2014 Chevy Electric Car Review Performance and Features Unveiled

The 2014 Chevy electric car delivers impressive performance with instant torque, a smooth ride, and a competitive 80–100 mile range, making it a standout in its class. Packed with tech-forward features like regenerative braking, touchscreen infotainment, and smartphone integration, it balances efficiency with everyday practicality. This model sets a bold benchmark for affordable, eco-friendly driving.

Key Takeaways

• Impressive range: 2014 Chevy EV delivers 82-mile range per charge.
• Quick acceleration: 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds for city agility.
• Regen braking: Maximizes efficiency with one-pedal driving capability.
• Spacious interior: Seats four comfortably with hatchback practicality.
• Tech-forward cabin: MyLink infotainment and smartphone integration standout.
• Affordable pricing: Competitive lease deals boost accessibility for buyers.

The Dawn of a New Era: 2014 Chevy Electric Car Review

The year 2014 marked a pivotal moment in the automotive industry, especially for General Motors and its Chevrolet division. As the world began to embrace the shift toward sustainable transportation, Chevrolet responded with a bold statement: the 2014 Chevy electric car lineup, led by the Chevy Spark EV and the continued evolution of the Chevy Volt. These vehicles weren’t just about reducing emissions—they represented a fusion of innovation, performance, and practicality designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of drivers. Whether you were an eco-conscious commuter, a tech-savvy urbanite, or a family seeking fuel savings, the 2014 Chevy electric car offerings provided compelling reasons to consider going electric.

In an era where Tesla was capturing headlines with its Model S, Chevrolet carved out its own niche by focusing on affordability, accessibility, and real-world usability. Unlike some electric vehicles (EVs) that were priced out of reach for average consumers, Chevy’s 2014 electric models aimed to democratize electrification. The Spark EV, for instance, was one of the most affordable EVs on the market, while the Volt offered a hybrid-electric solution that eliminated range anxiety without sacrificing driving dynamics. This review dives deep into the performance, features, technology, and real-world experience of the 2014 Chevy electric car lineup, uncovering what made them stand out—and where they fell short—in the rapidly evolving EV landscape.

Performance That Delivers: Power, Efficiency, and Driving Dynamics

When evaluating any electric vehicle, performance isn’t just about speed or horsepower—it’s about how the car translates energy into motion, handles daily driving conditions, and satisfies the driver’s expectations. The 2014 Chevy electric car models, particularly the Spark EV and the Volt, brought unique strengths to the table, each tailored to different driving needs.

Chevy Spark EV: Instant Torque and City Agility

The 2014 Chevy Spark EV was Chevrolet’s first all-electric vehicle sold in the U.S. market (excluding limited lease-only models like the EV1). Powered by a 105-kilowatt (140 horsepower) electric motor, the Spark EV delivered 400 lb-ft of torque—an impressive figure for a subcompact car. Unlike internal combustion engines that build torque gradually, electric motors provide maximum torque from zero RPM, resulting in a snappy, responsive acceleration that felt exhilarating in city traffic.

• 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds: While not a Tesla-level sprinter, the Spark EV was quicker than many gas-powered subcompacts, including the regular Spark (which took over 10 seconds).
• Regenerative Braking: The car featured a “Low” mode that intensified regenerative braking, allowing drivers to slow the car significantly without touching the brake pedal—ideal for stop-and-go traffic.
• Handling: With its low center of gravity due to the underfloor battery pack, the Spark EV offered surprisingly stable cornering and minimal body roll for a small hatchback.

Real-world tip: In urban environments like Los Angeles or San Francisco, the Spark EV’s instant torque and compact size made it perfect for zipping through traffic and fitting into tight parking spots. However, its 82-mile EPA-rated range (on a full charge) meant it wasn’t suited for long highway trips without careful planning.

Chevy Volt: The Best of Both Worlds

The 2014 Chevy Volt was not a pure EV but a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that combined a 149-horsepower electric motor with a 1.4-liter gasoline generator. This dual-powertrain setup was designed to eliminate range anxiety while maximizing electric-only driving.

• Electric-Only Range: Up to 38 miles on a full charge (EPA rating), which covered the daily commutes of over 80% of U.S. drivers.
• Total Range: With a full charge and a full tank of gas, the Volt could travel up to 380 miles, making it ideal for road trips.
• Performance: The electric motor provided 273 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of around 8.7 seconds—respectable for a compact sedan.

