Chevrolet to test all-electric Cruze model

Chevrolet has announced it will begin fleet testing of an all-electric Cruze model next month.

Chevrolet may have the range-extending Volt waiting in the wings, but the Detroit automaker is also working on an all-electric version of its new Cruze sedan. The Chevrolet Cruze EV is slated to begin fleet testing in South Korea by the end of next month.

Co-developed with GM Daewoo, LG Chem and LG Electronics, the fleet of electric Cruzes will be tested in the South Kore's capital, Seoul. GM will use the program to test public acceptance of electric vehicles, as well as driving patterns, charging behaviors and the general EV infrastructure.

"This Cruze EV demonstration project reinforces GM's commitment to being a leader in the development of electric vehicles and green technologies, building on our portfolio of hybrids and the Chevrolet Volt," Karl Stracke, Vice President, GM Global Vehicle Engineering, said in a statement. "We'll apply the learnings from this and our other demo projects to help us deliver the world's best vehicles for our customers."

The Cruze EV uses a 31-kWh battery pack, although GM didn't specify if the battery was of the nickel-hydride of Lithium-ion variety. Whatever the case, it provides enough juice for a 100-mile range, with a full charge from a 220-volt outlet taking between 8 and 10 hours.

Using a 200 horsepower electric motor, the Cruze EV can scoot from 0-60 in 8.2 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 102.5mph.

GM hasn't announced any production plans for an all-electric version of the Chevy Cruze, but given the Volt shares the Cruze's Delta architecture, it seems likely that a pure electric could be in Chevrolet's future.