Among the early pioneers in the affordable EV space was the 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV, a compact electric hatchback that delivered surprising performance in a small, city-friendly package. markets, the Spark EV was Chevrolet’s attempt to offer a fun, efficient, and practical electric option for urban commuters. While it may not have received as much attention as bigger-name EVs like the Nissan Leaf or Tesla Model S, the Spark EV carved out a niche for itself with zippy acceleration, a tech-savvy interior, and an approachable price point.
Whether you're a first-time EV buyer or someone interested in the evolution of electric cars, the 2016 Spark EV is a noteworthy model that showcases how innovation and practicality can come together in a compact form.
Exterior Design
Built on a subcompact platform, the Spark EV embraces a modern, youthful aesthetic that appeals to city drivers and those who prefer a car with a small footprint. One of the most notable differences is the front grille. Unlike traditional gas-powered cars that require large openings for airflow and engine cooling, the Spark EV features a more streamlined, partially closed grille — a design choice that enhances aerodynamics and gives the car a sleek, futuristic vibe. Subtle blue accents and “EV” badging further distinguish it from the standard Spark.
Measuring just under 145 inches in length, it’s incredibly easy to park in tight spots and maneuver through congested city streets. Its short wheelbase and tall roofline give it a playful, upright stance, maximizing both visibility and cabin space.
Available in a variety of vibrant colors, the Spark EV also comes with stylish 15-inch alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights, adding a bit of flair to its practical design. While it may not be flashy, the exterior strikes a balance between functional efficiency and personality, making it a smart choice for drivers who want something compact but not bland.
Interior Features
Despite its small exterior dimensions, the interior offers an impressive amount of space, smart storage solutions, and a tech-friendly layout that feels more upscale than its price tag suggests. The first thing you'll notice is the digital instrument cluster and 7-inch color touchscreen, both of which contribute to the car's futuristic vibe. The digital display provides essential driving information, including battery range, efficiency stats, and speed, while the touchscreen serves as the hub for Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system.
These allow drivers to access navigation, calls, texts, and media directly from their phone using the car's interface—perfect for tech-savvy commuters. The Spark EV seats four passengers, with generous headroom and legroom in the front and a reasonably comfortable space in the back for shorter trips. The seats are supportive and come with cloth upholstery, though some models offer leatherette trim for a more premium feel. The upright seating position and large windows provide excellent visibility, enhancing the overall driving experience in busy urban environments.
Read Also : 2022 Chevrolet Spark: A Smart Choice for City Driving
Performance and Handling
The Spark EV is powered by an electric motor producing 140 horsepower and a whopping 327 lb-ft of torque—an impressive figure for such a small vehicle. That torque is available instantly, as is typical with electric motors, allowing the Spark EV to launch off the line with quick, confident acceleration.
This zippy acceleration makes the Spark EV perfect for stop-and-go city driving, merging onto highways, or darting through traffic with ease. It feels agile and responsive, traits that are amplified by its low curb weight and tight turning radius.
Handling is enhanced by the car’s low center of gravity, thanks to the battery pack mounted low in the chassis. Additionally, the Spark EV features regenerative braking, a system that recaptures energy when slowing down and feeds it back into the battery. The transition between regen and traditional braking is smooth and intuitive.
Range and Charging Options
While the 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV isn’t a long-distance road tripper, it offers more than enough range for daily driving, particularly in urban and suburban environments. Powered by a 21.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Spark EV delivers an EPA-estimated range of 82 miles on a full charge. In real-world conditions, drivers often report slightly more or less, depending on driving style, weather, and terrain.
This range may seem modest compared to today’s newer EVs, but at the time of its release, it was competitive—especially considering the Spark EV’s compact size and price point. For city dwellers, daily commuters, or anyone with a relatively short driving routine, the range is typically more than sufficient.
Charging the Spark EV is flexible, with three charging options available:
- 120V Standard Home Outlet (Level 1): Using a regular household outlet, a full charge can take around 16 to 20 hours.
- DC Fast Charging (SAE Combo): Optional on some models, this allows the Spark EV to charge up to 80% in just 20 minutes. However, DC fast chargers aren’t as common as Level 2 stations, so availability can vary depending on your area.
For drivers who typically cover shorter distances and want the convenience of home charging or easy access to city charging stations, the Spark EV's range and charging options offer a well-balanced and manageable EV experience.
Pros and Cons
Like any vehicle, the 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV comes with its own set of strengths and limitations. While it excels in certain areas—especially for urban drivers—it's important to weigh both sides when considering it as your next EV.
Pros
Compact and City-Friendly
With its small footprint and tight turning radius, the Spark EV is incredibly easy to maneuver and park. It’s ideal for urban dwellers who need a practical vehicle for narrow streets and limited parking spaces.
Affordable Used Market Pricing
Since the model is no longer in production and wasn't as widely marketed as other EVs, it can often be found at very reasonable prices on the used market, making it a cost-effective entry point into electric vehicle ownership.
Low Operating Costs
With no gas, less frequent maintenance, and regenerative braking reducing brake wear, the Spark EV is cheap to run.
Cons
Limited Range
With an EPA-estimated range of 82 miles, the Spark EV isn’t suited for long road trips or rural areas with sparse charging infrastructure. It’s best used as a secondary vehicle or for predictable, short-range commuting.
Limited Availability
Originally sold only in select U.S. states (like California and Oregon), the Spark EV wasn’t distributed nationwide, so availability on the used market can be limited depending on your location.
Small Cargo Space
While it’s practical for light errands, the Spark EV’s small trunk and modest storage space won’t suit those who regularly carry large items or passengers with lots of luggage.
Outdated Charging Standard
The Spark EV uses the SAE Combo (CCS1) connector for DC fast charging, which is still supported but may not be as widely available as other evolving standards like Tesla’s NACS. And with newer EVs hitting the market, infrastructure may slowly shift away from older tech.
Discontinued Model
Since Chevrolet discontinued the Spark EV after the 2016 model year, it no longer receives updates or support beyond basic maintenance. While parts are still available, long-term support could become more difficult over time.
