Spark EV Battery Update: Let's clear the air...

[@Infinion]

A while ago in the Spark EV forums, a number of us were discussing one user's 2014 replacement process. I looked into service bulletins to find info on the replacement process ( 18-NA-180) and one bulletin describes the process for 2014's with A123 LFP batteries that are discontinued to be retrofitted with 2016 parts (LG NMC lithium chemistry instead of LFP). The service bulletin # is 17-NA-003.

[@EVResource]

Correct. I was aware of that, and it wasn’t in play for this situation. My car is a 2016, and I was calling around using the most recent part number. The Technical Service Bulletin for the A123 batteries was not applicable.

[@samuie2]

@@EVResource So the thread on the Spark EV forum was started by me to request info and document my experience persuing a battery replacement warranty claim. You can read over that if you want the full back story. I'm a bit sceptical of GM's assertion that it was all a communication issue, but I can give them the benefit of the dough on that. However, I strongly question their statement that they "are not going to leave owners of spark EV's without options" because as far as I know the Service bulletin 17-NA-003 is still valid. The bulletin announced the end of 2014 to 2015+ battery conversions so anyone with a 2014 that needs a battery will not be able to get the parts needed to complete the conversion. So the existence of 2015+ packs will not help them. Also, I think its a bad look to end support for the car at the exact same time that all of the warrenties expired... That kind of action signals to me that they are only committed to providing support while they are legally required to by warrenty law. I'm glad you were able to get in contact with some executives that could resolve your issue quickly, but as an "average" owner not involved in media/journalism my experience has been quite different.

[@EVResource]

Well, as it turns out, I'm still waiting on my pack replacement and the dealership is telling me they have no ETA from the company about when one will be available. I might have corrected my original reporting too soon. I do want to give GM the benefit of the doubt regarding supply issues, but at what point does this become ridiculous?

[@samuie2]

@@EVResource How is your Battery replacement claim coming? Its been 12 months now for me and I'm sill waiting on a resolution. GM has said that they will re-buy the vehicle (2014 Spark EV) since the parts to perform the repair are no longer available. However, since stating that, they have not made any offers and have stopped replying to my calls and emails... Im interested to in knowing how the process works for you, maybe I'm just asking the wrong questions.

[@johnschreiber1574]

@@samuie2 I am waiting for one as well. GM said 4th quarter 2022, and offered rental reimbursement at $46 per day.

[@calmdreamtv]

Thank you for this video and all the work you did on the original article!

[@EVResource]

You’re very welcome Derek! When I was first told that my own car couldn’t be repaired I was spurred into action. There was no way I wasn’t going to let other Spark EV owners know what was happening. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome and I look forward to future support from the company for these awesome cars!

[@jeremyhighhouse6903]

Hey there, my spark has been waiting on a warranty replacement for the battery for about 8 weeks now. Did your spark ever get a replacement battery?

[@EVResource]

Hey Jeremy, after 4 months of waiting, GM shipped all new battery cells to the dealership and the local tech assembled the battery pack here. I’m back on the road and currently filming an update. I wanted to be finished this week, but it’s delayed due to the rain. I’ll have an update soon though!

[@jeremyhighhouse6903]

@@EVResource Wow! That's quite a wait. Thanks for the update.

[@jeremyhighhouse6903]

Another update on my replacement battery. It had been nearly a year of waiting for a battery. I was hesitant to do a buyback with GM as I thought they wouldn't offer anywhere near what the market value. Thankfully GM is buying back sparks with bad batteries for $15k now. I hope this info will help anyone still waiting on a battery for their spark.

[@melinmm3280]

Almost just bought a 2014 spark ev. Thank you! I couldn't handle that headache right now.

[@EVResource]

Yeah, best to steer clear at this point. 😢

[@LaraT-cw1oq]

H ello! I have a 2016 Chevy Spark EV and noticed a lower battery range performance. Dealership performed the Electrical Systems Diagnosis ($175). They determined that the battery is functioning at 22.6 Ah, compared to the minimum 31.5 Ah. Headquarters is reluctant to act on it. They want me to "wait and see" and do another diagnostic in August. Do they think they made a misdiagnosis? Should I push for a repair order to start? The warranty expires in August, two months from now. Any advice?

[@EVResource]

Don’t let the warranty expire! Hold their feet to the fire and get your car repaired. I’d call everyday if I were you.

