2014 Chevrolet Spark EV Quick-Charges To 80% Capacity In 20 Minutes

The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV debuts at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show later this week, but General Motors has released advanced information about the new electric drive system that's installed in the car.

Comprised of a permanent magnet-electric motor and a Lithium-ion battery pack that Chevy says will provide more than 20 kWh of power, the electric drive system generates 130 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, the latter available the instant the driver steps on the accelerator. The system helps the diminutive 2014 Spark EV accelerate to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds.

The car comes with a standard power cord that is compatible with a household 120-volt power outlet. Opt for a 240-volt home charger, and the Spark EV's battery takes 7 hours to recharge, according to Chevrolet. Use a DC fast charging unit, like those increasingly offered by municipalities, and the Spark EV reaches an 80% charge in just 20 minutes. Spark EV owners can remotely manage vehicle charging using an OnStar smartphone application.

Chevrolet says the Spark EV is specifically designed to handle multiple daily DC quick charges over the course of its 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty. "Spark EV's battery has undergone more than 200,000 hours of testing in our global battery systems labs," said Larry Nitz, executive director of GM's global electrification engineering team. "This testing paved the way to allow our customers to do multiple DC Fast Charges daily to help alleviate range anxiety and improve convenience."

The 2014 Spark EV goes on sale in California in the summer of 2013.

2014 Chevrolet Spark EV Quick-Charges to 80% Capacity in 20 Minutes | J.D. Power