At the 100th year centenary celebrations of Brand Chevrolet, General Motors has announced an electric variant of the Chevrolet Beat(Spark in USA). The Beat Electric will be launched in 2013, first for the US market. India, a market in which the Chevrolet Beat was launched first globally, isn’t likely to get the electric version of the Beat as General Motors feels that our market isn’t ready for electric technology yet due to the higher costs involved and also the infrastructure to support electric cars lagging in the country.
A few months ago, General Motors India showcased the Chevrolet Beat Electric in India. Back then, the automaker asserted that the possibility of the Chevrolet Beat Electric making it to the Indian car market in the near future to be very slim. In line with that, today’s announcement by General Motors that the Beat Electric might not see an Indian launch anytime soon is further reaffirmation of that fact.
Other details of the Beat Electric remain unclear for the moment apart from the fact that it will use lithium ion batteries to power its electric motor. The batteries will be supplied by Michigan-based A123 Systems. The Beat Electric, like most electric cars will be aimed at customers who use their cars for short trips rather than highway mile munching. So expect a range from the Electric Beat that will make of an urban car.
General Motors India, at the 2010 Auto Expo had showcased the Chevrolet Spark Electric, a car that was to be inducted into production in 2011. The Spark Electric was developed by General Motors India in collaboration with Indian electric car maker, Reva Electric. However, Reva Electric being taken over by Indian automaker Mahindra &Mahindra meant that the Spark Electric project was shelved by General Motors India.
Do you agree with GM India’s assertion, stating that India is not yet ready for Electric vehicles? Please share your valuable opinions in the comments section below!
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