General Motors has commemorated becoming the first US-based automaker to manufacture electric motors and drive units in America – for the Chevrolet Spark EV – at its Baltimore plant in White Marsh, Maryland.
“The era of using electricity to help improve performance and fuel economy is already here and the trend is only going to grow,” said Mike Robinson, GM vice president of sustainability. “…GM is leading in the development of electric vehicles that will improve America’s energy security.”
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The Spark EV electric motor will produce 130hp (100kW) and 400 lb ft of torque to deliver acceleration of less than eight seconds from 0 to 60 mph. The EV will be sold in California and Oregon this summer and sales will expand to Canada, Europe and South Korea later.
“Electric motor development and manufacturing is a critical area of expertise GM has mastered as we grow our portfolio of electric vehicles to address the needs of our global customers.” said Larry Nitz, GM executive director of vehicle electrification engineering.
After refining its expertise in electric motors at a pilot facility in Wixom, Michigan, production of electric motors began at White Marsh. Workers at the Baltimore plant completed extensive training on the operation of the sophisticated machines used to configure portions of the electric motor and drive units.
“The motor design was created by American engineers and it’s being manufactured and assembled by American workers,” said plant manager Bill Tiger. “By designing electric motors in Michigan and manufacturing them at Baltimore Operations, GM controls the design, materials and production processes, as well as reducing costs and improving performance, quality, reliability and manufacturability.”
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