The Chevrolet Spark EV is GM's latest entrant into the pure-electric car market. Unlike the heavily publicized Volt, the Spark EV took Chevrolet's Korean-made micro-size hatchback and turned it into a silent city runabout with seating for four. Introduced for 2014, the Spark EV is only 12.2 feet long, with a tight 33.8-foot turning radius, making it highly maneuverable in urban environments.
Don’t expect to find one at your local dealership, however, unless you live in California, Oregon, or Maryland. Like other automakers, GM developed an electric car partly to satisfy California's electric-vehicle mandates. Availability expanded to Maryland during 2015, but this ultra-efficient -- and surprisingly quick-accelerating -- microcar isn’t likely to expand rapidly into other parts of the country.
What's New for 2016
Chevrolet has given its gasoline-engine Spark a mild redesign for 2016, including a slightly lengthened wheelbase and lower overall height. However, the Spark EV continues into 2016 as a carryover. Pricing changed a bit during the 2015 model year to provide “greater value,” according to Chevrolet.
Choosing Your Chevrolet Spark EV
Unlike many Chevrolet vehicles, you won't find a stripped LS trim level of the electric hatchback. The Spark EV is offered in only two well-equipped LT variants: 1LT and step-up 2LT. The powertrain consists of a 19 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 105 kW electric motor that produces 140 horsepower and a hefty 327 pound-feet of torque. That’s sufficient for acceleration to 60 mph in a swift 7.2 seconds.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates equivalent fuel economy at 119 MPGe, with an estimated range of 82 miles before charging is required. The Spark EV driver can choose from two driving modes: Normal or Sport.
The Spark EV can be charged in any of three ways:
- DC fast charging, which charges the battery to 80 percent of its capacity in 20 minutes, using an SAE combo charger. Chevrolet says the Spark EV is capable of multiple fast-charging events daily.
- With a dedicated 240-volt AC charger, which takes less than seven hours.
- Charging at a conventional 120-volt AC outlet takes about 20 hours. An onboard 120-volt charger is included.
A fast charger is the only option for both trim levels.
We'd pick the basic 1LT, but considering that the 2LT is only a few hundred dollars more, both are excellent choices. Provided, of course, that you happen to be a resident of one of the three states where the Spark EV is currently sold. Chevrolet advises that federal and state tax credits, coupled with retail incentives, could possibly lower the net cost of a Spark EV to less than $15,000; but such potential largesse depends on your tax situation and place of residence.