One of the Volt’s standout features was its seamless power transition. When the battery depletes, the gasoline engine kicks in to generate electricity—not to power the wheels directly, but to recharge the battery. This meant drivers never experienced a “limp mode” or abrupt performance drops. Example: A driver in Chicago could commute 30 miles daily on electricity (using workplace charging), then take a weekend trip to Indianapolis without stopping for charging infrastructure—just a gas station.

Cutting-Edge Features and Technology

The 2014 Chevy electric car lineup wasn’t just about propulsion—it was packed with advanced features that enhanced convenience, safety, and connectivity. Chevrolet leveraged its expertise in infotainment and driver assistance to create a tech-forward experience.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Both the Spark EV and Volt came equipped with Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system, which featured a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and smartphone integration. The 2014 models were among the first to support:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (via update): Though full integration came later, the system was designed to be upgradeable.
• Chevrolet Mobile App: Allowed remote monitoring and control of charging, climate preconditioning, and vehicle status (e.g., battery level, charge time).
• Voice Recognition: Enabled hands-free calling, text messaging, and navigation input.

Practical example: On a cold winter morning, a Volt owner could use the mobile app to start the car and warm the cabin 10 minutes before leaving home, all while the car was still plugged in—preserving battery range.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety was a priority for Chevy in 2014. The Volt, in particular, earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Key features included:

• Forward Collision Alert: Warned of impending front-end collisions.
• Lane Departure Warning: Alerted drivers when unintentionally drifting out of their lane.
• Park Assist: Provided audio and visual cues for parallel and perpendicular parking.
• StabiliTrak: Electronic stability control for improved handling in slippery conditions.

The Spark EV, while more basic, included standard features like traction control, anti-lock brakes, and six airbags—uncommon for a car in its price range.

Charging and Energy Management

Charging convenience was a major selling point. The Spark EV came with a standard Level 1 (120V) charging cable and an optional Level 2 (240V) charger (sold separately). The Volt included a similar setup but with a more advanced energy management system.

• Spark EV Charging Time:
  • Level 1: 20+ hours for full charge
  • Level 2: ~7 hours
  • DC Fast Charging (available on select trims): 20 minutes for 80% charge
• Volt Charging Time:
  • Level 1: ~10 hours
  • Level 2: ~4 hours

Tip: For Spark EV owners, investing in a Level 2 charger was almost essential for daily usability, especially if driving more than 30 miles per day.

Design and Interior: Comfort, Space, and Practicality

The 2014 Chevy electric car models balanced modern aesthetics with functional interiors. While neither was a luxury vehicle, they offered thoughtful design elements that enhanced daily usability.

Exterior Styling

The Spark EV retained the quirky, youthful design of the regular Spark but added EV-specific touches:

• Unique front fascia with a closed grille (no radiator needed)
• LED daytime running lights
• 15-inch aluminum wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires
• Distinctive “EV” badging

The Volt featured a more aerodynamic, futuristic look with a sloping roofline, active grille shutters, and a rear spoiler to reduce drag (Cd of 0.28).

Interior Space and Materials

Despite its small footprint, the Spark EV offered surprisingly spacious front seats and a decent 11.4 cu-ft cargo area (expandable to 31.2 cu-ft with rear seats folded). However, rear seat legroom was tight for adults.

• Materials: Hard plastics dominated, but soft-touch surfaces on the dash and door panels elevated the feel.
• Seating: Heated front seats were available on higher trims.
• Visibility: Large windows and thin A-pillars provided excellent outward visibility—a plus for city driving.

The Volt offered a more upscale cabin with:

• Premium cloth or leather-trimmed seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Rear seat HVAC vents
• 10.6 cu-ft trunk (smaller than gas models due to battery placement)

Real-world example: A family of four could comfortably use the Volt for weekend trips, though luggage space was limited compared to a traditional sedan.

Noise and Ride Quality

Electric vehicles are inherently quieter, and Chevy minimized road and wind noise with:

• Acoustic laminated glass (Volt)
• Sound-deadening materials in the floor and firewall
• Low-rolling-resistance tires with noise-reducing tread patterns

The Spark EV’s ride was firm but compliant, while the Volt’s suspension tuning leaned toward comfort, soaking up highway imperfections with ease.

Ownership Experience: Cost, Incentives, and Reliability

Beyond performance and features, the true value of a 2014 Chevy electric car lies in the ownership experience—cost of ownership, available incentives, and long-term reliability.

Pricing and Incentives

At launch, the 2014 Chevy Spark EV started at $27,495 (before incentives), while the 2014 Volt began at $34,995. However, both qualified for significant tax credits:

• Federal Tax Credit: Up to $7,500 (Spark EV and Volt)
• State Incentives: California offered an additional $2,500 rebate for the Spark EV, and some states provided HOV lane access.
• Lease Deals: GM often offered attractive lease terms (e.g., $199/month for 36 months on the Spark EV).

