While America and other countries are set to get the Chevrolet Spark EV, China is getting its own charged-up critter. Officially called the Shanghai GM Sail Springo EV (sounds like China’s got another brand on its hands), it is set to enter Chinese showrooms in the first half of 2013 and will be priced from RMB 258,000 ($41,426.49 USD).
Specifically, the Springo EV will be powered by a permanent magnet electric motor capable of producing 85 kW (114 hp) and up to a meaty 510 Nm (376 lb-ft) of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standing start in just over 10 seconds. There’s also a handy Sport button, which provides a 20 percent boost in acceleration at the beginning and middle of the torque curve, compared to pressing the accelerator in a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle, says Shanghai GM. The top speed is 130 km/h (80 mph), which probably won’t break any speed records, but should be plenty for drivers to find their way around the crowded megalopolis that is southern China.
[nggallery id=499]
No Comments yet