http://www.autogo.ca/en/articles/35803/2015-chevrolet-spark-ev-more-like-a-flame/# 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV: more like a flame Michel Deslauriers October 23, 2015
[images http://assets.passionperformance.ca/photos/2/2/2/222724_2015_Chevrolet_Spark.jpg 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV http://assets.passionperformance.ca/photos/2/2/2/222727_2015_Chevrolet_Spark.jpg?1200x600 http://assets.passionperformance.ca/photos/2/2/2/222737_2015_Chevrolet_Spark.jpg?1200x600 http://assets.passionperformance.ca/photos/2/2/2/222738_2015_Chevrolet_Spark.jpg?1200x600 http://assets.passionperformance.ca/photos/2/2/2/222739_2015_Chevrolet_Spark.jpg?1200x600 http://assets.passionperformance.ca/photos/2/2/2/222728_2015_Chevrolet_Spark.jpg?1200x600 http://assets.passionperformance.ca/photos/2/2/2/222729_2015_Chevrolet_Spark.jpg?1200x600 http://assets.passionperformance.ca/photos/2/2/2/222730_2015_Chevrolet_Spark.jpg?1200x600 http://assets.passionperformance.ca/photos/2/2/2/222731_2015_Chevrolet_Spark.jpg?1200x600 http://assets.passionperformance.ca/photos/2/2/2/222732_2015_Chevrolet_Spark.jpg?1200x600 http://assets.passionperformance.ca/photos/2/2/2/222733_2015_Chevrolet_Spark.jpg?1200x600 http://assets.passionperformance.ca/photos/2/2/2/222735_2015_Chevrolet_Spark.jpg?1200x600 http://assets.passionperformance.ca/photos/2/2/2/222725_2015_Chevrolet_Spark.jpg ] The idea is simple. A car that can travel using nothing but electricity, that doesn’t pollute, and that can be plugged in overnight for a recharge while you sleep. Imagine yourself never having to stop at a gas station again. Ever. Sounds like the car of the future, right? Well no, because it exists already, and the 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV is one of many currently for sale in Canada. Yet very few people are buying EVs. The government is dishing out thousands of dollars in purchase incentives, the price of gasoline will never be cheap again, and who likes to step out in the cold to fill up a car with gas, anyway? There is one major obstacle that still lies in the way of cheap, emissions-free motoring, and that’s range anxiety; the fear of running out of juice when we just want to keep on rollin’. The Spark EV is no breakthough in a segment filled with the Nissan LEAF, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, the Ford Focus Electric and the Kia Soul EV, among others. Its range of up to 131 km on a full charge is a turn-off to anyone who loves frequent road trips. However, for city dwellers and suburbans who need an efficient car for their daily commute, the plug-in Spark makes sense. Power to please The 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV is also quick, much speedier than the conventional model with its moaning 84-hp gas engine. The electric motor in the little Chevy EV produces 140 horsepower, but more importantly, a staggering 327 lb-ft of torque. With all that instantaneous muscle, the Spark blasts from 0 to 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds, humiliating a bunch of sports cars in the process. This Spark is a hoot to drive, really, despite a hint of torque steer and tire squealing if you’re launching the car a little too enthusiastically, and that’s even before punching the Sport mode button. Aside from owning a Tesla Model S, who says EVs can’t be entertaining? Charging times for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV vary from about seven hours with a 240-volt outlet, or about 20 hours using a household, 120-volt plug. In comparison, the LEAF needs five to six hours with a charging station, while the Soul EV requires four to five hours. For an extra $800, there’s also a quick-charge port that can fill up 80% of the Spark’s battery pack in 20 minutes – that is, if you can find a quick-charge station. Room for four The Spark is a minicar, which means room is limited to four passengers just like the i-MiEV. However, the car’s tall roofline allows everyone to sit straight and enjoy plenty of headroom. Back-seat occupants will be impressed at how comfortable they’ll be. As expected, cargo space isn’t generous due to the Spark’s flat butt. With the rear seat up, there’s 273 litres of volume, enough for a few grocery bags at a time, and can grow to 663 litres with the rear seat down. With groovy seat upholstery and light blue trim spread around the cockpit, the 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV provides a cheery atmosphere. The driver instrument panel is in fact a LCD screen with colourful graphics that encourage eco-driving and display range estimation, and there’s also a trip computer. The centre stack multimedia screen responds well to finger poking, and there’s no CD player, as GM figures the Spark’s clientele will prefer connecting their smartphone or a USB key. Makes sense. Standard features include automatic climate control, heated front seats, keyless entry, a 60/40 split folding seatback, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and a Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system. Not a bargain The 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV starts at $31,445 before freight and delivery charges as well as applicable green-vehicle rebates, according to the province we live in. That’s a few thousand more than a smart fortwo electric drive and a Mitsubishi i-MiEV, but is a more comfortable and more practical daily driver. It’s only slightly cheaper than a Nissan LEAF, but much cheaper than a Kia Soul EV and a Ford Focus Electric. It’s also small and nimble for the urban jungle, which doesn’t mean it can’t handle long stretches of highway – although range drops much more quickly, just like every other EV. Aside from price, there isn’t much to dislike about the Spark EV, which will soldier on in 2016 in its current form, while the gasoline-powered, 2016 Chevrolet Spark will get a complete redesign. It’s highly likely that the upcoming Bolt EV that GM said it will launch next year will likely replace the Spark EV. But why wait? If its 131-km range is sufficient to get you to work and back, including swinging by the day-care centre and the grocery store, this little electrified car is enjoyable, spacious for passengers, well-equipped and surprisingly fast. Editor's rating 4/5 Uses no fuel, of course. The Spark EV's range is good, though lower than the LEAF's 4/5 Quick and nimble. Much more entertaining than a gas-powered Spark 4.5/5 With 327 lb-ft of torque on tap, the Spark EV is very quick 4/5 Chevrolet MyLink works well and easy to use 4.5/5 Surprisingly comfortable for four adults 4/5 A little pricey, but a very competent little EV ... 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