This Little Known Tiny Chevy Is By Far The Best Budget EV You Can Buy! (More Torque Than a FERRARI)

[@g00dgh0st]

Is it funny that TFL puts one of it's most honest and well put together reviews for a 8 year old car.

[@cdbuiles]

it’s not funny. actually there is more ‘standardized’ electric car terminology available nowadays than 8 years ago. Car reviewers today are more informed about what customers care the most in the EV world. He is pointing those out in this review.

[@Chrisp707-]

It's easier to out together an honest detailed review on an older car you actually owned. Rather than a new car you don't own and only have for 1 week

[@phillipzx3754]

@w4csc "Why can't EVers see past the end of the loan?" Do you not realize how stupid that sounds?

[@DL30Creations]

@w4csc just go to your neighborhood Rural King and get some golf cart batteries. Done!😁

[@shantipless5846]

Been driving my 2014 spark ev for the last 6 years daily. 80k miles and it’s still a blast to drive- feels like a gocart. I commute 50 miles a day up and down 3000 ft elevation- and it pulls up those Colorado steep highways so smoothly. Best review I’ve seen- every comment right on- looking forward to a winter snow review- can’t get snow chains on those front tires.

[@cauthoncrazy]

Amazing!

[@kirksway1]

do you use studded tires in the winter?

[@arcanelive23]

Have you changed your agm battery? How many miles do you get per charge?

[@shantipless5846]

@@kirksway1 - just Michelin x ice snows without studs. Run them year round. Replace fronts every 2 years- rears last 4.

[@shantipless5846]

@@arcanelive23 - depends on season. 50 miles in winter with some heat running and 65 in summer without heat on.

[@huskynoob7881]

I leased this in California for $99 for 39 months in 2015 and got a $3000 rebate from Electric company and CA.. was such a fun little car with all that torque and so manuerable, never one issue in the 39 months of ownership.

[@garyssimo]

I did exact same thing but paid 200 a month lease. U did great!

[@jimquigley1127]

Tommy, thanks. You are a joy to listen to... frank, forthright, highly knowledgable and good humored. Your honesty about the car's shortcomings and your praise for the car's more laudable features were refreshing. I bought a 2014 even before I tuned in to this KZbin video... as a current owner of a 2014 Spark I appreciate your run-through. It taught me a few things about the car I did not know. Thanks again!

[@NewAccount-c5k]

I love chevy spark

[@NewAccount-c5k]

🎉my car ls called sparky

[@kmponthebeat]

I've had a 2016 Spark EV for about a year and a half now. I absolutely love it! I've had catastrophic problems with it tho. Had to replace the battery pack, motor, motor controller, and AC compressor but it was all under warranty! Before the repairs, I was getting about 60 miles per charge. Now I'm getting 85-95 averaging 6.5-7 mi/kwh!! I've gone thru multiple sets of front tires but it's definitely worth the smile it puts on my face and the suprise it puts on others! 😊

[@tonytiger8248]

My 2016 has no problems. I hope my battery goes out so I can get a new one. Lol

[@kevinbarry71]

Liquid cooled batteries; that puts it ahead of every version of the Nissan leaf

[@spedracer55]

honestly its time for them to update it again

[@trevorpomroy550]

Probably has a lot to do with their longevity as well.

[@UmmYeahOk]

Well, GM has been making EVs since 1996, so it’s not like they had to start from the beginning with their research and development.

[@mychevysparkevdidntcatchfi1489]

@@UmmYeahOk If you consider moon rover was made by GM, GM has been making EV since 1972.

[@johnwang9914]

Cells easily replaced by third parties and DIY would be better, water cooled or air cooled as then you could inexpensively refurbish the battery pack.

[@ankurlee-vakil4063]

I love my 2014 spark ev! To help with traction, I did a square wheel setup with 15x6.5 wheels, and 195 width tires which helped a ton in the turns. My wife and I fight to drive it almost everyday! I got mine used for 6500 bucks, and my power company gave us 800 bucks back (even used with 40k miles!) I love mine dearly. Except for the audio.

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

Google Crutchfield.

[@-Jethro-]

People badmouth compliance cars, but I think they’re great because of parts availability. There are probably 50 gas Sparks for every electric one, and since most parts are common, you should find them easily. Not so for low volume EVs such as the Leaf. (2013 Leaf owner).

[@tylerschild5060]

I had one of these from 2015 to 2017. I was an awesome little car. What was the most awesome was I was able to lease it for $98 a month with 0 down. What a deal!