Tip: Buyers should always check for local incentives—some utilities offered free Level 2 chargers with purchase.

Fuel and Maintenance Savings

Electric vehicles drastically reduce fuel and maintenance costs:

• Spark EV:
  • Annual fuel cost: ~$550 (based on 15,000 miles/year, $0.12/kWh)
  • Maintenance: No oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust system repairs
• Volt:
  • Annual fuel cost: ~$800 (mostly electricity, occasional gas use)
  • Maintenance: Fewer brake replacements due to regenerative braking

Reliability and Longevity

The 2014 models have proven reliable over time:

• Battery Degradation: Spark EV batteries retain ~80% capacity after 8 years (per GM data). Volt batteries show similar resilience.
• Common Issues:
  • Spark EV: Some reports of charging port malfunctions (covered under warranty)
  • Volt: Rare software glitches in infotainment (fixed via updates)
• Warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles on battery and electric drive components—still active for many owners today.

Data Table: 2014 Chevy Electric Car Specifications at a Glance

Feature	2014 Chevy Spark EV	2014 Chevy Volt
Type	All-electric (BEV)	Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
Electric Range	82 miles	38 miles (electric), 380 miles (total)
Power	140 hp, 400 lb-ft	149 hp (combined), 273 lb-ft
0-60 mph	7.2 seconds	8.7 seconds
Charging Time (Level 2)	7 hours	4 hours
Starting MSRP	$27,495	$34,995
Tax Credit	Up to $7,500	Up to $7,500
Seating Capacity	4	4
Cargo Space	11.4 cu-ft (31.2 cu-ft max)	10.6 cu-ft

Final Verdict: Why the 2014 Chevy Electric Car Still Matters

A decade after their release, the 2014 Chevy electric car models—the Spark EV and Volt—remain significant milestones in Chevrolet’s electrification journey. They demonstrated that EVs could be affordable, practical, and enjoyable without requiring drivers to compromise on performance or comfort. The Spark EV proved that city drivers could thrive with a small, efficient electric car, while the Volt offered a pragmatic solution for those not yet ready to go fully electric.

What sets these vehicles apart even today is their real-world usability. Unlike some early EVs with limited range or niche appeal, Chevy’s 2014 models were designed for everyday life. They featured intuitive tech, robust safety systems, and ownership incentives that made the transition to electric driving accessible to a broader audience. While newer EVs offer longer range, faster charging, and more advanced features, the 2014 Spark EV and Volt laid the foundation for Chevrolet’s future electric lineup—including the Bolt EV and the upcoming Ultium-based models.

For today’s buyers considering a used electric car, the 2014 Chevy electric car lineup remains a smart, cost-effective choice. With proven reliability, low operating costs, and a growing used EV market, these vehicles continue to deliver value. Whether you’re a first-time EV owner or looking to add a second car to your garage, the 2014 Spark EV or Volt offers a compelling blend of innovation, efficiency, and Chevy’s signature durability. As the world moves toward a zero-emission future, these models remind us that the journey began with practical, purpose-built vehicles—exactly what Chevrolet delivered in 2014.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the 2014 Chevy electric car?

The 2014 Chevy Spark EV offers an EPA-estimated range of 82 miles on a full charge, making it ideal for daily commutes and city driving. This range was competitive for its time, though newer models now exceed it.

How fast does the 2014 Chevy electric car charge?

Using a 240-volt Level 2 charger, the 2014 Spark EV reaches a full charge in about 7 hours. With a standard 120-volt outlet, charging takes significantly longer—up to 20 hours.

Does the 2014 Chevy electric car have good performance?

Yes, the 2014 Spark EV delivers 140 horsepower and 327 lb-ft of instant torque, enabling quick acceleration and a smooth ride. Its electric motor provides a responsive driving experience, especially in urban settings.

What features come standard in the 2014 Chevy electric car?

The 2014 Spark EV includes standard features like a touchscreen infotainment system, rearview camera, and keyless entry. Higher trims add heated seats, alloy wheels, and advanced connectivity options.

How does the 2014 Chevy electric car compare to other EVs of its time?

The 2014 Chevy electric car stood out for its compact size, agile handling, and affordable price point. While its range lagged behind rivals like the Nissan Leaf, its torque and urban practicality were strong selling points.

Is the 2014 Chevy Spark EV reliable?

The 2014 Spark EV has a reputation for solid reliability, with few major mechanical issues reported. Regular maintenance and battery care are key to ensuring long-term performance and longevity.