How far does a Chevy Spark go on a full charge?
On a full charge, the Spark EV is EPA-rated for about 82 miles of driving. Real-world mileage varies with weather, terrain, and driving style, so expect a range in the roughly 60–85 mile band under typical use.
Official range and model-year context
The Chevrolet Spark EV was produced for a relatively brief window, roughly 2013 to 2016, making it one of the earlier modern small electric cars. The EPA rated its range at 82 miles per charge in standard testing, and the efficiency profile remained broadly consistent across the model years. Real-world results depend on factors such as temperature, climate-control use, and driving style.
Key range figure:
- EPA-rated range: 82 miles (about 132 kilometers) per full charge.
Note: The Spark EV was ultimately discontinued in the United States, and availability now comes mainly from used-market examples rather than new sales.
Real-world performance and variability
In everyday driving, several factors push the range above or below the EPA figure. Understanding these factors helps set expectations when buying or using a Spark EV today.
- Temperature and climate-control use: cold weather reduces range, while heating or air conditioning draws additional energy.
- Driving style: rapid acceleration and aggressive braking lower efficiency; smoother driving improves it.
- Terrain and topography: hills and headwinds can reduce range, while regenerative braking recovers some energy on deceleration.
- Battery health and age: older packs may deliver less usable capacity than when new.
- Tire pressure and maintenance: underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce efficiency.
- Payload and accessories: extra weight and added electrical loads reduce range.
Practically, many drivers experience around 60–85 miles per charge, with warmer weather and minimal HVAC use yielding the best results.
Maximizing range: practical tips
To get the most miles from a Spark EV on a single charge, consider these approaches driven by everyday driving realities.
- Drive smoothly: gentle acceleration and gradual braking maximize regenerative braking and efficiency.
- Maintain moderate speeds: higher speeds dramatically cut efficiency and range.
- Keep tires properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
- Use regenerative braking effectively to recover energy during deceleration.
- Precondition the cabin while plugged in to warm or cool the battery and interior before you start driving.
- Limit HVAC use when possible; use seat heaters or defogging features strategically to reduce energy draw.
- Lighten the load: remove unnecessary cargo to improve efficiency.
- Plan trips to align with charging opportunities and avoid unnecessary detours.
Important note: Chevrolet stopped selling the Spark EV as a new model years ago. If you’re shopping now, you’ll mostly find used examples. For new small electric options, GM now focuses on the Bolt lineup, while other manufacturers offer a broader range of compact EVs with higher ranges.
Availability and current options
The Spark EV’s U.S. production ended after the 2016 model year, and new Spark EVs are no longer offered by Chevrolet. Buyers today are typically looking at used Spark EVs or considering newer options such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV or other compact electric hatchbacks from various brands.
Summary
The Chevy Spark EV delivers about 82 miles of EPA-rated range per full charge, with real-world results varying widely based on weather, driving style, and battery health. It is no longer sold new in the U.S., so prospective buyers mainly encounter used examples or alternative current small electric cars.
Is a 20 minute drive enough to charge a car battery?
Driving your vehicle is one way to recharge your car battery. The automotive experts at CAA Auto Advice say that driving your car for 20-30 minutes will help. Short distance trips may not be enough to get a full charge so be sure to check your driving time.
Is the Spark good for long road trips?
i've done a 14 hour road trip when i had my spark when it had around 70k miles on it. it can do it! and do it well! make sure all your fluids and such are topped off first and tires are good. it was also in the summer so it was hot as well.
How many miles can a Chevy Spark go on a full tank?
A Chevy Spark can go over 340 miles on a full tank, with the exact range depending on driving conditions and the transmission type. The highway range is higher due to better fuel efficiency at constant speeds. For example, the 2022 model gets around 38 miles per gallon on the highway and 30 miles per gallon in the city, with a 9-gallon fuel tank.
Estimated range by driving conditions
- On the highway: With 38 mpg, a full 9-gallon tank can cover approximately 342 miles (38 mpg×9 gallons38 mpg cross 9 gallons38 mpg×9 gallons).
- In the city: With 30 mpg, a full 9-gallon tank can cover about 270 miles (30 mpg×9 gallons30 mpg cross 9 gallons30 mpg×9 gallons).
- Combined: The EPA estimates a combined rating of 33 mpg, which results in a range of roughly 297 miles (33 mpg×9 gallons33 mpg cross 9 gallons33 mpg×9 gallons).
Other factors to consider
- Driving habits: Aggressive driving, heavy acceleration, and frequent braking can reduce fuel efficiency and therefore range.
- Transmission: Manual and automatic transmissions have slightly different fuel economy ratings, with the automatic generally offering better city mileage but both performing similarly on the highway.
- Maintenance: A well-maintained vehicle will operate at its optimal fuel efficiency, while a poorly maintained one may have lower mileage.
How many miles does a Chevy Spark EV get on a full charge?
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With an average range of 82 miles on a full charge, and average mileage of 128 MPGe city and 109 MPGe highway, the new Chevrolet Spark EV brings you savings for the long haul.