[@billsmith810]

Thanks for a good honest review of this little gem. You are right, these are a great introduction to the EV world for not too much cost. I bought a 2016 last September and am really happy with it especially since it only had 11K miles on it so I should be good for some time. I wanted a new Mini electric but didn't want to spend the $$$ and while the Fiat 500E is pretty good the 4 doors and torque sold me on it. Glad to see you beat your dad's 0-60 time especially with 50% SOC. I know the car is cheap compared to newer EVs but I don't care as it reminds me of my old 1978 Ford Fiesta, both honest low cost commuters. Enjoy, I know I am!

[@PatriceBoivin]

I always thought this is what an urban commuter ought to be -- compact, low cost, to encourage more people to switch to EV. Instead of the Volt, Bolt, etc. with higher prices which cannot compete with small cars.

[@nlpnt]

Fun fact about the 2016 models, the gas-powered Spark was redesigned that year but the EV still had this prior-generation body because it was about to be replaced by the Bolt.

[@Pekirt79]

Good video. We love our 2016 Chevy Spark EV and use it for all our in town errands. We can get around 80 miles in the warm weather and around 60 in the cold. Ours had the DC fast charge and we found it for $12k in 2020.

[@tylerfoss3346]

Pekirt79, $12k used for a 2016 model bought in 2020 is a much better deal than $28k (or more?) new in 2016. I do know it's not all about the money (everything is not), but these EVs are expensive when they are new. Fwiw, I know that this is also true (new vehicle = expensive vs. used vehicle) for gas powered vehicles but the overall performance and capabilities of EVs versus gas powered vehicles needs to be considered, too. EVs are a great concept. Good luck with your car.

[@leightonmann]

Love this Spark. These "compliance" cars are hidden gems. Usually the high level technology and engineering end up costing $40,000+ per car to the manufacturer, but you could get them for much cheaper. Supposedly, the Fiat 500e cost FCA $50,000 per car.

[@heyyougonnafinishthat8658]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3iqg4CGp99_hNE

[@jms1255]

I have a 2014 and use it to Doordash around the city, its probably my favorite car ive ever owned and I call it my go kart bc thats what it feels like Im driving w all the torque. Great review, the positives by far outweigh the negatives. I have the DC fast charge option and w one 2.5 miles from home I've literally only had battery anxiety once when I got sent on a longer than usual errand without accounting for it beforehand, thankfully fast chargers are sprouting up within most reasonable driving distances.

[@jamesengland7461]

I do 3rd party delivery, and on any decent day I'd drive at least double the range of this car; occasionally triple, not even counting my commute home.

[@johnwang9914]

@@jamesengland7461 In Rio de Janeiro, many of the Taxis are gasoline vehicles converted to use compressed natural gas. When you got into one of them, they would proceed to a gas station and get enough natural gas for the trip and then make the trip. I'd imagine the strategy with using these vehicles for delivery would be the same, to just charge enough for the next trip as battery packs charge the fastest when they are are close to being depleted just to minimize the recharge time. I'd suspect someone using this vehicle for delivery would start with a full charge from their home level 2 charge station, run it till depleted perhaps 20% and then just fast charge to 50% or maybe even 80% capacity between deliveries. Keeping the charge level low shortens the charging times and with how small this car's battery is, we're probably talking about 10 to 15 minute fast charges.

[@jamesengland7461]

@@johnwang9914 from my experience,, that's not feasible. It's not unusual for me to go nonstop for several hours, driving too many miles without stopping, and then to have to sign off and go charge the battery? Thar 15 minutes will cost a delivery, maybe more.

[@smhshyla]

How has it done with delivery driving ? Just ordered one but I failed to see you only get 80 miles at a time . I can drive maybe triple that on a weekend day

[@jms1255]

@@smhshyla I dash in an area outside of ATL that has a good amount of fast chargers in all directions. So i have a safety net that allows me to pretty much do a couple of hours of deliveries then charge right back up in 15 min and do it again. Something i learned though, and is common knowledge do your best to fast charge to 80% because its bad for the overall health of the batter to fast charge over that and since im near chargers I dont need the over 80% anyways.

[@leightonmann]

Nailed it about range not being that big a deal. For 99% of trips, even 70 miles is plenty. And these small batteries charge back to 100 so fast.

[@heyyougonnafinishthat8658]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3iqg4CGp99_hNE

[@nodak81]

Not for me. I never know how long my day is going to be. At a minimum I drive 90 miles and it can go up to 300 miles. Not everyone is a yuppie that lives in downtown NYC and has no need to drive farther than the nearest Starbucks.

[@heyyougonnafinishthat8658]

@@nodak81 somehow, the average American drives less than 30 miles a day.

[@kirksway1]

@@valleyofiron125 I love "Sparky"

[@mayuquitomayu4743]

@@valleyofiron125 The lead foot on a first timer EV driver is funny. I agree, drive it like you own it, instead of like you stole it, and range goes up a lot.

