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2016 Chevrolet Spark EV Overview

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Lately, when it comes to Chevrolet‘s electric lineup, it feels like all the attention is going to the plug-in hybrid Volt or the upcoming long-range EV, the Bolt. However, we shouldn’t forget that there is more to the Chevy green lineup than these two–there is the Volt’s subcompact cousin, the Chevy Spark EV.

The 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV comes in two trim levels: 1LT and 2LT, both of which come with OnStar services that require a subscription. Both trims are more or less the same, except that the 2LT has a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather seat trim.

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What’s new for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV?

Nothing, really—while non-electric Spark models are receiving a redesign to have what Chevrolet calls a more “grown up” look, the EV is excluded and will retain the previous design.

2016 Chevrolet Spark EV Photos:

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2016 Chevrolet Spark EV Exterior

The Spark EV’s largest exterior design feature is definitely its large headlights and taillights, which, aside from the Spark EV’s small size, contribute to its cute demeanor. Adding to this demeanor are a line of light or pastel colors, including Electric Blue, Silver Ice, Summit White, Salsa (red), and Lime. The only non-light color is the optional Black Granite paint, available for $225.

2016 Chevrolet Spark EV Exterior Photos:

Exterior available on the 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV 1LT

Daytime Running Lamps, LED brake light, Halogen headlamps, Power-adjustable body-color side view mirrors, 15-inch aluminum wheels, Body-color door handles, Chrome liftgate trim, Chrome moldings, Rear spoiler

Exterior available on the 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV 2LT

Same as on 1LT

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2016 Chevrolet Spark EV Performance

The Spark EV is powered by a 105 kW electric engine that puts out 140 hp and a whopping 327 lb-ft of torque, giving the Spark EV a 0-to-60 time of 7.2 seconds.

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2016 Chevrolet Spark EV Efficiency

The 2016 Spark EV is powered by a 18.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and is a little long in recharging times—using a normal outlet, it can take up to 20 hours to recharge, a time cut down to 7 hours using a dedicated 240V charger, or 45 minutes using an optional SAE combo charger if you have access to a special DC charger. This energy gives the 2016 Spark EV an estimated range of 82 miles of combined city/highway driving, although that range would be increased in the city thanks to the Spark’s regenerative braking system feeding energy back into the battery when you brake.

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2016 Chevrolet Spark EV Interior

There isn’t a ton of room for frills inside the Spark EV, so Chevrolet has kept it simple with only a few dials and buttons underneath a touchscreen that controls most of the car’s systems using the Chevrolet MyLink system. These controls are supplemented by a number of controls mounted on the steering wheel. Other than that, the Spark EV features a somewhat surprising 86.3 cubic feet of passenger space for four occupants.

Interestingly, the interior houses the only feature difference between the two trim levels: the 2LT trim has leather on the seat trim and steering wheel.

2016 Chevrolet Spark EV Interior Photos:

Interior available on the 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV 1LT

Automatic climate control air conditioning, Four-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, Heated front seats, 60/40-split folding rear seats, 3-spoke steering wheel with silver accents, Push button start, Remote Keyless Entry, Remote vehicle starter system
Chevrolet® MyLink® Radio, 6-speaker audio system, OnStar RemoteLink app, OnStar Guidance Plan for 3 years, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, USB port, Cruise Control, Power outlet

Interior available on the 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV 2LT

Leather-wrapped steering wheel, Leather seat trim

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2016 Chevrolet Spark EV Safety

For 2015 in Insurance Institute of Highway Safety testing, the Chevrolet Spark was given a rating of Good (the best possible) in every category except for the small overlap front test, where it received a rating of Acceptable, earning the Spark the title of 2015 Top Safety Pick. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2015 Spark an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Standard Safety Features

10 airbags
Hill Start Assist
LATCH System
OnSar Guidance Plan for 3 years
StabiliTrak stability control system
Traction Control
OnStar Automatic Crash Response
OnStar Crisis Assist
OnStar Emergency Services
OnStar Hands-Free Calling
OnStar Roadside Assistance

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The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.