General Motors shows off electric Chevrolet Beat in India

13 years, 4 months ago - 24 June 2011
General Motors shows off electric Chevrolet Beat in India
Earlier today, General Motors showcased a battery-powered version of the Chevrolet Beat in New Delhi, India. The electrified Beat is part of an ongoing demonstration project focused on studying the feasibility of electric vehicles in major metropolitan areas.

Let's have a look at the electric Beat's specs. The battery-powered minicar boasts a range of 130 kilometers (81 miles) and takes approximately eight hours using a 240-volt outlet to recharge from empty. The Beat makes use of a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack that tips the scales at 595 pounds and is rated at 20 kWh. The electric motor cranks out 45 kW (60 horsepower), which is directed to the wheels via a single-speed drive unit.

Currently, GM has no definitive plans to launch the electric Beat anywhere, but with its battery pack a modified version of the unit found in the Chevrolet Volt, we'd like to think that this vehicle – unlike the electric Chevy Spark that never entered production – will, at some later date, become more than just a prototype.