[@Mr.Ramirez95]

This car is perfect for city driving! Perfect for your kids to drive themselves to school and sports. With 80 miles per charge they won't get far enough to get into trouble.

[@beanapprentice1687]

With all the DC fast chargers around nowadays, and the spark EV's ability to use them, the 80 mile range isn't really a limiting factor for people who want to travel long distances with this vehicle.

[@TheTerpTribeOfficial]

@@beanapprentice1687the 2014 spark had quick charge?

[@beanapprentice1687]

@@TheTerpTribeOfficial technically yes, though it was only an option, so not all units have it. Looking back at my comment though, I have to say that the 80-mile range _is_ a bit of a limiting factor for people who want to travel long distances, even with the 50kW charging, since in reality you’re going to be stopping to recharge at intervals of just 50-60 miles in order to have a safety buffer.

[@bartfuhriman4886]

I’ve had a 16 Chevy spark EV for about a year and a half now and it is one of my favorite cars I’ve driven! I’m a 6’5” guy, so a lot of my friends and coworkers mock my car, but I have more fun and spend less on gas than they do. It’s an amazing daily driver and I would definitely suggest it if you are considering getting a fun little commuter car.

[@hellodlo]

This brings back memories. I leased one in early 2014 as a secondary vehicle. It was nice to go to work in. It was quick off the line but really lost steam while flooring it at higher speeds. I think its top speed was somewhere in the 80mph range. You guys did your homework on this I’m surprised you captured the headlight/horn function and ccs option. It actually almost paid for itself during my lease. I got several local county tax rebates; obviously not the federal one. Great review!

[@roguedogx]

4:53 so a set of drag radials might result in a 6 second 0 to 60 time? sounds like a good test to me. lol

[@erics3596]

You'd need to wire the rear wheel speed sensors into the front, but yes I had this same idea - unfortunately the traction control nanny cannot be completely defeated

[@IM0001]

@@erics3596 when you long press the Traction Control button it doesn't disable the Stablitrack and fully disable traction control like on the First Gen Volt?

[@erics3596]

@@IM0001 it claims to, but as SOON as any wheel spin is detected it kicks back in

[@IM0001]

@@erics3596 aww dang. I wonder if it's mainly to protect the half shafts similar to the weakness of the Volt. Either way, getting some stickier tires would help a little in the fight for traction. I did get some Firehawks for the Volt and while there not quite as good for pure mileage, they are great for traction. Also rather cheap at least at the time.

[@hduncan2587]

@@IM0001 I don't know what size the Spark can fit, but I have 15x7 Advanti Storm S1's on my Toyota Echo manual, and lord they are light... they weigh the same as my brake disks. As similar in size as they are (both the Spark and Echo share a very close wheelbase, around the 93" mark), there's still the width and offsets to worry about. Then again, the Echo was stock with 175/65r14;s, I think Sparks were 15's and something like a 185-195, with electrics having a little extra meat (and four wheel disks... not sure he mentions that in the review). My girlfriends mom had a CVT Spark we borrowed to drive from Sacramento to Monterey and back, and it's a very fun platform. Every first gen Spark I've driven has such a quick steering rack, the manual was a "as fast as you can" action to it, and the electrics are a blast for scrambling around even when flooring it at 45mph with traction off. The following generation of Spark was a more sophisticated style overall with more power, but it gets so dulled in every other way. Steering slows, engine response (rev hang and clunkiness for the manuals)... it just wasn't as enjoyable. Hell, a CVT Nissan Versa Note SR is probably going to be more enjoyable with some tire and swaybar changes. Spark EV would definitely be my electric run-about for the city, especially over the Fiat 500e... but then there's the eGolf, which isn't as fun, but holds its own and adds loads more content and civility.

[@camperschoice8802]

Who wants to buy the Chevy Spark Ev when the battery can cost up to 15k and GM stopped offering replacements?

[@airplanesrfun]

I'm on the 4th set of tires at 70k miles.

[@bryanCLXT]

Is it worth the buy? The the torque at 35 mph really slapping

[@airplanesrfun]

@@bryanCLXT I've had mine for two years as a daily driver/sleeper it's really great. I think it only costs $20 a month on my electric bill and requires almost no maintenance.

[@bryanCLXT]

@@airplanesrfun ty I'll.look for a one on the markets

[@garyssimo]

Average ice driver in Fairfield Ca spent $1,320 on gas in 2023 Weve been 5 bucks a gal or more for years

[@stevevice9863]

Naming an electric car "Spark", is like naming a gas powered car, "Explosion".

[@Inferno45]

Lol

[@instanoodles]

They should have used a brushed DC motor, then there would have been sparks.

[@ezekielmorgan1042]

The gas powered car is actually called the spark lol

[@jryan1024]

or "Boom"

[@mchagnon7]

I'd drive a car called the Explosion.

