In a repeat performance, the 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV hatchback was named The Most Fuel Efficient Vehicle for the second year in a row by the EPA and the U.S.Department of Energy. A key figure that helped the Chevrolet Spark EV cruise its way to another solid showing in the 2015 Fuel Economy Guide was its impressive fuel mileage equivalent of 119 per gallon combined which is higher than the smaller Fiat 500e, and the 114 mpge combined rating wielded by the bigger Nissan Leaf EV (the latter being one of the first entries in today’s electric car segment).
Along with its accolades, the Spark EV has been a pleasant surprise in Chevrolet’s sales, despite limited market availability and niche appeal. That said, at 400 lb-ft of torque, the Spark EV is highly entertaining to drive, with all of that instantaneous torque channeling through those tiny front wheels. Good enough for a 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds. It’s no Tesla P85D, but it’s worth checking out if you live in the Oregon or California market.
Comments
The Spark EV is a pretty cool little car, and very efficient. But the BMW i3 is 124mpge combined, so the Spark is not the most fuel efficient vehicle.
As for the torque, the Spark really does really have 400lb-ft of torque at the engine, which is impressive. But it is geared much differently than most other vehicles, so the torque at the wheels is not unreal as you might think. It is still very nice though.
I’d be happy to consider the Spark as a second EV…but unfortunately it is not available at local dealers like the Volt. Automakers interested in increasing their plug-in sales figures need to make the cars available in more places!