Is the Chevy Spark EV discontinued?
Yes. General Motors has not sold a Spark EV for several years; the model is officially discontinued and today only appears as used examples in the market.
Historical timeline: how the Spark EV came and went
The Spark EV’s lifecycle in the United States and select markets was brief and limited in scope. Below is a concise overview of the major milestones that led to its discontinuation.
Highlights
- 2013: Chevrolet introduces the Spark EV as a limited-market electric version of the Spark hatchback, with early sales focused in California and Oregon.
- 2014–2015: The Spark EV remains a niche offering, delivering roughly 82 miles of EPA-rated range and modest charging infrastructure in the markets where it was sold.
- 2016: GM ends production of the Spark EV for the U.S. market; the company pivots its electric-vehicle strategy toward the Bolt family for affordable long-range EVs.
- Late 2010s–2020s: The Spark EV is not reintroduced; the Spark nameplate continues in its ICE variant in some markets, but the electric version is not offered.
- Today: The Spark EV is considered discontinued. Remaining units are aging, with a shrinking dealer and service network for EV-specific needs.
The Spark EV’s run was comparatively short, and GM’s broader EV strategy moved in a different direction with the Bolt lineup and other future products.
Current status and how to shop for one today
If you’re investigating a Spark EV today, here’s what to know about availability, practicality, and potential costs.
What to expect in the market
- Used-market availability: Spark EVs are rare and typically show up only through used-car channels, auctions, or private sellers in regions that previously hosted the model.
- Battery health and range: The original 80-something mile EPA range will likely decline with age; battery health assessments and a realistic remaining range check are essential before purchase.
- Service and parts: Not all Chevrolet dealers stock Spark EV parts, and some repairs may require independent EV specialists with experience in older GM electrics.
- Charging setup: A home Level 2 charger is expected, but public-charging availability and compatibility may be more limited than for newer EVs.
- Price and value: Used Spark EV prices vary, often lower than newer EVs with greater range, but potential buyers should weigh aging battery health and maintenance risk.
If you pursue a Spark EV, plan for potentially higher maintenance costs and a smaller network of service and parts compared with GM’s current EV lineup.
Alternatives for EV shoppers from Chevrolet/GM
With the Spark EV discontinued, Chevrolet offers a more modern and widely supported set of electric options. Here is what GM provides today to entry-level EV shoppers.
Current Chevrolet electric options
- Chevrolet Bolt EV: A compact hatch with a practical range for daily use; widely available new and used, with modern tech and warranty coverage.
- Chevrolet Bolt EUV: A larger, more comfortable variant built on the Bolt platform, offering more space and similar propulsion tech.
- Broader GM EV lineup: While not a direct Spark replacement, GM’s expanding EV lineup includes crossovers and trucks that broaden choices for affordable, practical EV ownership.
For most buyers seeking a new or newer affordable Chevrolet EV, the Bolt family is the recommended entry point, while the Spark EV remains a discontinued, aging option in the used market.
What to consider if you’re shopping for a used Spark EV
If you’re still intrigued by a used Spark EV, keep these considerations in mind to make an informed decision.
Key factors to evaluate
- Battery condition and remaining range: Request a battery health report or a professional assessment to understand current capacity and potential replacement costs.
- Overall vehicle condition: Check for battery cooling system integrity, electrical wiring, and any recalls or service campaigns related to the Spark EV platform.
- Maintenance footprint: Confirm access to qualified technicians with experience in older GM EVs and availability of replacement parts.
- Charging needs: Ensure you have a compatible Level 2 charger at home and a plan for charging in your daily routine, noting that public infrastructure may be less robust than newer EVs in some areas.
- Cost of ownership: Consider insurance, maintenance, potential battery replacement, and resale value, which tend to differ from newer EVs.
In short, buying a used Spark EV can be appealing for price, but it requires careful diligence on battery health, service options, and long-term ownership costs.
Summary
The Chevy Spark EV was discontinued several years ago as GM shifted its focus to the Bolt lineup and other modern electric offerings. Today, new Spark EVs are not available, and any purchase would involve navigating a limited, aging used-market with potential challenges around battery health, service, and parts. For most buyers seeking an affordable Chevrolet electric vehicle, the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV represent the current, supported path forward in GM’s EV portfolio. The Spark EV’s place in GM’s history remains as a brief, early foray into urban electric driving that paved the way for more capable, widely supported EVs.
