Does a Chevy Spark have a gas engine?
Yes. The Chevy Spark’s standard powertrain is a gasoline internal-combustion engine, designed for urban efficiency. There is also an electric variant called the Spark EV, but the typical Spark you’ll encounter on lots in many regions runs on gasoline.
Gasoline-powered Spark: how it works
Powertrain basics
Most Spark models sold in markets worldwide use a small gasoline engine paired with a manual or automatic transmission. The arrangement is designed for urban driving with an emphasis on efficiency and affordability.
- Powertrain: internal-combustion engine running on gasoline.
- Engine and market variation: engine displacements and configurations vary by year and region, generally small and lightweight to maximize city efficiency.
- Transmissions: choices have included 4- and 5-speed automatics and manuals, depending on the model year and market.
- Fuel economy and emissions: marketed as an economical city car with relatively low fuel consumption for its class.
For buyers, this means the typical Spark you encounter on dealers' lots in many regions will be gasoline-powered, with performance tuned for quick acceleration in urban environments and easy parking.
The Spark EV: the electric alternative
What makes the Spark EV different
Chevrolet also marketed an electric version known as the Spark EV. It uses an electric motor and lithium-ion battery instead of an internal combustion engine, offering a different driving experience focused on emissions-free operation in urban settings.
- Drivetrain: battery-electric propulsion; no gasoline engine or exhaust system.
- Charging and range: designed for city use with Level 1/2 charging; range is modest and varies by year and conditions.
- Availability: produced in limited quantities and sold in select markets in North America and elsewhere, with production winding down in many regions.
In practice, Spark EV is not a gasoline-powered Spark, and it represents Chevrolet's EV experiments in the subcompact segment. Most consumers shopping for a Spark today are looking at the gasoline version; the EV is now rare and typically found only in used markets.
Market status and shopping notes
Where does that leave you if you’re shopping for a Spark today? The gasoline-powered Spark remains the conventional option in regions where the model is still offered, while the Spark EV is largely out of production and not commonly available new.
Buying tips and regional availability
Before you buy, check your local Chevrolet lineup and consider your needs: urban commuting with cheap running costs favors the gasoline Spark; if you’re looking for a zero-emission option and can find a Spark EV, verify charging availability and maintenance history.
Summary
Summary: the Chevy Spark’s standard powertrain is a gasoline internal-combustion engine. There is also an electric Spark EV variant, but it is not widely available today. Availability varies by market and model year, with the gasoline Spark remaining the mainstream option in most regions and the Spark EV largely limited to used-market or legacy sales.
