General Motors has officially become the first U.S. based automaker to manufacture electric motors and drive units in America this week according to a company press release.
These parts are being manufactured for the new Chevrolet Spark EV vehicle at their Baltimore Operations plant in White Marsh, M.D.
"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 in a company press release. "Today is further proof GM is leading in the development of electric vehicles that will improve America's energy security."
GM engineers designed and developed the Spark EV's motor and drive unit to "provide maximum efficiency" and "power with world-class reliability" according to GM.
The Spark EV electric motor will produce 130 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque which allows the vehicle to go 0 to 60 mph in under 8 seconds.
"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 in the company press release.
The Spark EV will be sold in California and Oregon by this summer and sales will expand to Canada, Europe and South Korea by the end of 2013.
Workers at the Baltimore plant have completed extensive training on the operation of the "sophisticated" machines used to manufacture portions of the drive units and motor according to GM.
Normal vehicles on the road today use a variety of electric motors to power functions like windows, windshield washers, and seats. Electric motors are used in hybrid and electric vehicles to "propel" the vehicle.
"The motor design was created by American engineers and it's being manufactured and assembled by American workers," said plant manager Bill Tiger according to GM. "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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