Next year Chevrolet will launch an electric version of the Spark city car which they say will become a benchmark for urban EVs everywhere. They wanted to give the car a little extra something to set it apart from the rivals. That is a 0 to 60 acceleration time of under 8 seconds.

While that doesn’t sound particularly awesome, it is a good record for a small EV. They want the Spark EV to be the quickest in its segment, so it will be powered by an oil-cooled, permanent magnet motor that produces at least 100 kW (130 hp). That is good power, but it’s the torque figure that is the most astonishing bit: 400 lb.-ft.

Another highlight of this car is a combo charger Chevy has come up with which allows DC Fast Charging of up to 80 percent of battery capacity in about 20 minutes. The car will have a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Charging can be managed and monitored remotely using the Spark EV’s smart phone application, provided by OnStar.

Spark EV’s range is yet to be announced, but Chevy reckons that with the fast charger system it will be among the best in the segment. The car will make its official debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.