Chevrolet Spark EV Boards 3:10 To Yuma For Hot-Weather Testing
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Whenever the city of Yuma is brought up, one can’t help but remember the modern take on a classic Western flick featuring Maximus Russell Crowe and Batman Christian Bale. That’s why we couldn’t resist inserting the movie name into the title. So, no, the upcoming Chevrolet Spark EV really isn’t a wanted bandit ring leader being escorted onto a train to be sent to prison, but it’s still going to be in Yuma for extreme heat testing starting today.
It will then embark on a 305-mile journey west on the I-8, trekking accross some country highways near the Anza-Borrego Desert State Wilderness Park and Warner Springs, AZ, through Laguna Niguel, CA, up into Torrance, CA. During the test, engineers will be meticulously paying attention to how the Spark EV‘s battery responds to the extreme conditions. By doing so, they will be able to gauge how much the electric vehicle’s range varies in the hot weather along with various types of operating scenarios—from interstate highways to country roads.
Those who are curious about the car can follow the team’s progress on twitter, via the #SparkEV hashtag.
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It’s still going to be built in Korea, though, isn’t it?
That’s a good question. I could have sworn I read something that the EV version of the Spark would be assembled here in the US – but I could just be dreaming…
The range of this car needs to roughly double (to about 150 miles) to be effective in our large metro areas. My prediction is that it would then become a very hot seller. It’s not unreasonable for the destination to be 50 miles away on the other side of town. Then add a little shopping around there and you get close to the 150 number. Double that 150 and the car extends to most of my paddling destinations. That’s when the electric takes over diesel on my preference list. We’d then keep one fuel-based hatch or wagon for intercity travel and the electric for most other needs, particularly commuting.
If Chevy and GM are testing the Spark EV as they did with the Volt, then it will be a reliable car in 2013, and surpass the imports with their small EVs. But GM must produce a larger EV or EREV as a SUV like the Orlando or the Equinox for the real family market that travels less than 100 miles a day.
I wish to see and feel the Spark Ev as a possible second car as soon as GM puts in on the market. I don’t travel much and this EV will really save me money (I can make my own electricity).