Chevy Badge More Than Doubles the Price of This Chinese EV | Carscoops

      The Chevrolet Spark EUV, a small fully electric SUV tailored for South America, is set to launch in Brazil later this year based on GM's Baojun platform.

      Essentially a rebadged version of the Baojun Yep Plus from China, the Spark EUV shares the same specifications but comes with a significantly higher starting price.

      Update: Chevrolet has commenced pre-sales for the Spark EUV in Brazil, setting the price at R$159,990 (around $28,600), which is over twice as much as the equivalent Baojun Yep Plus available in China. The original article continues below.

      Chevrolet has cleverly leveraged its SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture by rebadging one of China's appealing electric vehicles, the Baojun Yep Plus. The fully electric urban SUV made an unanticipated appearance during a special event marking Chevrolet’s 100th anniversary in Brazil.

      Named the Chevrolet Spark EUV for the Brazilian market, this new model is virtually a Baojun Yep Plus with a Chevrolet emblem on the grille, without any significant alterations. Despite sharing a name and compact design, the Spark EUV has no relation to the Spark EV, Chevrolet’s previous electric hatchback sold in select US states from 2013 until 2017 before being replaced by the Bolt.

      Inside, the Spark EUV features the modern digital cockpit from the Baojun Yep Plus, which includes an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a standalone 12.8-inch touchscreen. It is also anticipated to incorporate the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) from its Chinese counterpart, developed by DJI.

      The EV measures 3,996 mm (157.3 inches) long and has a wheelbase of 2,560 mm (100.8 inches), making it Chevrolet's smallest offering. While the Baojun lineup consists of a five-door version, a three-door variant, and even a pickup concept, it's uncertain whether GM will introduce any of these alternative body styles to Brazil.

      Predictably, the Spark EUV inherits its electric powertrain from the Chinese version. A single rear-mounted electric motor produces 101 hp (75 kW / 102 PS) and 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque. Its 42 kWh battery pack provides a respectable range of 401 km (249 miles) on China’s CLTC cycle. The Baojun Yep Plus also offers 32 kWh and 54 kWh battery options, but it remains unclear if these will be available for the Chevy.

      One might assume that the most attractive feature of this compact off-roader would be its price. However, the Chevrolet Spark EUV starts at R$159,990 ($28,600) in Brazil, which is more than double the ¥93,800 ($13,000) price of the identical Baojun model. Additionally, the little Chevy is pricier than the competing BYD Dolphin Mini (Seagull EV), which begins at R$115,800 ($20,700) in the same market.

      Deliveries of the Chevrolet Spark EUV are anticipated to start this summer, and it will soon be joined by the larger Chevrolet Captiva EV, based on the Chinese Wuling Starlight S.