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CHEVROLET SPARK EV

Give Me a Chevrolet “B” as in Bolt

April 20, 2015 by admin 5 Comments

Naming conventions aside, the Chevrolet Bolt brings a more reasonably priced electric vehicle to the market for the 2017 model year. Gas prices are expected to trend higher, possibly increasing demand for all electric vehicles with it.

General Motors has decided to embrace controversy after all. In January, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the automaker unveiled the Chevrolet Bolt concept. That pure electric vehicle was well received by journalists and show visitors alike. And within just weeks of the show, GM announced that it intends to bring this small EV to market.

What was assumed by some is that GM would throw out the Bolt’s name for the production model, as it sounds too much like the Chevrolet Volt, its established, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. However, Chevrolet’s marketing boss, Tim Mahoney, confirmed last week that the brand is sticking with the Bolt nomenclature when the diminutive EV is released for the 2017 model year. Mahoney confirmed same at a press event held by the Washington Automotive Press Association on Wed. and in a related interview with USA TODAY.

B as in Bolt

So, that will be “B” as in boy or “V” as in Victor when potential buyers inquire with dealer sales staff about the Chevrolet Bolt or Volt, me thinks. Hopefully, any confusion at the dealership level will be eliminated immediately.

GM surprised everyone with the concept Bolt’s release. This vehicle, with a final price of about $30,000, has a 200-mile electric range. That range more than triples the capacity of some models, such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Extended range is critical to EV acceptance and at present only Tesla Motors offers models that meet the higher threshold.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt

Renewed Electric Vehicle Commitment

That GM is pushing forward with the Chevrolet Bolt comes as it renews its commitment to two other EV models — the Chevrolet Volt and the Cadillac ELR. The Volt hit the market for the 2011 model year and the second generation model will debut this summer. The Cadillac ELR, based on the Volt platform, has its first full year in 2014, barely cracking the 1,000-unit sold mark. Nevertheless, an updated version of that model is scheduled, and its price has been slashed by $10,000.

Low gas prices are not keeping GM from moving forward with its long-range plans. Most analysts believe that the current gas prices, averaging just below $2.50 per gallon as of this writing, will not hold. Indeed, some have forecast $4 per gallon gasoline will return within the next two or three years. Therefore, product timing means vehicles like the Bolt, Volt and ELR may receive additional scrutiny from potential buyers.

The Chevrolet Bolt will be the brand’s second pure electric vehicle. It currently retails the Spark EV, an A-class variant to the gasoline-only model that is itself selling reasonably well. For 2016, GM has reduced the Spark’s price by 6 percent.

Reducing Range Anxiety

The two factors that are inhibiting electric vehicle acceptance — price and range — are being aggressively attacked by the manufacturers. Certainly, the $7,500 tax credit offered for pure EVs continues to help, what will allow GM to sell the Chevrolet Bolt for less. Range anxiety, a huge detriment for many buyers, will shrink. Indeed, the second generation Nissan LEAF may also broach the 200-mile range just as Tesla Motors ups the range of its base Model S to 240 miles.

Manufacturers and suppliers have also been touting quicker recharging alternatives, including 240-volt charging units in the home and DC fast charging stations designed to provide a full charge in fewer than 30 minutes. Thus, if drivers time their trips correctly, they can stop for a break, recharge their vehicles, and continue with their extended journey. The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt would be one such vehicle that will benefit from this service.


See Also — This Time, GM Aims to Get the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Right

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: CHEVROLET BOLT, CHEVROLET SPARK EV, Chevrolet Volt, ELECTRIC VEHICLES, GM, MARKETING, Nissan LEAF, NOMENCLATURE, PHEV, TESLA MODEL S, USA TODAY

Priced to Lease: Chevrolet Spark EV

May 27, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

Chevrolet Spark EV

The electric vehicle market is a tiny one with most manufacturers having a stake in the game. For GM, its first pure electric vehicle is its Chevrolet Spark EV, a microcar built in South Korea and also sold separately with a gasoline engine. Last week, GM announced pricing and leasing details for the new model which goes on sale this June at select Chevrolet dealerships in Oregon and California.

Chevrolet Spark EV

The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV is priced from $27,495 and may cost owners as little as $19,995 when the federal tax credit is taken. That tax credit is for up to $7,500 and depends on a number of factors including the buyer’s income.

2014 Chevrolet Spark EV

  • Sticker price from $27,495
  • Seats 4 occupants
  • 100 horsepower
  • 400 foot-pounds of torque
  • Lithium-ion battery
  • Single-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 93.5 inches
  • Length: 146.5 inches
  • Width: 64.0 inches
  • Height: 62.6 inches
  • Passenger Volume: 86.3 cubic feet
  • Storage Volume: 9.6/23.4 cubic feet
  • Towing Capacity: N/A
  • EPA: 119 MPGe
  • Curb Weight: From 2,989 pounds
  • Vehicle Assembly: South Korea

California buyers may also qualify for state tax incentives and credits that can lower the Chevrolet Spark EV’s final price even lower. Those tax breaks may yield an additional $2,500 in savings, resulting in a final price of $17,495. Moreover, by relying on an EV for transportation, buyers can eliminate up to $150 per month in gasoline charges. Other maintenance costs such as oil changes are also removed from the ownership experience.

Financing and Leasing Options

To offer further enticement for electric vehicle shoppers, GM’s leasing arm is offering the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV 1LT for as low as $199 per month for 36 months. That represents a low-mile lease and also requires lessees to contribute $999 at lease signing in addition to the security deposit. Taxes, tags and dealer fees are extra.

With an estimated electric driving range of 82 miles when fully charged, the Chevrolet Spark EV will deliver an equivalent 119 MPGe. GM outfits this model with a 21 kWh lithium-ion battery pack backed by an eight-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty.

Quick Charge Possibilities

The Spark EV also comes with an industry first feature: an available SAE combo charger for for DC Fast Charging. When used, the Chevrolet Spark EV can be recharged to 80 percent of its capacity within 20 minutes at DC Fast Charging stations. Consumers can find nearby charging stations by searching online. And, yes, there is a free app for that.

Every Chevrolet Spark EV sold also comes with three years of OnStar Directions and Connections service. That service includes Automatic Crash Response, stolen vehicle assistance and connected navigation. Chevrolet says that it will also provide customer assistance by means of a Spark EV advisor. Dedicated electric vehicle service and trained sales experts are in place at the selected Chevrolet dealerships.

Chevrolet Model Options

With the Spark EV in the mix, Chevrolet now offers a variety of vehicles that do not require an internal combustion engine alone. The Chevrolet Volt, its plug-in electric vehicle, is the best-known of its other models. The Chevrolet Malibu eAssist is outfitted with a mild hybrid system, while both its Silverado pickup truck and large Tahoe SUV can be had with a two-mode hybrid system. Only the Spark EV and Volt currently qualify for federal tax incentives.


See Also — Automotive Leasing and Lending Continue Rise

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: Chevrolet, CHEVROLET SPARK EV, ELECTRIC VEHICLE, EV, GM, hatchback, MICROCAR

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