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Why was the Spark EV discontinued?

The Chevrolet Spark EV, an all-electric version of the Spark subcompact car, was discontinued by General Motors in 2016 after just a few years on the market. The decision to end production of the Spark EV was primarily driven by low sales and a shift in the company's electric vehicle strategy.


Reasons for the Spark EV's Discontinuation


There were several key factors that contributed to the Spark EV's demise:



  • Limited Range and Performance: The Spark EV had a relatively short all-electric range of just 82 miles, which was less than many of its competitors at the time. Its acceleration and top speed were also modest, making it less appealing to some consumers.

  • Lack of Widespread Availability: The Spark EV was only sold in a handful of U.S. states, primarily on the West Coast, limiting its potential customer base.

  • Shift in GM's EV Strategy: As GM began to focus more on the development of the Bolt EV, a longer-range and more capable all-electric model, the Spark EV became less of a priority for the company.

  • Low Sales Volumes: Despite its niche appeal, the Spark EV never achieved significant sales numbers, with just over 7,400 units sold in the U.S. during its four-year run. This made it difficult to justify continued investment in the model.


Ultimately, the combination of these factors led GM to conclude that the Spark EV was no longer a viable product in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market, leading to its discontinuation in 2016.


The Spark EV's Legacy


While the Spark EV was short-lived, it played a role in GM's early foray into the all-electric vehicle segment. The lessons learned from the Spark EV's development and market performance helped inform the company's subsequent electric vehicle strategies, including the successful launch of the Bolt EV in 2016. The Spark EV's discontinuation was a necessary step for GM to focus its resources on more promising electric vehicle projects that better aligned with consumer demand and the company's long-term electrification goals.

Why did they stop making Chevy Sparks?


Known for offering the lowest price point among new cars in the United States, the Spark's discontinuation is attributed to a decline in demand, according to Lee. Despite its phased-out production, the Spark has served as a valuable model for GM, showcasing the shifting consumer preferences away from small cars.



What is the problem of Chevrolet Spark?


One common issue in the 2021 Chevy Spark is malfunctioning electrical components, including faulty wiring, which can lead to unpredictable behavior such as malfunctioning lights and other electronic failures throughout the vehicle. Another common problem involves the battery.



Will Chevy bring back the Spark?


General Motors is bringing back the electric Chevrolet Spark. Called the Chevrolet Spark EUV, the four-door city crossover debuted in Brazil. It has a rear-mounted electric motor and an LFP battery pack.



What is the average life of a Chevy Spark?


150,000-200,000 miles
How long do Chevy Sparks last? According to vehiclehistory.com, the lifespan of a Chevy Spark is typically 150,000-200,000 miles.



What is Chevy replacing the Spark with?


Chevrolet Trax LS
As a result, the Chevrolet Spark was discontinued in 2022 and Chevrolet has focused on continuing to refine our selection of other models. If you're a San Diego driver looking for something similar at Kearny Mesa Chevrolet, we recommend you check out new models like the 2024 Chevrolet Trax LS — here's why.



Why is Chevy discontinuing the Spark?


The End of the Chevy Spark
It was the smallest car in the Chevy lineup, and very affordable, as well. Unfortunately, sales for the Chevy Spark began to decline around 2017. The primary reason for this decline was simple market needs.



What is the most reliable car model?


Consumer Reports' 10 most reliable car models

  • Toyota RAV4. CR reliability score: 86. Overall CR score: 76.
  • Toyota Corolla. CR reliability score: 84.
  • Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. CR reliability score: 84.
  • Mazda MX-5 Miata. CR reliability score: 84.
  • Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. CR reliability score: 83.
  • BMW i4. CR reliability score: 82.



How many Spark EVs were made?


Ligouri said Chevy sold about 7,400 Spark EVs. Originally the car was sold only in California and Oregon; in spring 2015 GM added a third state with Maryland. The Bolt EV also launched in California and Oregon, but roll-out is expanding nationally this year.



Why did Chevy get rid of the Spark?


The End of the Chevy Spark
Unfortunately, sales for the Chevy Spark began to decline around 2017. The primary reason for this decline was simple market needs. Drivers were becoming more interested in subcompact crossovers, and sedans and smaller hatchbacks saw an overall drop in popularity.



How much does it cost to replace the battery in a Chevy Spark EV?


The average cost for a Chevrolet Spark EV Hybrid High Voltage Battery Replacement is between $15,176 and $15,311. Labor costs are estimated between $519 and $655 while parts are typically priced around $14,657. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.