Chevrolet to add the Spark all-electric minicar to its lineup in 2013

Chevrolet is adding an all-electric version of the Spark minicar to its U.S. lineup. The company is hoping to have limited quantities of the Spark EV available starting in 2013, initially in California. After the Golden State, Chevrolet has not said which other parts of the country will be next in line for Spark sales.

The Spark is positioned below the Chevrolet Sonic in the company's U.S. product lineup. It is General Motors' first true minicar, weighing in at about 1,900 pounds. The nonelectric version is expected to carry a price tag of about $10,000, and the 2012 model Spark (shown above) should reach dealerships later this year.

Details on specific markets, range, quantities and pricing for the Chevrolet Spark EV will be announced later, according to a GM release.

The company now offers the Chevrolet Volt, which combines an electric propulsion system with a gasoline generator to extend the car’s range. The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco will offer the brand’s eAssist, a mild-hybrid system that augments the vehicle’s gasoline engine with an electric motor.