Spark EV - a tribute to modernity
Do we need electric motors for anything? Of course, some people can't imagine life without an electric toothbrush. But that's nothing. How else can you wash a T-shirt after a two-hour run? Yes, you can do it yourself, but let's keep in shape - after all, the century continues. Are cars also difficult to cope without this inconspicuous invention?
Cars don't need electric motors. But who wants to leave the house in the cold with a gloomy face now, go to their own car, insert the iron handle into the socket and twist it in their hands as much as possible, shouting: “I hate cars!” And finally, fire It? Exactly. And so we just turn the key in the ignition and the car starts almost by itself. Moreover, many models have an inconspicuous button instead of the ignition switch. However, this is only the beginning of the iceberg. Open windows with a handle? She slowly begins to evoke similar emotions with the handle that starts the engine - annoying. Power windows are all the rage right now. But small electric motors can be found in many other places - mudguards, seats, headlights, lock ... But Chevy decided to go further anyway.
What can be said about the Spark model? That this is one of the most thoughtful models in its class. Chevrolet seems to have fired all of its under-sixty designers and hired only young visionaries instead. Effect? The spark is not a machine. This is an intricate sculpture. But still not without practicality. At first glance, the car has 3 doors - but this is only an appearance. The handles of an additional pair are hidden in the racks, so passengers do not have to swear while taking a seat in the back. And this is as many as three passengers, because so many of them will fit there. However, appearance and practicality are not everything. This small car has as many as six airbags and ISOFIX mountings are standard. This makes the Spark one of the safest vehicles in its class and scored the highest score for protecting a 3 year old. Chevrolet was looking for more.
The Spark is usually powered by a small 1.0 or 1.2 liter petrol engine. But not the Spark EV. GM focused on the development of permanent magnet motors and induction motors, which eventually led to a 114 hp electric motor. It is the one that will be installed on the Spark EV in 2013. Interestingly, this subcompact car will not be a hybrid, since an internal combustion engine will not be installed on board, and nanophosphate lithium-ion batteries manufactured by A123 Systems will be its power source. How do you know such a machine even exists? And here GM has an ace up its sleeve.
Concern GM some time ago launched a program of demonstration test drives. The idea itself is a puzzle, similar to the one that was with the US base 51, and it must be admitted that in practice it is similar. Participants were selected from around the world to test Chevrolet electric vehicles in Shanghai, Korea and India. Nobody knows them, nobody has seen them, but they are out there somewhere. Thanks to them, Chevrolet gathered a lot of valuable opinions, which they used, among other things, for the production of the Spark EV. Who is this car for? It is undeniable that due to its size it will be the best place in the city, and in the long run it will remain so. It is supposed to help people, for example, in daily trips over short distances. It is fully electric, so the cost of its operation will be negligible. By the way - how did GM get the experience of manufacturing electric motors on a large scale?
Contrary to appearances, very simple - thanks to a pilot branch in Wixom in the suburbs of Detroit. This is where all the arcane work on this power supply takes place, although production will eventually move to GM's American plant in White Marsh. Over the past few years, scientists in white coats have been working to improve the performance of batteries, which will play a critical role in the company's new developments. Okay, but since the Spark has an electric version, maybe the same thing will happen to the larger, more practical Aveo?
It is possible, but if you look closely at this model, then it is not necessary yet. Electric vehicles are usually designed to run economically, and it just so happens that the Aveo recently got a new engine, a tiny 1.3-liter diesel. This is the first diesel engine in a Chevrolet urban model. In addition, it will be available in two versions - 95- and 75-horsepower. But this is not the end. Thanks to him, the sedan will become the most economical car of this type on our continent, due to the fact that it will burn an average of about 3.8 liters of fuel for every 100 km. It is interesting whether such a result will be achievable in the hands of an ordinary user, but in any case, the manufacturer has something to be proud of. And satisfied environmentalists too - the engine emits only 99 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.
Like Spark, Aveo performs incl. in the hatchback version, which has 5 doors, although this is not visible at first glance, the rear door handles are hidden in the racks. In addition, it was also designed after the release of designers under the age of sixty and looks like an intricate sculpture. But it's a little more. Interior? The Aveo may not be as technologically advanced as the electric Spark EV, but its cabin doesn't hint at that at all. It is similar to that of the Boeing Dreamliner and harmonizes well with the body. You should not worry about safety either, because the manufacturer already adds 6 airbags, ABS and an ESC stabilization system as standard. Combined with diesel, which is worshiped by environmentalists, the offer is really tempting.
Currently, GM sells as many as 9 models in which the electric motor is an important element of the transmission. Chevrolet offers three of these cars, with Buick, GMC and Cadillac selling the rest. Soon, the all-electric Spark EV will join this large group, but unfortunately it will be limited in number. The price is also not yet known. So far, the usual Spark and Aveo are a good offer - after all, they are still one of the most interesting offers on the market. There are many different electric motors and so on.
