2014 Chevy Spark to cost less than $32,500
Chevrolet has released more details on its 2014 Spark EV, ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Along with official photos of the electric Spark, Chevy is hinting at a price "below $25,000 with incentives", meaning a pre-incentive price of under $32,500.
That puts the pre-incentive price more or less where you'd expect--less than the $35,200 Nissan Leaf, but more than the 2012 Mitsubishi i ($29,125) and the smaller, two-seat 2013 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive ($25,750).
Chevrolet also appears to be holding true to its promise that the Spark EV isn't a compliance car, as it's set to go on sale not only in California, but Oregon, Canada, South Korea and other global markets.
High specification
The specification list reads more favorably than the typical compliance car, too.
Spark EVs are powered by a 110 kW (130 hp) electric motor, which puts out an impressive 400 lb-ft of torque. A 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is expected to give the Spark one of the best EV ranges on the market.
That battery is warranted for 8 years or 100,000 miles, and makes up 560-pounds of the car's total weight. Chevy is confident that the battery will prove durable, having undergone the same tolerance testing as the unit in the Volt. 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV Prototype first drive
Charging is handled by a common on-board charging receptacle, suitable not only for AC 240V and 120V outlets, but also optional SAE Combo DC Fast Charge capability.
This can charge the battery to 80 percent capacity in only 20 minutes. Normal recharging time on 240V is under seven hours, from empty.
Improved aerodynamics
Chevy has worked hard on the Spark's aero capabilities, and says that several tweaks made to the bodywork have harvested the equivalent of 2.5 miles of range, compared to a Spark EV using the standard gasoline car's bodywork.
Continuing the full production car attention to detail, the Spark EV's interior features two, seven-inch color LCD screens for displaying information. In car infotainmentt includes MyLink radio, with navigation, internet radio and Siri compatibility for iPhone users.
The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV will be unveiled in full at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. Head over toour dedicated show page for more coverage from L.A.
