Chevy will sell pure-electric Spark in U.S.

DETROIT — General Motors said today that it will introduce an electric version of its Chevrolet Spark minicar in 2013, one of several announcements touting small, fuel-saving technologies.

The Spark EV will be the first all-electric vehicle for GM, which became a leader in electrification with its electric EV-1 in the 1990s and the 2010 debut of its plug-in hybrid Chevy Volt.

The EV will come after the gasoline version of the Spark, which is slated for a U.S. launch “mid-year” 2012, Chevy spokesman Michael Albano said.

The gas-powered Spark is now sold in Korea, China and Latin America, will be slotted in Chevy’s U.S. lineup below the subcompact Sonic, which went on sale in August. It will get a 1.2-liter, four-cylinder engine.

GM unveiled its EV plans to hundreds of international journalists in Detroit this week in advance of Chevy’s 100th anniversary celebration on Nov. 3.

2013 Chevrolet Spark mini-car

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