The SAE International DC “Combo” Fast Charge station installation at
the Fashion Valley Mall here is a milestone for plug-in electric
vehicles – the first public installation in the U.S. of an
industry-coordinated standard for fast charging of plug-in electric
vehicles.
The Chevrolet Spark EV,
available in California and Oregon, will be the first EV in the U.S. to
offer the SAE International fast-charge connector as a vehicle option
starting in late December.
“The launch of these new charge stations will help improve the
convenience and adoption of electric vehicles because they dramatically
reduce the charge time,” said Pamela Fletcher, executive chief engineer
of electrified vehicles at General Motors. “The SAE Combo DC fast charge
stations are the result of EV industry collaboration to help customers
benefit from available public infrastructure."
The new combined AC and DC charging, or combo, connector is
accessible via a single charge port on the vehicle and allows
electricity to flow at a faster rate, making EVs more convenient for
longer trips and for EV owners who may lack convenient access to
overnight home charging.
Come check out a Spark EV at Tom Bell Chevrolet, and stay tuned on our Facebook and Twitter for news and updates.
Car reviewers describe the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV as “fun,” “spunky” and a “hoot to drive.” With 130hp and 400 lb-ft of instant torque, the all-electric mini-car can go from 0 to 60 in 7.6 seconds.
For many Spark EV owners, getting plugged-in to an all-electric, no-gas-required lifestyle will be a new experience.
Here are a few tips to ease the transition:
- Recharge daily – And do it quicker with the soon-to-be-available SAE
combo charger for DC fast charging. It can recharge the 21-kWh
lithium-ion battery pack to 80-percent capacity in 20 minutes.
- Extend range – Maximize the mini-car’s EPA-estimated 82 miles (130
km) of driving range by recharging in public charging stations, or use
Spark EV’s standard 120V cord in any outlet.
- Don’t be a juice hog – Public charging stations are in high demand.
After charging, move on so that other EV owners can recharge. Or if
parking conditions allow, place a note on your dashboard saying it’s
okay to unplug your car if the Green Light indicating a full charge is
flashing.
- Know the distance – The available BringGo smartphone app can help
Spark EV owners know how far they can go without recharging by providing
full-function, in-dash navigation via Chevrolet MyLink as well as live
traffic updates, for less than $60.
- Go with the flow – Many EV owners like to maximize range by driving
at or below the speed limit. No problem, just steer clear of the fast
lane so other Spark EV drivers can enjoy their instant torque.
- Be loud – The Pedestrian Friendly Alert Function projects a light
chirp and calls attention to Spark EV’s presence. Pulling the turn
signal lever back while in Drive will give a friendly honk. The alert
can be set to activate automatically in Drive and Reverse at speeds
below 18 mph (28 km/h).
- Enjoy the savings – Spark EV can save
its owners approximately $9,000 in fuel over five years compared to the
average new vehicle – that’s $150 per month that can be spent on
something else.
- Be an EV advocate – Expect to get lots of questions about Spark EV.
Take these opportunities to spread the advantages of going gas free.
Expanding the Spark lineup, the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV is
designed to make the trip as electrifying as the destination. It is
priced under $19,995 with tax incentives and is now available to
residents in California and Oregon, with sales expanding to Canada,
South Korea and Europe later.
Check out the Spark EV at Tom Bell Chevrolet, and make sure to stay up to date on our Facebook and Twitter.