[@LaraT-cw1oq]

@@EVResourceThe EV battery warranty was only valid for one year, which expired in 2019. The remaining warranty, expiring in August (100,000 mi or 8-years) is for "general issues," not specific to the battery, and since there is no "battery problem code" appearing on the dash, headquarters is reluctant to declare that it is a problem and doesn't want to repair it under warranty. This week we are tracking range per battery charge so we can return to the dealership with some hard data, since the guy at the dealership "expected" that the range would improve after the diagnogstic test. We are in summer Pacific NW weather and the battery is still only charging to a max range of 51 mi. This is 1 mile above our winter mileage range. No good. If I were to call everyday, what should I say?

[@EVResource]

@@LaraT-cw1oq it sounds like there is more going on with the warranty situation than usual. My impression that the 8yr/100,000mi warranty was for that it covered the battery and related components. So if your warranty coverage for the battery has expired, I’m not sure it would be worth exploring any further. At least to me, it’s not worth paying out of pocket to keep the Spark EV on the road when there are so many newer and better EV options available on the used EV market.

[@LaraT-cw1oq]

@@EVResourceThe dealership rep said he would have to get headquarters to approve the repair order under our warranty. So, I guess we just need evidence (before our last remaining warranty expires in Aug) to move forward. I will go for the buy back option if it becomes available. Such an unfortunate situation. We were happy with the car!

[@LaraT-cw1oq]

Update: The dealership recently conducted a second diagnostic and approved replacement of the battery under warranty! (They did not offer a buy-back option). It should be available between Oct and Dec 2024.

[@jeangaudet6393]

In Quebec we're starting to have a problem finding suspension parts. I don't know how it's like in that regard in the USA. Can you see if GM is going to look into this too ?

[@EVResource]

I can ask, but I know supply chain issues are abundant with many companies, and GM’s suppliers are no different. The good news with aftermarket is that the front springs and shocks are interchangeable with the gas powered Spark. The rear are a little different, but I know with some minor adjustment Megan Racing coil overs will fit. Perhaps there are other options too.

[@blakedonald1288]

Thanks Zach. I'm not on Facebook much anymore, but I'm glad I get to follow you on here.

[@EVResource]

No problem! Glad to hear from you. This was a crazy roller coaster of a ride, I’m just happy that things seem to be settled at this point.

[@blakedonald1288]

@@EVResource I need to take my 2016 Spark EV in for service. I just keep delaying it and a lot of other things since my wife passed away. I'm glad I got this alert because I've been concerned about this with my EV too.

[@EVResource]

If your car needs service, I'd definitely take it in. Hopefully you won't be waiting weeks and weeks like I currently am and it'll be an easier fix for you. I still haven't gotten my battery replaced yet.

[@coolcat312]

I had not heard this information and I am thankful that they will continue to be offering batteries. I bought my spark EV one year ago and while it’s battery is currently doing just fine I have been a little concerned about what would happen if it had a sudden failure.

[@EVResource]

So, please watch the latest Spark EV video I made and join the Spark EV Owners Facebook Group. All is not well with these cars and the way GM is “supporting” them. Turns out I was lied to, and I would NOT expect to have any options from Chevy if there is a problem. Not trying to rain on your parade, but I wouldn’t own one of these cars at this point.

[@jp7489]

Was thinking 🤔 of getting one of these semi used but not sure...

[@EVResource]

Honestly, I wouldn’t own this car outside of the warranty period. In the Spark EV Owners Facebook group we have (seemingly) a new post every month of another Spark EV with a battery failure. I know the sample size isn’t very big, but these cars are dropping like flies.

[@lutzshawn]

As spark owners it was initially a big relief to find out the huge bolt recall didnt affect any spark hv batteries... now that gm is deep into that push to replace however many thousands of bolt batteries, along with pandemic supply chain issues, im not really shocked to find that there is issues. I hope that it gets sorted...not only for my spark should it be needed but all the bolts and the promising future of the other chevy evs they are trying to get rolling.

[@EVResource]

🤞🤞 Things do look promising at the moment. Time will tell!

[@daedalus921]

I can't help but wonder if perhaps the bad press that GM was getting on this issue ended up changing minds on support for Spark EV batteries. Like maybe they originally didn't intend to produce more Spark EV battery packs, but then they realized "Oh, people actually do care about this car and it would look really bad if we didn't support the EV community." I would assume the PR department kind of keeps the EV1 debacle in the back of mind at least a little.

[@EVResource]

One way or another, I’m hoping that GM follows through with their support for these cars!

