GM will introduce new electric Chevrolet model

DETROIT -- General Motors plans to introduce an all-electric Chevrolet, global product chief Mark Reuss confirmed this week.

This would be a different powertrain than the Chevrolet Volt and Cadillac ELR, which GM calls "extended range electric hybrids," because they rely on a gasoline-fueled motor as backups. Reuss disclosed the new battery-only car during a presentation to investors at GM's Milford Proving Ground.

Investors got a sneak peek at the vehicles on the condition they not take photos with their phones. Media were allowed to listen to an audio feed of the presentation without video.

A GM spokesman declined to provide details on the timing or name of the battery-only vehicle.

Currently, GM sells the Chevrolet Volt, a semi-electric car, nation-wide, but sales have disappointed. There were fewer than 1,400 sold in September and sales through the first nine months of 2014 are down 13% from a year earlier. It also sells an electric version of the Chevrolet Spark minicar in limited quantities, but only in California, Oregon and Washington.

GM executives have said they are pursuing an affordable electric car (about $30,000) with a range of about 200 miles between chargings.

Reuss also showed investors the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu and Cruze sedans.