Chevrolet Spark EV 19 kWh

Overview

The 2017 Chevrolet Spark EV 19 kWh is a discontinued electric hatchback that’s become a bit of a cult hero on the US used market, often found for around $5,288. Originally rolling out in select states, this zippy little four-seater was Chevy’s early dive into affordable city EVs. Its main superpower? That instant electric torque making it surprisingly quick off the line. While its range is modest by today's standards, it offered a genuine, fun-to-drive electric experience for urbanites looking for an emissions-free runabout without emptying their wallets. A proper bargain EV!

What's New for 2017?

As the 2017 Chevrolet Spark EV 19 kWh cruised into its final year of production, it was largely a carryover model, meaning not much changed from the previous year. Chevy kept the formula consistent: a punchy electric motor, a compact footprint perfect for city life, and a decent level of tech for its time. So, no major new features or design overhauls for this specific trim. The main "new" thing was that it was the last chance to grab this surprisingly fun and affordable electric city car before it bowed out of the market.

Design & Exterior

The 2017 Spark EV 19 kWh sports a compact and cheerful hatchback design, tailor-made for slicing through urban jungles. It measures a tidy 146.5 inches in length, 64 inches in width (excluding mirrors), and stands 62.6 inches tall. To set it apart from its gasoline twin, the Spark EV features a unique closed-off grille for better aerodynamics and distinct EV badging. It’s not trying to be a supercar, but its practical proportions and functional styling give it an approachable, modern vibe, especially with its standard alloy wheels. Parking this little guy is an absolute breeze!

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the 2017 Spark EV 19 kWh, and you're greeted by a surprisingly modern and functional cabin for four. Materials are budget-friendly but put together well. For your stuff, there's 9.6 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to a very usable 23.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Alas, there’s no frunk for extra bits. Tech-wise, it’s well-equipped with Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system, boasting a 7-inch color touchscreen. Crucially, it came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a big win for smartphone integration and keeping you connected on the go!

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let its small stature fool you; the 2017 Spark EV 19 kWh is a proper little rocket in city traffic! Its front-wheel-drive system is powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) dishing out 105 kW and a stonking 327 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a grin-inducing 0-60 mph sprint in just 7.2 seconds – seriously quick for its class! The driving experience is nimble and responsive, perfect for darting through gaps. Regenerative braking helps capture energy, and the ride is comfortable enough for a car of this size, making commutes genuinely enjoyable.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 2017 Spark EV 19 kWh is equipped with an 18 kWh usable battery pack, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range estimate of 78 miles – ideal for daily city duties. It boasts an efficiency of around 4.33 mi/kWh. For charging, the standard 3.3 kW on-board AC charger will juice it up fully in about 7 hours using a 240V Level 2 station. Need a quicker top-up? It supports DC fast charging via its CCS Type 1 port at up to 50 kW, capable of hitting 80% charge in roughly 20 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

For a compact EV of its time, the 2017 Spark EV 19 kWh packed essential safety features. While specific NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings for this EV trim aren't listed in the provided data, the standard Spark platform generally performed respectably in crash tests, with IIHS giving the 2016-2017 Spark EV "Good" ratings in several key areas. It came standard with 10 airbags and a rearview camera. Advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise or lane assist weren't typically found, as the focus was on core safety and value in this segment. OnStar services were also available.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the 2017 Chevrolet Spark EV 19 kWh came with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Critically, its battery and electric drive components were covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty, offering solid peace of mind. One of the big perks of EV ownership is reduced maintenance – no oil changes here! Routine upkeep typically involves tires, brakes, and coolant checks. This generally translates to lower running costs and good reliability, making it an attractive used proposition if the battery health checks out.