become the first domestic automaker to build electric motors and drive units in the United States. GM has announced that the manufacturing of the electric motors for its coming Spark EV have begun in Baltimore. The electric motors and drive units were imported from foreign manufacturers before GM kicked off production in the US.

Engineers and designers at GM developed the electric motor for the Spark EV to provide maximum efficiency and extreme reliability. The motor uses a permanent magnet design to precisely deliver power to the driver. The electric motor used in the Spark EV will produce 130 hp and 400 pound-foot of torque.

The electric motor will not only deliver efficiency to drivers, but it will provide impressive performance as well with the ability to rocket from a standstill to 60 mph in under 8 seconds. The first Spark EVs will go on sale in California and Oregon this summer. Sales will later expand to Canada, Europe, and South Korea.

GM said that all of its employees at the Baltimore assembly plant underwent extensive training to be able to operate the sophisticated machinery required to build the electric motors. The workers were also extensively trained on how to configure portions of the electric motor and drive units. There's no indication at this time of when the vehicle will be offered for sale outside of California and Oregon within the United States.

[via GM]