[@ezekielmorgan1042]

Honestly they should've invested in this more... Having 2 choices for an electric car would be pretty neat, especially if they could make this super cheap

[@fredericktaylor2891]

We have 2014 Spark gasser we bought new, base model in grape ice color. It has been a reliable car with two recalls for software update but no mechanical issues. It can be a bit noisy inside but I have found this to be determined mostly by how rough the road surface is. We use it mostly for local running but we do take it for long road trips when we want to save on fuel cost. We considered the EV model when we bought this one but the EV was not being sold in our area and we wanted to replace the PT Cruiser that was giving a lot of trouble. I plan to keep it as it has served us well, I did replace the tires with 195's as I didn't really like the original ones when it was time to replace them, these ride better and give a bit more stability. I would buy another one if need be, the local dealer can't keep them on the lot, they go fast!! Too bad they stopped production of the EV model.

[@eduardoig17]

The type of people who buy that kind of car don’t care about interior material quality

[@jellison258]

Yeah cuz it isnt the 50's where we have to have wool blankets and other atrocious nonsense

[@glennkennedy441]

I have a thing for tiny cars and found this video to be very interesting.

[@timothykeith1367]

If battery tech improves in the next five years and these are still around it might be fun to upgrade the battery in a Spark. I still have a Geo Metro, I don't care about cool features - if its low budget

6:20 I've been driving this in a gasoline version and have to say their 1.2 isn't boring at all, it just plays boring as long as you never hit the 4k rpm. :-D From 4k to 7k it is heaps of fun for such a go kart! I love this little thing. :-D

[@Nebula1701]

that green ball is your efficiency gauge. you want to keep it in the center as best as possible.

[@bryanCLXT]

I've been looking at Chevy sonics. The spark is Compact compact but still fire

[@wallykunz8641]

But the Sonic is not an EV, is it?

[@hduncan2587]

Gotta learn your classes, buddy. Impala: Fullsize Malibu: Midsize Cruze: Compact Sonic: Subcompact Spark: City car/microcar

[@jtr990]

For the record, Tommy. The Spark is sold in most countries (USA & Canada included) as a Chevrolet, in South Korea as a GM Daewoo Matiz Creative before renaming itself as a Chevy Spark in 2011, and in Australia as a Holden Barina Spark. Just to clear things up, that's all.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

I drive a Suburban LTZ (14mpg average). My commute to work is 14 miles round trip. I'd love to get this guy as my work commuter vehicle. Plug it into the garage at night, have it ready to go in the morning. Save the Suburban for family trips and Home Depot runs. Seems like the perfect "third car" for people with shorter commutes.

[@badgerpa9]

Nice video Tommy, I learned more than I ever thought I would about them. They are surprisingly popular in Russia and Uzbekistan. It would be a good second vehicle for one of my daughters to drive for work and around the city she lives in.

[@mychevysparkevdidntcatchfi1489]

7.1 mi/kWh shown at 10:22. At 33.7 kWh/gallon of gas, that translates to 7.1*33.7 = 239 MPGe! If you consider 15% loss in charging, that's still 203 MPGe!

[@colibri1]

In the eighties, small cars with good performance/good torque like this one were sometimes called "pocket rockets," cars like the Volkswagen GTI.

[@billsmith810]

Yep. I bought a used 87 Shelby Charger for my son back in the day it had 146hp and torque was similar, it was a fun quick vehicle also with lots of torque steer and my 2016 Spark EV is just as fun but with more interior room.

[@enzodunn2577]

Can you actually replace the battery on a 14? If the battery maker went belly up how would you replace it if it goes out. 🤔

[@joeltashinian5888]

Oh, i pushed it! Drove this rubber burner for 7 years, 120,000 miles. I loved it, then ripped the axle off and it was DONE. A rare care to own (the 2014). I still miss it, despite now having an i3.

[@erics3596]

The only thing that annoyed me with my 2014 Spark EV was even with the traction control off it would re-engage as soon as ANY wheelspin was detected - 60 miles range was average for me (and yes I am a Denver Metro resident, I "imported" it from Cali during that one year Colorado was offering Refundable Tax rebates on used EVs).

[@mike_t_007]

The powerflow feature you mentioned at 16:00 came from the Chevy Volt. It was a good graphical indication to inform the driver in real time where the power is coming from and what's happening (Regen/Battery being consumed etc)

[@austinfrazier7325]

I didn’t watch this review but I spent about a month researching one of these and almost bought one. Be careful with the hype. Watch as many owner videos as you can. The battery is older tech and is known to degrade over time, the range can drop quite a bit with temps so you only get 40-50 miles, the charge times are high even with the level 2, very few have level 2 anyways. This is in no way a Tesla killer or whatever. I still almost bought one but please don’t buy into KZbin hype.

