The electric Cruze fleet is being co-developed by GM Daewoo, The General’s Korean subsidiary, as well as LG Chem and LG Electronics. Fans of the upcoming Chevrolet Volt may recognize LG Chem as GM’s exclusive partner in developing the battery packs for the upcoming EREV. In the case of the electric Cruze, LG Electronics will be responsible for the electric motor and inverter.
The fleet, which will consist of Chevrolet Cruzes and Daewoo Lacetti Premieres (Chevrolet doesn’t really exist in Korea), will begin testing by the end of October in Seoul, the capitol of South Korea. The demo fleets will launch in other urban markets later this year.
The fleet of Delta II-based sedans will be powered by a 31-kWh battery that generates a maximum of 150 kW (200 hp). The motor will be able to take the electric Cruze test vehicle from 0-100 km/h (60 mph) in 8.2 seconds with a maximum speed of 165 km/h (102.5 mph).
When it comes to EVs, the most prominent areas of conversation are range and charging time. The demonstration Cruze has a range of 160 km (100 miles) and can be recharged on a standard household 220-volt outlet in 8-10 hours. As part of the demonstration fleet process, GM hopes to test a “quick charge” application that would significantly reduce charging times.
GM was quick to point out that while most EVs house their battery packs in the trunk, the battery pack of the electric Cruze is mounted on the underbody of the vehicle, giving the demonstration units the same trunk space as conventional (read: gasoline-powered) Cruze sedans. This proves the flexibility of the Delta II platform, which is shared with the Volt.
Surprised? Well, you shouldn’t be. An electric version of the Cruze was a long way coming – and it’s finally starting to show its head. Is this vehicle going to be available for mainstream public consumption? We think so. When? Well, let’s get to that in a second.
First, we should answer how the supposed production version of this very Cruze EV would slot in with the Chevy Volt. Our answer? In the same way the Toyota Camry Hybrid complements the Toyota Prius. And while the Volt isn’t a pure electric vehicle, the eventual progression is most likely towards total electrification.
Obviously, the electricity-powered Cruze won’t go on sale tomorrow or next year, but we predict that it will be here in the near future, giving GM the ability to compete with pure EVs like the Leaf and Focus EV, while giving those who desire an extended range the ability to opt for the Volt. So the ultimate question now becomes, when will the electric Cruze be ready for production?
Only time will tell…
With four model years recommended for purchase.
This example is a former NCRS award winner.
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So in order for me to drive to California it would take me 4 weeks cost me approx $950- for hotel rooms GM HAS GOT ROCKS IN THERE FUCKING HEAD 50 YEARS LATER NOTHING HAS CHANGED ,GIVE ME A TESLA THE MINIMUM IS 240 MILES BETWEEN CHARGE UPS IN 6 HOURS , OR THE SUPERCHARGED TESLA 300 MILES IN 4 HOURS THAT'S A KICK ASS CAR THAT NO OTHER CAR COMPANY CAN COME CLOSE TO, ALL BEING 100 % ELECTRIC NICE.
So... let's point out that the Tesla Roadster doesn't have AC or power steering. Then its price tag compared to something like the Cruze Electric -- which I'm guessing will start somewhere around $30,000-$35,000.
Tesla's current "lead" in this space will be very short-lived... the fact that they can stuff a Lotus full of laptop batteries and make it work is cool and all; and the car is a hoot to drive. But don't mistake for one second the fact that the "big boys" (GM, Ford, Toyota, etc.) are strategizing to own the electric segment when the time comes (when it's feasible and convenient to own an EV).
You've typed "SUPERCHARGED TESLA".
I don't often say this of others, but you're an idiot.
Furthermore, it's interesting to point out how you've ignored the biggest problem with Tesla; thier prices.