[@peters8758]

GM changed Spark EV battery suppliers in 2014. The first maker went tits-up so those might be the hard to get packs. Later Spark EV's got LG batteries. Last ones got a different LG pack (but it's still not the Bolt flame-thrower pack).

[@EVResource]

All packs for ALL Spark EVs. My car is a 2016 and I’ve had my car in the shop since April 7th… and I’m in contact with 4 other owners of 2015 and 2016 with the same.

[@Greybone62]

@@EVResource I have got a 2016 model as well. @ Summer-time it provides for a range of up to 150 km / 93 miles. The car has probably not been Fast-charged / DC-Charged since it left The US.

[@Weekendlore91]

What is the update on this?

[@EVResource]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHqsnJWho62JfZo

[@pauld6967]

It is always good to be a squeaky wheel & share the news far and wide. If GM hadn't thought about it before, they now realize in this cash-strapped period, replacement battery packs can be a source of revenue for the company.

[@EVResource]

Yeah, I hope that someone comes up with an affordable option.

[@Fay7666]

Coming from the Rossman vid, I truly hope this was just a massive communications mistake from a department that didn't think through the fact that an EV battery isn't something that you can discontinue on a whim and expect everything to go on smoothly. I was certainly considering getting myself a Volt, and this situation will single-handedly decide that fate.

[@EVResource]

I have all the confidence that GM will continue to support their EV past at this point. What is not known is for how long… but at least with the Volt (and Bolt), parts are easier to find because there were many more made!

[@r2db]

@@EVResource The big issue is that until they do very firmly specify the length of support everyone should be extremely hesitant to purchase one of their electric vehicles. It is one thing if the parts to a conventional vehicle are no longer produced. We have had decades of experience with aftermarket suppliers providing reasonable replacements. The battery is the vehicle for an EV, and there is not yet any significant experience with aftermarket battery rebuilding for packs of this size. If I have a rebuilt power tool pack that dies early and unexpectedly it's no big deal, an EV pack is two orders of magnitude bigger of a problem.

[@EVResource]

Exactly right! There is no aftermarket for these cars. There are some companies that work on aftermarket packs for the Nissan Leaf, and I know Tesla's are fairly easy to find replacement modules if you need them. But nothing for the Spark EV unless you get it from GM. Here I am, weeks later, and they still haven't gotten me an ETA on a replacement pack. It's been more than a month at the dealership now...

[@keithm39]

Was there a sign that your battery was failing

[@EVResource]

Yes, I had been having issues for about a year. I HAD previously taken the car to a different dealership but they failed to diagnose the problem properly. I should probably do a different video that has more of the background for my personal situation, shouldn’t I?

[@keithm39]

Yeah make the video

[@EVResource]

I should have that up when I finally get my battery replaced. That way I can tell the entire story all at once.

[@johnschreiber1574]

I am still waiting for a battery for my 2014 spark. GM states quarter 4, 2022.

[@EVResource]

Yeah... I'm hearing similar things.

[@shellybain4150]

So how much is the battery pack costing you? $15000.00 I've seen that price online. I'm hoping not

[@EVResource]

Well, they're replacing it under warranty, so I'm not paying anything. If it were out of warranty, I'd find a used Spark EV and grab the pack from that. Likely could go that route for a few grand. A new battery for the Spark EV is currently listed as $30k or so which is more than the car cost when it was being sold new. A refurbished pack is $18k but $5k of that is a core charge, so if you brought back your bad pack they'd refund you the $5k. Any route you go though, it's probably not worth it for this car.

[@mikepeebles]

Thank you so much for your videos. I was on the fence about getting an EV, but now I know for sure that I am not getting one because there is just way too much wrong with them and the infrastructure is a joke. I'll stick with my wonderful Honda CRV that has never let me down.

[@EVResource]

Pick a vehicle that’s best for you. If it’s not an EV, thats perfectly fine! That being said, I wouldn’t use THIS as an example for all EVs. The Spark EV was very early for modern EVs and the technology has improved significantly since then. You’d do best to try out newer cars.

[@The-DP79]

My Spark EV HV battery just died (29 July 2022). Was also told it was discontinued (3 Aug 2022).

[@EVResource]

I sent an email today to the head of Chevy EV Communications dept. asking questions. In the progress of making a new update video. I should have some answers soon… stay tuned!

