GM to Launch a New EV in 2017, May Be Based on the Sonic

General Motors is reportedly planning to add a new electric model to Chevrolet’s lineup that would sit alongside the Volt plug-in hybrid and the Spark EV.

Plans for the new Chevrolet electric vehicle were confirmed by GM global product chief Mark Reuss last week during a presentation to investors. However, he didn’t disclose which model will get the EV version nor when it will launch.

Still, it appears that the model GM is working on electrifying the Sonic subcompact, which according to two people familiar with GM’s plans would have a range of about 200 miles (322 kilometers). The Chevrolet Sonic EV is expected to arrive sometime in 2017, added the two sources cited by AutoNews.

Former GM CEO Dan Akerson said last year the automaker was working on an electric vehicle that would have a driving range of about 200 miles on a single charge.

Chevrolet’s only fully-electric vehicle currently on sale is the Spark EV, which is being sold only in Oregon and California, although GM’s global product chief says people wish it would be on sale across the country.

GM’s is busy right now fine-tuning the next-generation Volt plug-in hybrid vehicle, which will debut at the Detroit Auto Show early next year and will arrive in dealerships in late 2015 or early 2016. Sales of the current Volt fell 13 percent in the first nine months of the year to 14,540 units.

Note: 2015 Chevrolet Sonic pictured

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