Chevy Spark an Electric Car Review Features and Performance Insights

The Chevy Spark Electric is a compact, city-friendly EV that delivers impressive efficiency and low operating costs without sacrificing fun. With a 110-mile range and nimble handling, it’s ideal for urban commuters seeking an affordable entry into electric driving. Packed with tech features and a surprisingly peppy motor, the Spark EV proves small cars can make a big impact.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable pricing: The Chevy Spark EV offers budget-friendly electric mobility.
• Compact efficiency: Ideal for city driving with nimble handling and tight turns.
• Quick charging: Reaches 80% charge in under 30 minutes with DC fast charging.
• Low maintenance: Fewer moving parts reduce long-term ownership costs significantly.
• Limited range: Best suited for short commutes with 82-mile EPA range.
• Regen braking: One-pedal driving enhances efficiency and reduces brake wear.

Introduction: The Chevy Spark EV – Small, Electric, and Surprisingly Fun

When I first heard about the Chevy Spark EV, I’ll admit I was skeptical. Electric cars? Sure, they’re the future. But a tiny little hatchback that runs on batteries? It sounded more like a glorified golf cart than a real car. Then I took one for a spin—and boy, was I wrong. The Chevy Spark an electric car isn’t just a quirky experiment; it’s a bold statement that you don’t need a massive SUV or a six-figure price tag to go electric. It’s compact, efficient, and surprisingly peppy, making it a standout in the world of city-friendly EVs.

The Spark EV was Chevrolet’s first foray into fully electric vehicles, hitting the U.S. market in 2013 (with a refresh in 2016). While it’s no longer in production (the gas-powered Spark was discontinued in 2022, and the EV version followed suit), it still holds a special place in the EV history books—especially for urban commuters, first-time EV buyers, and anyone who values practicality over pretense. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from its quirky design and real-world performance to its charging quirks and long-term value. Whether you’re considering a used Spark EV or just curious about early electric city cars, this is your honest, no-nonsense guide to what it’s *really* like to drive the Chevy Spark an electric car.

Design and Interior: Tiny on the Outside, Smart on the Inside

Exterior: A Pocket-Sized Urban Warrior

The Chevy Spark EV looks like a car designed by someone who *gets* city life. At just 144.7 inches long (about 12 feet), it’s shorter than a Mini Cooper and barely bigger than a large stroller. That means parallel parking is a breeze—I once squeezed into a spot between two delivery vans with room to spare. The design is playful and modern, with a rounded front end, LED daytime running lights (on later models), and a slightly aggressive front grille (which, fun fact, is mostly decorative since EVs don’t need as much airflow as gas engines).

The Spark EV also has a few visual cues that scream “I’m electric!” The most obvious is the charging port on the driver’s side front fender, which lights up when plugged in. Later models (2016+) added a sleek “Eco” badge on the rear hatch and subtle blue accents around the grille and wheels. It’s not flashy, but it’s got character. Think of it as the EV equivalent of wearing sneakers with a suit—functional, but with a little personality.

Interior: Surprisingly Roomy for Its Size

Step inside, and the Spark EV feels bigger than it looks. The upright seating position gives you great visibility, and the cabin is surprisingly spacious for four adults (though three in the back is a squeeze). The materials are mostly hard plastic—this isn’t a luxury car, after all—but everything feels well-assembled and durable. The 2016 refresh added soft-touch materials on the dashboard, which was a nice upgrade.

One standout feature is the **7-inch touchscreen infotainment system** (standard on all EV trims). It’s not the fastest or most responsive, but it’s intuitive, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (added in 2016). The gauge cluster is all-digital, with a large speedometer in the center and a customizable display on the right side. You can even toggle between different energy flow screens, which show you exactly how much power you’re using or regenerating—super helpful for learning how to drive efficiently.

Practicality: Where the Spark EV Shines

Despite its size, the Spark EV is surprisingly practical. The rear seats fold flat (60/40 split), expanding the cargo space from a modest 11.4 cubic feet to 27.2 cubic feet. That’s enough for a week’s worth of groceries, a small suitcase, or even a folding bike. There are also clever storage cubbies everywhere—under the seats, in the doors, and even a little tray in the center console.

Pro tip: If you’re using the Spark EV for daily errands, keep a reusable shopping bag in the trunk. The hatchback design makes loading and unloading a breeze, and the low load floor means you don’t have to lift heavy items very high.

Performance and Driving Experience: Zippy, Smooth, and City-Perfect

Acceleration: Like a Pocket Rocket

Here’s the fun part: the Chevy Spark EV is *fast*. Not “supercar fast,” but “whoa, this little thing has some pep” fast. With **140 horsepower** and **327 lb-ft of torque** (yes, you read that right—more torque than a Porsche 911 from the same era), it launches off the line with surprising urgency. 0-60 mph takes about 7.5 seconds, which is quick for a car this size. The instant torque from the electric motor means you’ll leave most gas-powered cars at the stoplight—especially in city driving.

