FutureFolly
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2014
- Messages
- 141
The Opel Karl is the higher end German version of the Chevy Spark that is sold in Europe. Reports are that the Karl will get an EV version in 2018 with a 150 km/93 mi range. Hopefully they aren't talking NEDC 150 km, but the Karl EV might be priced and timed perfectly to take advantage of fast growing DC-FC infrastructure.
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2015/01/opel-to-bring-karl-ev-to-market-reports-say/
The other interesting speculation is whether a market launch in Europe of the Karl EV will mean the Spark EV in the US will survive. The Bolt and Spark EV wouldn't compete much in price or customer, which makes me think it might happen.
If the Bolt doesn't offer optional battery pack sizes, they may miss the $37,500 price point or the 200 mile range target substantially. If they can't deliver a good compromise having a second battery vehicle and a third EV to capture a wider market might make sense for them. The crap i-MiEV can't be allowed to own the bottom of the market.
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2015/01/opel-to-bring-karl-ev-to-market-reports-say/
The other interesting speculation is whether a market launch in Europe of the Karl EV will mean the Spark EV in the US will survive. The Bolt and Spark EV wouldn't compete much in price or customer, which makes me think it might happen.
If the Bolt doesn't offer optional battery pack sizes, they may miss the $37,500 price point or the 200 mile range target substantially. If they can't deliver a good compromise having a second battery vehicle and a third EV to capture a wider market might make sense for them. The crap i-MiEV can't be allowed to own the bottom of the market.