The electrical car market has come a good distance within the final decade. These autos have been as soon as clubbed with different oddballs within the ‘different gas’ class, however now they make up a major chunk of the market. Trendy EVs are filled with premium options and juiced-up batteries that may go tons of of miles on a single cost, whereas typically shaming sports activities vehicles with their efficiency.
It’s a double-edged sword, although. Vehicles have gotten actually costly lately, and EVs aren’t any exception, particularly with producers specializing in bulking up the brochures with options quite than preserving prices down. However not way back, Chevrolet had made an electrical automotive that was small and inexpensive. Right here’s the story of the little-known Chevrolet Spark EV.
- Base Trim Engine
-
Electrical
- Base Trim Transmission
-
Single Pace Computerized
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Entrance-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
140 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
400 lb-ft
- Gas Economic system
-
128/109 MPG
- Make
-
Chevrolet
- Mannequin
-
Spark EV
- Section
-
Subcompact Hatchback
The Chevrolet Spark’s Rise To Reputation
The Chevrolet Spark, as we all know it in the present day, was initially developed by Daewoo Motors and offered because the Matiz. It was first launched in 1998, and when Chevrolet acquired Daewoo Motors in 2002, it was rebranded as Chevrolet Spark in some international markets. It acquired a generational replace in 2005, that includes extra fashionable particulars whereas nonetheless retaining the Matiz and Spark names, relying in the marketplace.
The one offered within the US was the third-generation Chevrolet Spark, based mostly on the Chevy Beat idea. It was launched in some markets in 2009 and made its technique to the US by 2012, and it additionally launched Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system. The subsequent generational replace got here in 2015, and this automotive was famous for being some of the inexpensive vehicles in North America. It was nice, however discontinued in 2022.
Over its lifespan of practically 1 / 4 of a century, the Chevrolet Spark made a reputation for itself as a extremely inexpensive, dependable, and easy-to-own subcompact automotive. As a result of its miniature dimension and glorious maneuverability, it was supreme for metropolis driving. And though the engine lacked pep, its good gas economic system made up for it. The inside was additionally surprisingly spacious for a automotive of its dimension. It was odd, positive, however it was excellent at what it did.
What many do not know is that, alongside the best way, Chevrolet additionally launched an electrical variant of the Spark. This Spark EV was solely offered in two states, and whereas it had glorious potential to be one of the best inexpensive EV on the market, it missed the mark. Maybe it was too little, too quickly for the EV market. It’s pure to suppose that, had it been launched in the present day, issues would’ve been fairly totally different for the Spark EV.
How This Price range EV Gives Spectacular Vary With out Breaking The Financial institution
For those who’re planning to purchase an electrical car that gives a good vary, however would not burn a gap in your pockets, you must test this one out.
The Chevrolet Spark EV Was An Wonderful, Reasonably priced EV
The Chevrolet Spark EV was a limited-production all-electric model based mostly on the usual Spark. It was offered within the US between 2014 and 2016, restricted to solely two regional markets of Oregon and California. But it surely was rather more than simply that. It was Common Motors’ first all-electric passenger automotive for the reason that EV1, which was discontinued in 1999. And it was additionally GM’s first EV that was supplied for retail sale; the older EV1 was solely obtainable on lease.
In comparison with the common gas-powered Spark, the Spark EV wasn’t too totally different. It adopted the identical design language, save for some aerodynamic modifications that may solely stand out when you had ever stared at a Spark for too lengthy. It featured a grille with an computerized shutter system and a full underbody panel to scale back drag, and a few touches right here and there that mirrored its EV persona.
In any other case, it appeared and felt roughly like the usual Spark. The cabin featured an analogous structure with some EV-specific controls, although the cargo was barely smaller because of the battery pack. It additionally featured a surprisingly torquey character with a good vary of over 80 miles. It was this affordability and surprisingly nimble efficiency that made it a terrific alternative for anybody in search of an accessible, environment friendly EV.
Chevrolet had priced the Spark EV fairly low, beginning at $25,170 for the 2014 mannequin. It got here in two trims, the 1LT and the 2LT, which began at $27,495. Now, that may make you suppose that an inexpensive Chevy Spark on sale can be factor, however this Spark EV missed the mark. Even those that favored the automotive on the time solely favored it for its affordability, nothing else. For others, the Spark EV merely didn’t really feel value it.
