Chevy Spark EV Electric Motor Put to the Test [VIDEO]

As part of their hot weather and grade test drive of the Chevy Spark EV last week, engineers were gathering important data on the performance of the electric motor that will be used to propel the car.

The permanent magnet traction motor is designed to maximize power supplied from the Spark’s lithium-ion battery system, delivering up to 85 kW (114 hp) to the front wheels.

Chevrolet will beginning the domestic production of electric motors at GM’s plant in White Marsh, Md., near Baltimore in late 2012. The equipment and processes to be used at White Marsh have been validated and tested at a pilot facility in Wixom, a Detroit suburb.

Currently, GM uses electric motors as part of the propulsion system in nine vehicles including the Chevrolet Volt, Chevrolet Malibu Eco, Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, Buick Lacrosse eAssist, Buick Regal eAssist, GMC Sierra Hybrid, GMC Yukon and Yukon Denali Hybrid, and Cadillac Escalade Hybrid.

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