[@TheLazyComet]

Glad to know my car will still have some form of support for the big ticket item that sits under the back seat, even if I did buy it used

[@EVResource]

For the near future at least! I’m still making plans for what I want to do once the warranty period ends, but at least for now we CAN get replacement packs! 🎉

[@TheLazyComet]

@@EVResource since I bought my car second hand, I don't know if the warenty still applies. My range is only down 15ish miles so I don't think I need a new one soon, but it may be time I sell it anyways It will be sad to see it go. I'll miss it's party trick of shifting from reverse into drive while accelerating

[@EVResource]

Have you ever tried to pull the ABS fuse and let the front tires just spin...?? It's great if you have another set of tires to put on afterwards. ;)

[@unionse7en]

a reasonable cost replacements is a necessity if one is shopping for a used EV, doesn;t have to be from the OEM ... Looks like buying a used Chevy SParkEV is a no go.

[@EVResource]

Yup. For now anyway.

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

I had a feeling....

[@EVResource]

I was absolutely shocked when they said they didn’t have any more batteries. But after calling around the country, that “reality” was supported quite well. I’m very happy that the issue was miscommunication and not an actual failure to provide support for these cars. Definitely things have ended up for the best!

[@waynedobrzykowski5429]

They're giving me the run-around at the dealership saying that's the new range of my battery I'm only getting 45 MI

[@waynedobrzykowski5429]

I don't know what the legality is on replacing a battery if it has to be completely dead or at a certain percentage

[@EVResource]

Oh man, I’m sorry that’s happening! I found that unless the diagnostic light is on, that many dealerships aren’t interested in engaging in a conversation about the battery. Reaching out directly to GM’s EV Concierge Service (www.chevrolet.com/contact/call-us) might help, but I wouldn’t hold your breath.

[@EVResource]

Unfortunately you have to be your own advocate and be relentlessly aggressive with this situation (if you’re under warranty)

[@swagtastic]

Can smurfs drive smart cars that are green? Are smart smurfs green and cars? Why did you get a green car? How much do you spend of gas each months?

[@EVResource]

Preston, what?? 😂😂 Love the silly questions! Yes, I suppose Smurfs could drive cars that are green, why not? I got a green car because that was the color that my youngest child wanted. It really was that simple. 🎉 It’s an electric vehicle, so I don’t spend any money on gas at all!

[@Longsnowsm]

Thanks for the video. I am hearing that the batteries are not available when asking about replacements. I started looking to see what it would take to replace a severely degraded battery in a Spark EV if I found one that needed replacement. I have seen several people reporting pretty degraded batteries. Then I was told that the battery cost if I could find one would be around $15k which is more than the car is worth. This situation is not sustainable and has to be corrected. EV's should not be ready for the landfill once the batteries need replacement. GM did nothing in their reply to you to calm the nerves of Spark EV owners. The limited supply of these batteries clearly shows they are only keeping some on hand for warranty claims. There is nothing in this reply that implies they are planning for any future support for the Spark EV once the last cars are out of warranty. This is really sad.

[@EVResource]

Yup! I’m still waiting on my battery. They told me “a couple of weeks” just to shut me up I think. My car has been at the dealership since 4/7/22. This will be my last GM car. I can’t support a company that doesn’t 1) care, or 2) have the ability to properly serve their customers. It’s a shame too because they really are awesome cars!

[@Longsnowsm]

@@EVResource They don't appear to have a real roadmap of long term support. The only reason I see them trying to cover their tracks is due to lawsuits for not honoring their warranties. Until EV's have at the very least the level of ongoing support, maint, parts that ICE vehicles have then it is very hard to get excited once you have experienced this. Unless we hold the EV makers to the standards we would expect of an ICE vehicle we are going to e stuck with black boxes that have a very short life span. My hope is that manufacturers would tool up so that cars they sold can be upgraded so that we are not replacing vehicles every few years. Thanks for sharing. It is time for more honesty and more heat on all of the EV makers. We deserve better. I am an EV fan, but don't support the industry as it stands today.

[@EVResource]

Yeah, I think it’s more of a GM problem than it is an EV problem. Aside from that, there are lots of ICE cars that are having parts shortages too. So maybe it’s just the conditions have all come together to make the “perfect storm” Dunno really. What I DO know is that most other EVs will likely never have the battery pack fail at 75k miles and only 6 years old. To me this entire situation has illuminated a failure in design and manufacturing for THIS car.

[@JoshuaJob]

@@EVResource Did they give you a rental/loaner while you wait? My Spark died last Monday (8 days ago) and similarly they say they’ll fix it eventually but it’s back ordered and I’m waiting to hear back if they’re going to be giving me a rental or something. Really concerned they’ll say no, in which case I think I’m going to have to press for a buyback. Would you recommend still I get in touch with the EV concierge and see what they have to say?

