my spark sounds like it is running when charging is this normal
should mt spark be making noise while charging at a 240 outlet?
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2016 Chevrolet Spark EV Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Chevrolet Spark EV has accomplished amazing things. GM’s only fully electric vehicle, this Korean-built micro-EV was launched in 2013 in California and Oregon, picking up where the discontinued General Motors EV-1 left off in 1999. Though sales have been very limited, Chevy doubled down on the incentives for the car in April 2015, and the Spark EV subsequently outsold the Chevy Volt (which is available in all U.S. markets). The Spark will see few mechanical changes for 2016, but its markets may expand--we also expect the upcoming model year to be the Spark EV's last.
To understand the significance of the 2016 Chevy Spark EV, a bit of background is in order. As noted, it is only available in California and Oregon, and only sold “actively” in limited parts of those states. Chevy originally designed the Spark EV to help meet the California Air Resources Board (CARB) mandates for zero emission vehicles. Now other states are adopting the mandates, and even offering big incentives to EV buyers, which help GM’s Spark EV make a little more economic sense for consumers. The Spark EV is scheduled to expand into Maryland in the third quarter of 2015, along with certain limited Canadian markets that offer huge rebates to buyers. We expect Chevy will convert the model year from 2015 to 2016 sometime after October.
Our understanding is that the Korean plant that builds the Spark EV does not do so continually, but rather makes them in slugs before switching back to either non-EV Spark production or production of a related model. The remaining Spark EV inventory will hinge on the new Chevy Bolt EV, an all-electric car capable of travelling 200 miles on a single charge. Once the 2016 Bolt is ready, Chevy will most likely cease producing the Spark EV, though sales of the units already built may continue on for many months before slowly trickling out. Chevy might even limit the sales over time so that it can bill itself as having the most available EV models of any manufacturer.
We expect the Chevy Spark EV to continue into 2016 without the gasoline-powered Spark's exterior updates. As an electric vehicle, the Spark EV uses a unique front end that lacks air venting, meaning a redesign would be costly...and strictly for appearances' sake. Mechanical changes are hardly needed: the Spark EV is one of the quickest EVs available. Its tiny size and 327 lb-ft of torque launch the Spark from zero to sixty in about 7.5 seconds. It feels fast in the city, where the torque can shoot the car from stoplight to stoplight. Most EVs have a shortage of horsepower, but the Spark’s 140 hp is substantial for its size and weight.
The 82 mile EPA-rated range is average for EVs, but unlike the Volt, Leaf and other EVs, the Spark does not pretend to be a “real” car, and so its range is less of an issue. This is a city car, and reviewers say it's a great one. EV fans like to know the efficiency of an electric car, and the Spark excels, with a 128 MPGe city and 119 MPGe combined EPA rating making it one of the most energy efficient vehicles ever sold in the U.S. The Spark EV's lithium-ion battery (made by LG-Chem in Korea) has a 19 kWh capacity.
The 2016 Chevy Spark EV will come standard with the ability to charge on any 110-Volt AC plug (the normal plug in your garage or outside your home), but most customers will opt to install a 240-Volt AC plug with a direct circuit to their home electrical panel. Chevy offers buyers a $500 credit towards a Bosch charger for home installation. It is important to note that not all Spark EVs have been set up to couple to fast DC chargers. Since this is a preview, we would prefer to stop here and suggest that shoppers research Chevy's official fast-charging options for 2016. Fast chargers are used when out and about, and are generally able to charge a Spark EV to 80% of its full capacity in about 20 minutes.
The Spark EV is called a sub-compact, and it's actually one of the smallest cars in the U.S. market. But when the non-electric Spark was tested by IIHS in 2014, it did well on most of the crash tests conducted and scored “acceptable” in the important small-frontal overlap test. These results earned the non-EV Spark a Top Safety Pick rating.
Those shopping for an urban runabout in markets where the Spark EV is sold will find it a fun, fast, and frugal vehicle. However, with the Bolt’s launch looming, it may be wise to act sooner rather than later if you are seriously considering this small electric car.
User reviews for 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV
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by Annabelle L
Apr 11, 2023
Belle petite voiture, puissante, bonne tenue de route, économique. Je ne comprends pas pourquoi Chevrolet a décidé d’abandonner le modèle! Avec une plus d’autonomie, elle aurait mérité 5 étoiles!Apr 11, 2023
by Grant M
Jul 01, 2022
I owned a 2016 Spark EV. When I first purchased it used for around $8000, I burned rubber with the front wheels trying to gain traction. It was good but not great. An appliance on wheels with a maximum range of 62 miles with low mileage 30,000 so battery depletion is real and made commuting 27 miles to work and back an adventure. Also, not sure that this is Korean or Chevrolet but window regulator went out, door handle cracked and rear spoiler had paint fade. Now, due to the gas shortage, this is selling for $15,000 - $16,000. Ha! Ill wait until the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt comes out for $26,000 until I try again. For now, my trusty 2008 Lexus GS 350 with NO ISSUES is my trusted steed.Jul 01, 2022
by Anonymous
Feb 28, 2022
I didnt realize that use of the radio and power windows reduce the battery charge. Rather than getting 89,000 per charge it could be significantly reduced depending on how much overall power is used. I did however like the cost of charging the vehicle based on the .12 per kilowatt cost.Feb 28, 2022
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2016 Chevrolet Spark EV Pricing
Original MSRP
$25,120 to $25,510Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Stitcher internet radio · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: drivers seat · Cargo area floor mat: rubber/vinyl · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: simulated alloy · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: second row · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.87
Engine
Battery: 520 CCA · EV battery capacity: 19 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 140 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 105 · Electric Motor Torque: 327 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 7 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 82
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: MyLink · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 2
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: door unlock
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Pandora internet radio · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: drivers seat · Cargo area floor mat: rubber/vinyl · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: simulated alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: second row · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.87
Engine
Battery: 520 CCA · EV battery capacity: 19 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 140 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 105 · Electric Motor Torque: 327 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 7 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 82
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: MyLink · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 2
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: door unlock
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer