InsideEVs.com: Much like in the United States with CARB, the EU has their own emission targets that all large auto makers must achieve.
With Ad Spots Like This How Did The Ampera Not Sell Better?
According to a report by Automobilwoche on Sunday, General Motors plans to achieve those emission and fuel economy goals in part by introducing an inexpensive, fully electric compact car via their Opel brand no later than 2017.
This EV will be downstream from the poor selling Opel Ampera (~3,100 sold in Europe for 2013, good for 9th overall) which starts at around 38,000 euros ($52,000 USD),
The petrol version of this electric compact car would fit in as part of Opel’s new ‘city car’ offensive (below the Adam) - which is designed to be priced around 10,000 euros ($13,700 USD) and do battle with Volkswagen’s new Up subcompact.
Opel has yet to comment on those new developments, but we feel quite confident it is accurate.
Unfortunately for those looking for a new BEV offering from GM, it seems reasonable that the Chevrolet Spark EV - which was originally destined to fill the roll of ‘emissions savior’ for GM in Europethis year; and of which, has since been cancelled, is likely going to get the rebadging treatment as the Opel Spark EV.
Just looking at the stated timing of a new battery electric vehicle for Europe, the Chevrolet brand itself is scheduled to exit Europe by the end of next year, and the next generation Spark is expected to debut as the Opel Spark in early 2016. So the Opel Spark EV all lines up fairly neatly in our minds.
However, on the positive side for those of us in the United States, it appears that the Chevrolet Spark EV will not strictly be a short-term, compliance offering from GM, but live on and get generational improvements..
Automobilwoche (via Reuters)