I remember pulling up next to a gas-powered Ford Fiesta at a red light. When the light turned green, I stomped the pedal, and the Spark EV shot forward like a scalded cat. The Fiesta driver looked genuinely confused. It’s not just about bragging rights, though. That quick acceleration makes merging onto highways, passing slow trucks, and navigating busy intersections much safer.

Handling and Ride Quality: Nimble but Not Sporty

The Spark EV’s handling is where things get interesting. The car is incredibly nimble, thanks to its tiny turning radius (33.8 feet) and low center of gravity (from the floor-mounted battery pack). It feels like driving a go-kart—light, responsive, and easy to flick around corners. However, the ride quality is on the firm side, especially on rough pavement. The short wheelbase and stiff suspension mean you’ll feel every pothole and expansion joint.

This isn’t a car you’d want to take on a long highway trip (more on that later), but for city driving? It’s perfect. I once took the Spark EV on a 10-mile round-trip through downtown traffic, and it handled stop-and-go like a champ. The steering is light and precise, and the brakes are strong (though they can feel a bit grabby at first due to the regenerative braking system).

Regenerative Braking: A Learning Curve (But Worth It)

The Spark EV has a single-pedal driving mode called “Low” mode (activated by pressing a button on the center console). In this mode, the regenerative braking is so strong that you rarely need to use the physical brakes—just lift off the accelerator, and the car slows down dramatically. It’s a game-changer for city driving, where you’re constantly slowing down and stopping.

Pro tip: If you’re new to EVs, start in “Normal” mode (less regen) to get used to the feel. Once you’re comfortable, switch to “Low” mode to maximize efficiency. I found that I could recover up to 20% of my battery charge just through regen braking on my daily commute.

Range, Charging, and Real-World Efficiency

Official Range vs. Real-World Range

The 2016 Chevy Spark EV has an EPA-rated range of **132 miles** on a full charge. That’s not a lot by today’s standards (a Tesla Model 3 can go 260+ miles), but it’s more than enough for most city dwellers. In real-world driving, I consistently got **110–120 miles** on a charge, depending on weather, driving style, and terrain.

Here’s the thing: range isn’t just about the number on the EPA sticker. It’s about how you use the car. If you’re driving mostly in the city, with lots of stop-and-go, you’ll get closer to the official range (or even exceed it, thanks to regen braking). But if you’re doing a lot of highway driving at 70+ mph, expect the range to drop to around 90–100 miles. Cold weather also takes a toll—I lost about 15% of my range during a winter trip when temperatures dipped below freezing.

Charging Options: Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging

The Spark EV comes with a **120-volt Level 1 charger** (the kind you plug into a regular household outlet). With this, you’ll get about 4 miles of range per hour of charging. That means a full charge from empty takes around **30 hours**—not ideal, but fine if you’re charging overnight every night.

For faster charging, you’ll want a **240-volt Level 2 charger** (like the kind you install in your garage or find at public charging stations). This gives you about 25 miles of range per hour, so a full charge takes around **5–6 hours**. Most Spark EV owners I’ve talked to recommend installing a Level 2 charger at home—it’s a small investment that pays off in convenience.

The Spark EV also supports **DC fast charging** (via the CHAdeMO connector), which can add up to 80% charge in about 20 minutes. This is a big deal for a car this size, as most small EVs from the same era (like the Nissan Leaf) didn’t offer fast charging. I once used a fast charger at a grocery store parking lot to top up from 30% to 80% while I shopped—saved me from range anxiety on the way home.

Energy Efficiency: The Spark EV’s Secret Weapon

The Spark EV is incredibly efficient, with an EPA rating of **119 MPGe** (combined). That means it uses less energy per mile than most other EVs—and way less than gas-powered cars. In my testing, I averaged about **110 MPGe** in city driving and **100 MPGe** on the highway. The car’s small size, low weight (about 2,700 lbs), and aerodynamic design all contribute to its efficiency.

Pro tip: To maximize efficiency, avoid rapid acceleration and keep your speed under 60 mph whenever possible. Also, pre-condition the cabin while the car is plugged in—this uses grid power instead of battery power, saving range for driving.

Technology and Safety Features: Simple but Smart

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Spark EV’s 7-inch touchscreen is the centerpiece of its tech offerings. It’s not as flashy as newer systems, but it gets the job done. The interface is simple and intuitive, with large icons and minimal lag. Standard features include Bluetooth, USB ports, and a 6-speaker audio system (which sounds surprisingly good for a car this size).

The 2016 refresh added **Apple CarPlay and Android Auto**, which was a huge upgrade. These let you use your smartphone’s apps (like Maps, Spotify, and WhatsApp) on the car’s screen, reducing distractions. There’s also a built-in 4G LTE hotspot (subscription required), which is handy for passengers but not essential for most drivers.

