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Chevrolet will bring battery-powered Spark EV to U.S.
Shoppers who feel that
leasing a car should not increase their gasoline budget will soon have a new choice for a battery-powered vehicle.
Chevrolet will start selling the Spark EV - an all-electric version of the Chevrolet Spark mini-car - in its California
car leasing lots in 2013, the company said this week. Not yet intended for a full-scale distribution, the car will be available in limited quantities only in select U.S. and global markets.
Designers will create the Spark EV with feedback from drivers in Chevrolet's electric vehicle demonstration fleets in China, Korea and India. Then, engineers will build its electric motor with advanced nanophosphate lithium-ion battery packs from A123 Systems.
Launching another electric car could allow the automaker to expand its range of customers beyond the typical drivers of Corvette and Camaro sports cars, Silverado pickups, Suburban SUVs, and the Sonic and Cruze small passenger cars.
"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. "It complements Chevrolet's growing range of electrified vehicles, including the Volt extended-range EV and the 2013 Malibu Eco with eAssist technology."
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