[@beanapprentice1687]

It's not just KZbin hype. Look on forums everywhere and you will see that almost all spark EV owners are more than satisfied with their car.

[@martinricci8454]

I still get 80 miles on mine with 60k, battery has hardly degraded. And the only thing I've ever replaced is the bulb for the dome light.

[@JohnHansknecht]

battery no longer supported by Chevy. There is no aftermarket battery. It is a brick as soon as battery dies.

[@wallykunz8641]

Tommy - great review! We got a 2015 silver Spark here in Vancouver Canada a year and a half ago. It was on a 3 yr lease in Portland and then languished at a Chevy dealer in Canada for a year. Guess they didn't want to sell a car that needs no service. Our cost was only $14,500 CND after a $3k scrap-it rebate. Absolutely love our Sparky. So great to beat out muscle cars off the line. Besides the torque, we like the cute horn and regenerative breaking. So wonderful to have a quiet car with no gas smell and almost no service costs. Mileage is great since we very rarely get cold weather in Vancouver.

[@wallykunz8641]

*braking*, oops

[@shootermcgavin4999]

Tommy I have a Fiat 500e and it is by far the best and most fun car I've ever had.

[@leightonmann]

I have a 2016 Fiat 500e as well, and it is my favorite car. Possibly the best city car ever. The spark looks like a lot of fun as well.

[@shootermcgavin4999]

@@leightonmann ya buddy. I have a 2017e but I overpaid for it since I bought it during the car shortage. Still worth it.

[@triplehsheartattack8515]

Ure joking

[@shootermcgavin4999]

@@triplehsheartattack8515 Not joking. Such a fun little car.

[@MatthewBonacci3881]

I would love to see a comparison video between the spark, i3 and the new mini.

[@leightonmann]

And the Fiat 500e. I'm looking at the Mini if and when my 500e needs replacement.

[@MatthewBonacci3881]

@@leightonmann Good point. I missed that one. I currently have a 2015 i3 with range extender. While it has the same 70 mile range as the spark it will allow me to take longer trips when needed. I think these 5 plus old EVs are great entry level cars.

[@vr4042]

@@leightonmann I had a 500e for 6 months that my dad got on a lease from CA when they were $99 a month. Loved it. Great commuter. Bought a 2014 500e with sunroof for $6,000 3 years ago and will drive it until my Cybertruck arrives.

[@911sc1981]

@@vr4042 I have an i3s, it’s a blast to drive as I wait for either the Rivian R1T or Cybertruck. I’m thinking the Rivian is going to be out before the Cybertruck. Cybertruck is much cooler though.

[@davidv2464]

In February of this year, I bought a 2015 i3 after first wanting a spark. The i3 is much better.

[@fenwaywest]

Gauges look very similar to my 2013 volt which I ultimately bought used instead of the spark ev. Cabin was a little too small in the spark and I was able to get a volt for $5k

[@Spudeaux]

I wonder if that's why the spark has the useless screen he talked about. In the Volt you have the electric engine charging the battery, so there would be something on that screen beside using electricity when the car accelerates.

[@MrTeff999]

I’ve owned a 2015 Spark EV for six years. It’s a total sleeper. It costs nothing to drive. Now at 40,000 miles, the only money I’ve spent is for front tires, wiper blades and windshield washer fluid. I love the volume control on the steering wheel. I wish my other car had the same. This car looks like a regular Spark, but the driving experience is completely different.

[@rod22lt]

Might be a cheap interior but it seems to have held up well. And isn’t the icon with battery energy direction to show regeneration

[@wallykunz8641]

It's funny. The battery energy direction screen is what my wife loves. She shows it to all her friends and they get excited. I prefer the binnacle which shows the actual amount and whether it is being use or regenerated.

[@springer-qb4dv]

great old vehicle review! Spark is still a great EV if all you need is just local city car.

[@richardbarnes6530]

Bought my 30k mile Leaf last year. Paid $7600. It has a real range if I'm careful of about 95 miles. I've had no heat issues despite living in Chandler AZ. The interior is black leather which is pretty dumb here in AZ but for 7600? Yeah, I was in!

[@ryanatkinson2978]

I actually got this exact one last October, down to the color and model year. It's AMAZING. I got it for $7,250 on Craigslist. The previous owners added some mods, including bigger alloy wheels and low-profile tires, and a sunroof. The bigger tires mean it doesn't break traction AS EASILY. It's still too much torque for the tires to handle of course. With the battery low down, it also handles well. The range isn't fantastic, as mine seems to have degraded more than most. The previous owners may have abused the battery. With the fast charge option though, it charges to 80% in 20 minutes, which usually gives me 50-60 miles of range. I may have to get rid of it soon unfortunately. I call it the Lightning Bug lol

[@DBrentWalton]

We bought one last December. What a fun car to drive. And, at today's gasoline and electricity prices, it would get the equivalent of 300mpg. I learned a few things about the car. Thank you for the review. Because I bought it used, when I get people poo-pooing my electric car by saying it polutes more, I just look at them and say, "No, actually I saved it from landfill." LOL The car is amazingly FAST and uses very few KWh to charge it.