Used Electrical Chevy Spark On Sale
There are solely two explanation why you’d wish to purchase a used Chevy Spark EV. You both need an oddball electrical automotive since you love the concept of it, otherwise you’re in search of an inexpensive EV day by day driver. If the latter is the case, you are in luck as a result of a used Chevy Spark EV is kind of low-cost in the present day. Kelley Blue E-book estimates a Honest Buy Value of simply $4,275 for the 1LT and $4,600 for the 2LT mannequin. Though as a consequence of its restricted run, you may need to look onerous to seek out one.
There’s one other factor try to be nervous about. It’s a discontinued mannequin, and reliability scores for the Spark EV are a blended bag. It’s extremely really helpful that you simply conduct a radical inspection earlier than choosing up an electrical Chevy Spark on sale. Whether it is in clear situation, although, you may have your self a extremely inexpensive, peppy little EV that may take you round city simply nice with out having to lay our a fortune on it.
This Gamechanging EV Is Redefining Affordability In 2025
Essentially the most inexpensive EV with 300 miles of vary in 2025 is redefining what to anticipate at just below $35,000.
Surprisingly Torquey For Its Dimension
The electrical Chevy Spark’s powertrain is somewhat difficult, partly as a result of it’s the similar system that Chevrolet used on the Volt. It contains a 21-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery consisting of 336 cells, which gives the automotive an EPA-estimated vary of as much as 82 miles with 119 miles per gallon equal.
What is going to shock you is the Spark EV’s efficiency. It produces 140 horsepower and a staggering 400 pound-feet of torque, which is critical energy for a automotive of this dimension. Opinions on the time famous that the ability didn’t cover behind falling torque curves, both, with Chevrolet claiming it might go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.6 seconds. On the time, this efficiency was sufficient to blow its compact EV rivals out of the water.
Quite a few Methods To Cost It
You’ll be able to cost the Spark EV in varied methods, with the chief amongst them being a 120V family outlet. This fees the automotive from empty to full in 17 hours. You can too use two 240V chargers, which take round 7 hours to cost the automotive absolutely. Chevrolet additionally supplied a stage 3 quick charger that might ship 80 p.c in simply 20 minutes.
Why This Reasonably priced EV Is A Good Used Automotive Buy
You could be taking a look at this inexpensive EV if you would like one of the best deal within the used automotive market.
No-Nonsense Inside Centered On Every day Driving
The Chevrolet Spark EV doesn’t fake to be something it’s not; it was an inexpensive, inexpensive subcompact automotive, and its inside displays that. The inside will not be that totally different from the gas-powered Spark, both, save for some variations. The most important a kind of, nevertheless, is the cargo area, which is smaller at 1.8 cubic toes with the rear seats up. Folding the seats down opens up 7.8 cubic toes of area.
Being a Spark, the inside options lots of plastic, although homeowners be aware that it doesn’t really feel cheesy or difficult. In reality, the sprint is praised for being cleanly balanced, with EV-related buttons and controls correctly positioned in order to not confuse drivers. The bottom 1LT has fabric upholstery, and the 2LT is upgraded to leatherette on the seats and steering wheel. Different options embody a 6-speaker audio system, 60/40 break up folding seats, steering wheel-mounted controls, a folding armrest for the driving force, cruise management, and a rear wiper.
The Greatest Price range-Pleasant EV For Good Buyers
This SUV gives glorious vary, security scores, and loads of customary gear.
The Chevrolet Spark EV Was Too Little, Too Quickly
The Chevy Spark EV was on sale in solely two states for a few years. That’s as a result of Chevrolet was banking on its success there to finally develop it, however that by no means occurred. The gross sales have been sluggish, and the Spark EV fizzled out with round 7,300 items offered in Oregon and California. It’s a shock that the automotive didn’t promote so nicely, however one other means to have a look at it’s that it’d simply have been forward of its time.
There’s a lot to love in regards to the Chevy Spark EV. It was straightforward to stay with, had a punchy engine, and had respectable interiors for the time and the worth bracket it belonged to. Positive, Chevrolet might have offered it in a greater means, however that also doesn’t take away from the truth that it had the potential to be one of the best electrical small automotive in the marketplace.
Luckily, the Spark EV isn’t fully gone simply but. Common Motors has reinvented the Spark within the type of an inexpensive, sensible, and compact crossover. It’s tiny, trendy, and gives respectable efficiency. This new Spark sits on Chinese language structure and is offered in rising markets. Sadly, Chevrolet has determined to not promote the brand new Spark within the US as a consequence of inner decision-making, certification, and importing points. That could be a disgrace as a result of the brand new Spark is precisely what the EV market wants in the present day.
Sources: Chevrolet, the EPA
