Is the Chevy Spark electric or gas?
The Chevrolet Spark has been offered in both gasoline and electric forms. Today, the standard Spark sold in many markets is gas-powered, while the electric variant—the Spark EV—existed in the past and is no longer offered in North America.
The Spark lineup: gas vs. electric
To understand the question, it helps to know there have been two main powertrain options under the Spark name. Below is a concise overview of each variant and its history.
- Spark (gasoline): A small, conventional internal-combustion engine hatchback that was widely sold in various regions for years. It remains the common option in markets where the model is still available, though availability varies by country and year.
- Spark EV (electric): A battery-electric version offered briefly in select markets, most notably in North America, from 2013 onward. It featured a dedicated electric powertrain and charging hardware but was discontinued due to limited demand.
In practice, this means the Spark you’ll find today in many places is the gasoline variant, while the electric version exists only in historical context or limited used-market scenarios.
Current market status by region
Context on where each variant stands helps clarify why the question often comes up. The following points summarize the situation across major regions.
- United States: The Spark EV was offered earlier but is no longer sold new, and Chevrolet’s current small-car lineup does not include a new Spark product.
- Other markets: Some regions historically offered gasoline Spark models for longer, but GM has phased out the Spark name in several markets in favor of other small-car options.
Always check with a local dealer for the most up-to-date availability, as regional offerings and model lifecycles can change.
How to tell them apart at a glance
Visual and badge cues help distinguish the two powertrains in existing or used examples.
- Spark EV: Includes an EV charging port, typically bearing an EV badge, and lacks a traditional gasoline filler door.
- Spark (gasoline): Has a traditional fuel filler door and no EV-specific badging.
If you’re unsure which variant you’re looking at, consult the vehicle’s VIN or the owner’s manual for confirmation.
What this means for buyers
For prospective buyers today, the key takeaway is to identify the variant you want. If you’re shopping used or in a market where the Spark EV remains available as a used option, you may encounter it—but new Spark EVs are not widely offered in most places, and the new Spark is typically the gasoline version where the model is still sold.
Summary
The Chevy Spark line has included both gasoline and electric versions. The gasoline Spark remains the more common option in markets where the model continues to be sold, while the Spark EV existed briefly and is no longer offered in the U.S. For the latest availability, check with local Chevrolet dealers, since regional offerings change over time.