Safety Features: Basic but Reliable

The Spark EV isn’t packed with high-tech safety features, but it has the essentials. Standard features include:

• Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
• Electronic stability control
• Front, side, and curtain airbags
• Rearview camera (standard on all trims)
• OnStar (with automatic crash response and roadside assistance)

The Spark EV also has a unique safety feature: **Pedestrian Alert System**. Since EVs are nearly silent at low speeds, this system plays a low-frequency sound outside the car when it’s driving below 18 mph, alerting pedestrians to its presence. It’s subtle but effective—I’ve had several pedestrians thank me for “making noise” in parking lots.

Driver Assistance: Limited, But Improving

The Spark EV doesn’t have adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, or automatic emergency braking (unlike newer EVs). However, it does have a few helpful features, like:

• Forward collision alert: Warns you if you’re approaching a vehicle too quickly.
• Lane departure warning: Alerts you if you drift out of your lane (though it doesn’t steer you back).
• Blind spot monitoring: Available on higher trims (LT and Premier).

While these features aren’t as advanced as what you’d find in a Tesla or a newer Chevy Bolt, they’re still useful—especially in heavy traffic or on long drives.

Ownership Costs, Maintenance, and Long-Term Value

Initial Price and Incentives

The Chevy Spark EV was never a budget car—but it was a smart buy thanks to incentives. The 2016 model started at **$25,170** (before federal and state incentives). With the **$7,500 federal tax credit** and state incentives (like California’s $2,500 rebate), the effective price could drop to under $15,000. That’s a steal for an EV with fast charging and 132 miles of range.

Maintenance: Cheap and Simple

One of the best things about the Spark EV is how cheap it is to maintain. Electric motors have fewer moving parts than gas engines, so there’s no oil changes, spark plugs, or timing belts to worry about. The main maintenance items are:

• Tire rotations and replacements
• Brake pad inspections (though regen braking means pads last longer)
• Cabin air filter replacement
• Coolant checks (for the battery and motor cooling systems)

I’ve owned my Spark EV for three years, and my total maintenance costs have been under $300—mostly for tire rotations and a cabin air filter. Compare that to my old gas-powered car, which cost me $800+ a year in oil changes, tune-ups, and other repairs.

Battery Degradation: How It Holds Up Over Time

Battery health is a big concern for EV owners, and the Spark EV is no exception. The car has an **8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty**, which is standard for EVs. In real-world use, most Spark EVs lose about **5–10% of their range over the first 50,000 miles**, with degradation slowing down after that. I’ve seen some high-mileage examples (80,000+ miles) still holding 90% of their original range.

Pro tip: To extend battery life, avoid charging to 100% every day (80% is fine for daily driving). Also, try to keep the battery between 20% and 80% when possible, and avoid leaving it plugged in for weeks at a time.

Resale Value: A Mixed Bag

The Spark EV’s resale value isn’t great—partly because it’s no longer in production, and partly because newer EVs (like the Bolt EV) offer more range and features. A 2016 Spark EV with 50,000 miles might sell for $10,000–$12,000 today, depending on condition and location. That’s a significant drop from the original price, but it also means you can buy one for a bargain if you’re shopping used.

Data Table: Chevy Spark EV Ownership Costs (5-Year Estimate)

Item	Cost
Initial Purchase (after incentives)	$12,000–$18,000
Electricity (12,000 miles/year)	$600
Maintenance	$500
Insurance	$3,000
Total 5-Year Cost	$16,100–$22,100

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy a Chevy Spark EV?

After spending months driving the Chevy Spark an electric car, I can confidently say it’s a fantastic choice for the right person. It’s not for everyone—but if you’re a city dweller, a first-time EV buyer, or someone who values simplicity and efficiency over flashy features, it’s hard to beat.

The Spark EV shines in urban environments. Its tiny size makes it perfect for crowded streets and tight parking spots. The zippy acceleration and strong regen braking make city driving fun and efficient. And with 132 miles of range and DC fast charging, you won’t be stuck at home just because you forgot to charge.

Of course, it has its downsides. The ride is a bit stiff, the back seat is cramped, and the infotainment system is starting to feel dated. But for the price (especially used), these are minor trade-offs. The Spark EV proves that you don’t need a $50,000 EV to enjoy the benefits of electric driving.

So, who should buy one? If you’re looking for a second car for city errands, a commuter vehicle with low running costs, or a fun, eco-friendly hatchback, the Chevy Spark an electric car is a smart, practical choice. Just don’t expect it to replace your SUV on a cross-country road trip. Stick to the city, and it’ll reward you with years of reliable, efficient, and surprisingly fun driving.

In the end, the Spark EV isn’t just a car—it’s a reminder that the future of transportation isn’t just about bigger, faster, and more expensive. Sometimes, it’s about being smaller, smarter, and more sensible. And in that regard, the Chevy Spark an electric car? It’s a winner.

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