Chevy’s Spark EV Glides onto the Scene

The people at Chevy have revamped the compact Spark, and this year debuted its all-electric option, the Spark EV. With all of the recent hubbub over electric vehicles, why does this one stand out? Here are a few reasons why the Spark EV may turn out to be one of the biggest contenders in the electric vehicle market—even if it’s only half the size. 

Electricity and Going the Distance

The Spark EV is able to cover 82 miles on a single charge. This is twice as far as the Chevy Volt. The vehicle also takes less time to charge—only 7 hours—if you upgrade to a 240 volt plug. And on the SAE combo charger, the vehicle can get four-fifths of its charge in 20 minutes, which significantly cuts down charging time.

No Gas, All Green

Unlike the Volt, which has an auxiliary gas-powered generator to recharge the battery, the Spark EV does not use any gas. It’s a completely electric vehicle, and Chevy boasts that it will save the owner $9,000 in fuel costs over the first five years. It also produces no emissions, so you can feel better about your carbon footprint and your bank account.

Speed and Handling

The Spark EV can go from 0-60 in eight seconds. That’s not bad for a compact car, much less an electric model. The vehicle’s lithium ion battery is able to delivers an astounding 400 lbs.-ft. of torque. The ride is smooth, though, because the car is built with high-strength steel. This irons out the bumps, and it also makes the car safer.

Trim and Features

Two different trims are available, the 1LT and 2LT. Both come with Chevy’s MyLink interface that allows drivers to use their iPhone through the vehicle. This way, it is easy to operate Siri while driving—to get directions or skip that song that you hate and never remember why you bought in the first place.

Pricing

Both trim options have an MSRP just above $27,000. However, with a $7,500 federal tax credit and possibly some local tax incentives, that price can easily drop below $20,000. Combine that with the expected $9,000 in fuel savings and an eight-year/100,000 mile warranty, and you’ll see why electric cars are finally starting to catch on.

To receive more information about the Spark EV, visit a Hubler dealership in your neighborhood.

Posted in Chevrolet, Electric, Electric, Industry, Spark and tagged , , .