[@NewNChrist]

I absolutely love the Chevy Spark. I rented the vehicle about a month ago and took it on the highway and I was amazed.

[@matthewsaxe6383]

Bump the tire size up to drop the 0-60 time?

[@Cartier_specialist]

That car looks like it would be a great candidate for someone that has an original Volkswagen bug that they'd like to body swap.

[@doohan50000]

It was made in South Korea. The domestic type in Korea is 143.HP torque 57.5 kgm. Mana power has decreased due to U.S. export format.

[@erics3596]

Also, I upgraded the speakers and added an all in one mini sub woofer/amp to the back of the drivers side rear seat - it actually worked REALLY well

[@Optimistprime.]

I wasn't seriously considering getting it, but there was a used car lot I pass on my way to work that has one of these for sale. Same colour too. This car would be a great commuter or town runabout.

[@lawrencey0y]

I love this honest review. We need more of these on the internet.

[@SaraiGarage]

Me when Tommy said the torque specs: 😯 Me after seeing him do the 0-60: 😐

[@beanapprentice1687]

The motor torque is high only at low motor rpm. If the motor could maintain this torque at higher rpm, then it would have more horsepower and it would keep accelerating the vehicle fast at higher vehicle speeds, reducing 0-60 time. So, the high motor torque is kind of just a marketing technique to get people interested; what really matters is high _wheel_ torque, and even with a motor of low torque you can still get high wheel torque by increasing the gear ratio. In the spark EV's case, it instead uses a high-torque motor with only a small gear ratio. This does, however, have the benefit of less inertia in the gear train and less gear train friction because the electric motor & gears are spinning more slowly than in other EVs, while still having similar wheel torque to other EVs. On a final note, even though the spark EV doesn't actually have sportscar levels of power despite it's high motor torque rating, it still is faster than most comparable gas powered cars. And it certainly is a big improvement to the gas version of the spark in terms of speed...

[@elliotcurry2284]

2015 model has less torque and a faster 0-60 because they changed the drive ratio.

[@garyssimo]

Less torque in 2015 I think 320ish 365?

[@caddyzig]

Great review! The Spark EV is such a fun little car. I hope they make a next generation version based on the new Ultium battery technology that’s just as fun and inexpensive.

[@PaulTC97]

Please, take all the unnecessary weight. Turn it into a track toy. Just leave the driver's seat. Put some good tires.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

One thing that GM did with this car and also the first generation Bolt* that I find really annoying is they made DC Fast Charging optional instead of standard like virtually every other EV maker. Overall though this was a pretty good deal when new and a fantastic deal on the used market. For a second car or if you routinely drive less than 50 miles a day (like 95% of the population) then this is worth looking into. On the used EV market, if you're looking for a good deal, I would also suggest having a look at other compliance cars such as: - the Fiat 500e (which, sadly, never offered DC Fast charging until the 2021 model, which is not available in the US) - the Volkswagen eGolf - the Kia Soul EV (that's what I have and it's the finest car I have ever owned) - Ford Focus Electric Sometimes you can even find used BMW i3's at a good price, or the first generation Chevy Bolt. Nissan Leafs in good shape can also be found on the cheap (be sure to get battery health information first though). * The 2022 second generation Bolts finally have DV Fast charging as standard. That car is also only $31000 new, with 259 miles of range!

[@jpl9148]

Your can add CCS to your car in a shop in Quebec with new original GM parts. It cost like $2000 Canadian

[@mrsteve4313]

I believe you mean the word "even" not flat... it's even and slanted and not flat.

[@michaelbell75]

I have a 2017 gas powered Spark and this thing does exactly what mine doesnt, merge onto the highway and pass people. The CVT tranny in the Spark is great for city driving but you are taking your life in your hands driving it on a highway 😃

[@alyssamartinez4412]

How much do battery replacements on these cost? If buying a 7-8 year old car, when the time comes will it cost more that the car itself?

[@kevinmhadley]

My daughter has the gas version of the Spark. It a fun little car to drive and I find the interior pretty comfortable. It gets 30 - 35 mpg and has a lot more range than the EV. If they could produce this car with with 200 mile range, I’d buy one but I have a long commute.