[@johnschreiber1574]

@@JoshuaJob I have been waiting since February. Last statement from GM: quarter 4

[@gelthegemini]

hi EV resource, my name is Angelica and I have a Chevy Spark EV 2015. in early november my car died completely, key was not working, it wouldn’t charge. i took it to a dealership and they claimed the 12 volt battery was dead, i paid them to replace it and i went on. yesterday, late december my car is dead once again… i called the dealership and my car has been towed back but now i’ve paid twice $110 for both tows and about $300 for the first replacement 12 volt. was this similar to what happened to you? i watched your videos when this first happened and i told them to please check the main electric battery component. i don’t think they even checked it honestly and sent it back to me still bad. i called chevy directly and have a case open now but i’m needing some advice. i told them so many times to PLEASE check the main battery.. i’m so upset. thanks for reading if you made it this far.

[@EVResource]

Hello Gellee, yes, basically this is what is happening to these cars. Stay on your dealership and GM and if under warranty, make sure they replace your battery! You’ll probably have to fight for it, but it’s worth it in the end. Thanks for reaching out and I wish you all the best!

[@enzodunn2577]

I was wanting a used spark ev until I read all of these comments. I was looking at a few with under 30 thousand miles but I'm guessing that due to age of the car it may already have battery degradation. Dang it the price was good too. But not if a replacement battery cost $15k. Lol. Oh well. Good luck to those who are waiting in limbo. Hopefully they gave ya'll a loaner cat while you wait.

[@EVResource]

Yeah, as awesome as the car is, I’d stay away. GM STILL hasn’t replaced my battery and has no ETA when to expect one. My car has been at the dealership since April 7th. The dealership did give me a loaner, but I’m driving it as little as possible because of having to pay for gas.

[@KensDIYandHowTo]

I don't think they want affordable ev's to have easily replaceable battery packs like in power tools which is sad because then it's just a throw away and buy new thing for most people. I think companies can do better but they won't because they need to make $$$ on new cars not keep used ones on the road.

[@EVResource]

I’m currently making another update, possibly a final update for my personal Spark EV car. I was able to get my car battery rebuilt with new cells and I’m back on the road. There’s so much more about this entire story to tell. I’m taking my time to put the words together so I don’t give the wrong impression. Stay tuned!

[@MrTeff999]

The problem is, Chevrolet only sold about 3600 Spark EV’s, and those battery packs were never used for any other vehicles. It just doesn’t make economic sense to build one or two thousand replacement packs do you have on hand for people who need them.

[@billsmith810]

When I first heard about this issue I wasn't panicked but disappointed that if true GM would just leave us Spark EVs hanging. The more I thought about it, it kinda made sense that potentially any battery pouches might have gotten used up in the Bolt recall business. While I would be OK with potential buy back toward a newer GM EV be it a Bole or Equinox it still didn't add up. Anyway, whether it was a communications error/misunderstanding or GM realized they didn't need another hit against their EV vehicles and decided to assure they would continue to support us Spark EV owners I'm relieved and happy they are there for us. Thanks for this follow up video you trouble maker 😆 🤣 just kidding.

[@EVResource]

I’m very happy with the result of everything. I am very confident that without the initial reporting, GM would not have been aware of the internal issue and my car (maybe others too) would not have been given the option of getting fixed. So at least we have a preferred outcome!

[@billsmith810]

@@EVResource absolutely!! I still think you had a lot to do with EVgo fixing the charging issue we all experienced with their ABB chargers working with our sparks so thanks again.

[@EVResource]

I'm always trying to do what I can.

[@BuiltByMike]

I like how it was ruining there reputation and they made it a miss understanding. Hopefully they stuck to there word

[@EVResource]

GM doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to EVs… I really hope they stick to what they say they’re going to do for these cars.

[@englewood1961]

My car, a 2016 Spark EV with 41,000 miles on has been sitting at the dealer lot for about 11 months. The battery has a range of 35 miles on a full charge. I don't want this car back and Chevrolet is just ignoring it, hoping I will go away.

[@EVResource]

I’m sorry to hear that. It’s sad that GM abandoned the Spark EV. They said they wouldn’t… 🤷‍♂️😢

[@MrTeff999]

My 2015 Spark EV has 63,000 miles on it and it still charges to 50-60 miles in cool weather, and 55-65 miles in warmer weather. Just thought I’d mention it.