Although not selling in particularly impactful volumes, the Chevy Spark and Spark EV are much more than just a vehicle being sold to customers. Instead, the sub-subcompact vehicle represents Chevy’s entry into a new segment, making it the first to enter the segment in the United States. And for the 2015 model year, Chevy is giving the Spark EV a few updates.
To start, the EV drops the Titanium body color and swaps the 3.17 final drive ratio axle for a 3.87. Meanwhile, the gasoline-powered Spark gets two new late-availability colors — Salsa and Lime Spark. Both the EV and non-EV models get OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi Hotspot capability, but the EV model will get the feature later than the gasoline version.
Rounding out the changes are minor updates to the Spark EV, including a larger EV Eco badge and several late introduction trim modifications.
Check out all the changes to the 2015 Spark just below. Note: all items listed are for Spark EV, unless otherwise noted.
Deletions
- (GYV) Titanium exterior color
- (FXP) 3.17 final drive ratio axle
New Features
- (FX6) 3.87 final drive ratio axle
- Late availability exterior colors for 2LT only: (G6E) Salsa and (G6F) Lime
- Spark (Gas)
- (VV4) OnStar Gen 10 with 4G and Wi-Fi hotspot capability, with late availability on Spark EV
Changes
- Larger EV Eco badge
- Late introduction: 2LT interior Electric Blue trim and accents are dropped and replaced with Silver
- Late introduction: Instrument panel cluster surround changes from Electric Blue to Piano Black for both 1LT and 2LT
- Late introduction: Stitching on shift boot cover and leather-wrapped steering wheel changes from Electric Blue to Black
Comments
Really dismayed that 6.6 KW charging didn’t make the cut. There are near-zero Level 3 chargers in the US, and a lack of commitment by anyone to help foster the charger network’s growth with any short-term goals.
6.6 KW charging would have cut the recharge time on a Level 2 charger in someone’s home (with minimal rewriting involved) to cut in half. Half. Ford sees the potential in first-strike and did it. So did Tesla.
6.6 KW would have made the Spark EV very attractive. I’m starting to be resigned to the fact that GM may not want the Spark EV to be attractive – it may just want to sell enough to get the environmental credits.
Unfortunately none of the changes involve a better looking car.
I’d really like for the Spark to get Opel’s 1.0t I3 (VVT, SIDI, IVVL, and VTM) with 120HP and 130-145LB-FT. Also, the whole point of this vehicle is to have plentiful options at a relatively low price. Dual Climate Control, Navigation, Moonroof, Chrome Interior Door Handles, Leather Wrapped Shifter, and a New Chevrolet Steering Wheel (Sonic/Cruze) should all make this car feel more expensive than it really is.
When will the Spark EV sell across the entire nation?