[@SweetBearCub]

"If they could produce this car with with 200 mile range, I’d buy one but I have a long commute.", well they did, that would be the 2017-2023 Chevy Bolt EV, which has a range of 259 miles. Batteries in the first 3 model years were all recalled and replaced, and the battery warranties were reset.

[@robertmiller2950]

Love my 2015 Spark ev. Bought in 2018 for 10k with 14k miles. Best daily ever had. Wish mine had the DC Fast Charger option though. These are not fancy and certainly not attractive but is a blast to drive. Not to mention embarrising people in other cars at stop lights when you find someone who wants to to a little off the line race. These are so unknown that most think it's a regular Spark, but surprised when you out run them.

[@c_solly5892]

My friend has one of these. It has probably the worst blind spots of any vehicle I've ever driven. The side mirrors are useless. Aside from that, it's pretty zippy and fun to drive.

[@g.montoya5658]

I'm glad you mentioned that. I bought a 2015 Chevy spark EV and already noticed that. Wearing glasses makes it worse because you start seeing double from trying to see if a car is in your blind space.

[@htnowpro]

I would like to see how the 2013 Focus Electric compares to this.

[@jpl9148]

The spark ev run circles around the focus.

[@Esteve212]

the only good focus ev is the 2017-18 ones larger battery and have Fast DC charge

[@htnowpro]

@@Esteve212 I agree. I've never seen one but on paper it looks like a great daily run around car.

[@Esteve212]

@@htnowpro I owned one Ford did make much of them and since they stopped making them after 2018 their kinda just forgettable

[@bkanegson]

Avoiding Chevy EV/s due to series of fire warnings on Bolt, including corporate issued advice not to charge indoors. Only fix so far is to de-energize top charge/ reduce range via software. No bueno, GM. Get your shiz together.

[@ZoomZoom870atGmail]

Same goes for Hyundai and the Kona EV I believe they're using the same LG chem battery packs but they're having the exact same issues... Hyundai just fixed the problem while GM's doing everything they can to avoid spending money to fix anything.

[@mychevysparkevdidntcatchfi1489]

@@ZoomZoom870atGmail SparkEV did not catch fire even after 7 years on the road and DC fast charging rate twice as fast as any Tesla. GM did right with SparkEV, but really screwed up with Bolt.

[@bobbert9353]

Bolts, yes. Have yet to see any on the Sparks. Would be interested to see the reports on those if you have them.

[@The-tw3qg]

Very informative videos especially right now that I’m trying to buy a used electric car. I have a question for you since that A123 System battery manufacture is no longer. So when The battery dies out would it be difficult to swap it out since that company doesn’t exist anymore. I’m also considering the 2015 since you said it has LG batteries but my biggest concern is swapping the battery when the time comes. Do you have any advice. I would appreciate it thank you

[@vernongomes]

Finally! So glad you got your hands on one of these.

[@colibri1]

It doesn't look like a doorstop. It looks good, well designed.

[@staccatoglock]

Everyone knows Chevy has this EV thing perfected🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@kens97sto171]

The fires on the bolt EV are in battery packs made by LG late 2018. Sold is 2019 cars. Besides that Chevy and LG have actually had a pretty solid reputation on electric vehicles. And hybrids. The volt before it has been pretty reliable.

[@Neojhun]

Was that a sick joke about the fires?

[@mychevysparkevdidntcatchfi1489]

SparkEV did not catch fire even after 7 years and fast charge rate quicker than any Tesla. GM did right with SparkEV then screwed up with Bolt.

[@Neojhun]

@@mychevysparkevdidntcatchfi1489 A123 & Early LG Chem batteries were rock solid reliable in all use cases even outside of cars. Something wrong happened with late 1st gen Bolt and Hyundai cars. Wierd the failures came later.

[@kens97sto171]

@@mychevysparkevdidntcatchfi1489 The spark does not charge faster than any tesla. TimeWise it's possible because the battery is small. But the actual charge rate is not faster. The 2014 Sparks battery was made by A123 Systems. 2015 forward was made by LG chem. Same people that make the battery for the Bolt EV. The cells themselves I believe were made in Korea the battery assembled in the US. The fires in the bolt EV look to be caused by manufacturing defect in the cells. So it's probably LG Chem responsibility not so much GM. But ultimately the name on the car puts the responsibility in Chevy's lap as to what to do about it. The spark is a great little EV for short range use.

[@michaelgregory903]

Anyone ever driven a Mercedes B250 Electric? I call it the Mersla Benz, because its a Mercedes Benz with a little Tesla inside - being the entire drivetrain and battery is Tesla. I don't think Mercedes really wanted to sell this car, because I don't think it had an artificial limiter on giving you torque from zero because the think was nearly impossible to get off the line quickly without it squealing the tires to death. As a result it was very difficult to drive smoothly around town and was constantly jerking you around even when you were trying to be tame on the accelerator. If only it was RWD and you put decent tires on it, it would be one hell of a sleeper.

