GM Sets Price for Chevy Spark EV at $32,000

General Motors says the electric version of its Chevrolet Spark minicar will retail at about $32,000.

The price drops to less than $25,000 when buyers factor in a $7,500 U.S. tax credit still twice the retail price of a piston-powered Spark.

The EV is equipped with a 20-kWh battery and 130-hp motor that produces 400 lb-ft of torque. That compares with 84 hp and 83 lb-ft of torque for the piston-powered Spark. GM says the electric version can scoot from zero to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds.

The car use a nanophosphate lithium-ion battery developed and supplied by now-bankrupt A123 Systems Inc. The battery maker's operations are being sold.

GM hasn't revealed the Spark EV's range, but analysts assume it will be between 60 and 100 miles per charge. The car will be wired to accept conventional 120- and 240-volt AC charging. It also can tap SAE International's new fast-charge DC system that can bring the battery to 80% charge in 20 minutes.

Among the car's interior features are two reprogrammable displays and the industry's first application of Apple Inc.'s Siri voice recognition system. Drivers with the latest iPhone operating system can use Siri to relay voice commands to several functions within Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system.