Last week, the plant celebrated Spark EV motor production, marking the first time a major U.S. auto manufacturer has designed and built both a complete electric motor and drive unit for a modern electric vehicle in the United States.

ENGADGET: Chevy Spark EV rated most efficient retail car with 82-mile range, 119 MPGe

J-1's first stage, and Nissan will complete a liquid-methane-fuelled motor that it has in the works for the second stage.

ECONOMIST: Sayonara, spaceflight?

Specialized engineers focused on three critical areas: the battery, motor and electronic interface as integrated components of a complete machine.

ENGADGET: Specialized Turbo e-bike reaches the US, offers a speed boost for $5,900