[@lukman8400]

I drove it! Wanted to buy as our city car / grocery getter. The dealbreaker was absence of power liftgate and so-so looks. Great car otherwise.

[@mychevysparkevdidntcatchfi1489]

B250 doesn't have DC fast charge like SparkEV, so it's pretty much useless beyond single charge. SparkEV can charge 10% to 80% in about 15 minutes. Someone drove SparkEV 650 miles in one day using many fast charge stops.

[@Pondering133]

Were you able to shave any 0-60 time off by pushing the accelerator half way up to 35 mph then fully flooring it the rest?

[@old_romans]

After owning 2 prius' the only question that matters is: how much does it cost to replace the battery I'm sure you meant to say 'Monet'

[@mychevysparkevdidntcatchfi1489]

Prius has sealed battery like Nissan Leaf so the battery degrades lot quicker. SparkEV should last much longer and has 8 year 100K miles warranty. After that, it could be VERY expensive since they don't make them since 2016.

[@monono954]

I think you mean exacerbated not exasperated. 😉 Great review, Tomas! Thank you!

[@violetlightburst]

Not much milage in cold weather states in one charge ?

[@elliotcurry2284]

I have one for sale in Florida, 2015 Spark EV with DC Fast charge $7500 55k miles.

[@tonytiger8248]

Don’t forget to replace the stock tires with performance tires. You will lose some range but it’s so much more fun and safet

[@CodyPhilip]

I wonder if anyone has compared a 14 to 15/16? Probably no one is asking but curious, as someone with a 16, if we’d might actually see a difference with 0-60, quarter mile, or weight balance.

[@mondoenterprises6710]

Is this still available in USA?

[@AtomicBoo]

Not new, they discontinued the ev spark in 2018

[@DoritosResidue]

This is what I should of considered over owning a fiat 500e. Yes the 500e e is a damn stylish car but the spark is more practical if you need dc charging.

[@SuperMixedd]

in europe we have dacia spring, which fits similar niche (in china it was available since a couple of years i think under renault brand)

[@Queenofpony]

I just got a 2015 Chevy spark ❤️ only 7000 and it suites me so well. Beautiful car but it is the regular gas kind :0

[@victoriapacillas9483]

I have a 2019 and I love my car

[@branscombe_]

I’m sold on it. Buying one next week

[@vlouises1]

I've owned three gasoline Sparks and I love them.

[@GeekTherapyRadio]

I charge my 2017 Bolt on 110v. You are dead on about 70 miles being plenty of range for 99% of driving. Maybe once a week I'll drive over 50 miles in a day. Hence, 110v slow charging is perfectly suitable for 99% of most people's daily needs. Once in a blue moon will I use 220V level 2. Hidden feature, and maybe it's the same for the Spark, the OEM stock Bolt charger will charge at 220-250V @ 12amps (2.6kw-3kw) with a cheap NEMA adapter.

[@Cakebattered]

I can see many interior pieces that were updated for the Bolt.

[@garyssimo]

i leased a 2015 with a bit less torque. man it was fun to blow the doors off hotrods! Loved mine and later bought a used Bolt

[@garyssimo]

dear Mary B could we have option to go 120 mph? Let us disable the high speed nanny? What could go wrong?

[@annoyedok321]

People will spend $10k on a motorcycle to drive it 1,000 miles a year. Having a all-weather, safer than a motorcycle, fun to drive commuter could be appealing in a multi-vehicle household. They just need to make it more appealing like a Miata.

[@aharquail]

I'm surprised at how Tommy's pants stay up with how much stuff he always has in his pockets.

[@bshandyateverything]

Keep up the great work. Would you mind doing a cost of ownership including thing like insurance and registration fees etc. Thank you for your time!

[@truelove6509]

Do you need a license to drive and how does it handle in snow 7 feet

[@mikedavid7168]

I had this car was amazing still miss it

[@ytSuns26]

The best part is it isn’t really a crappy Chevy. Probably a really decent vehicle.

[@0hypnotoad0]

In the future, maybe it'll be possible to rebuild and double the capacity of that battery with better cells. This would make a good little college roadtripper if that battery capacity could be bumped up to 30 kWH.

[@doughmay]

Leaf EV owners are swapping new batteries into old leafs to regain charge and boosted battery capacity. So it could happen later down the line.

[@viffer94]

Very cool car, I can see using it as a grocery getter and a way to embarrass the odd loser looking for a drag race. But what are the odds I’m actually going to find a 2014 Chevy Spark in my local market? Nice job Tommy, you’re getting pretty good at this. Ask your dad for a raise.