Chevy has brought back the Spark EV, reimagining it as a charming rolling toaster priced at $12,900.

      Chevy is reintroducing the Spark EV, a vehicle that has largely faded from public memory. If you've forgotten about it, you're not alone. However, while the previous model was a compact economy car, this new iteration resembles a charming toaster and offers extensive personalization options. The downside is that, for now, it is only being released in South America and the Middle East.

      The first-generation Spark EV launched in 2014 and was derived from the standard gasoline-powered Spark, featuring a surprisingly robust motor alongside a small battery. In contrast, the new Spark EUV is essentially a badge-engineered Baojun Yep Plus, designed for the Chinese market.

      This isn't entirely a negative thing, as it offers more practicality than its predecessor thanks to its larger, boxier design. The latest model takes on the role of a small crossover rather than a compact hatchback, and those charming boxy aesthetics translate to increased interior space—resulting in excellent headroom. Additionally, it boasts a 10.2-inch touchscreen, an 8.8-inch digital gauge display, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 360-degree surround-view camera.

      Beneath its quirky exterior, the vehicle is equipped with a single electric motor located at the front axle, generating 101 horsepower. Its 42-kilowatt-hour battery delivers a range of up to 223 miles according to NEDC standards. The EPA's rating for the Spark EV remains uncertain, but typically, its estimates are lower. It supports DC fast charging at 50 kW, allowing it to gain approximately 31 miles of range in just 10 minutes, and can reach a charge level of 30% to 80% within 35 minutes.

      Chevy aims to market the Spark EV to younger consumers, offering a range of fun personalization alternatives for customers to customize their vehicles. In addition to its playful color choices, like Track Yellow, Tiger Blue, Milky Tea, and Gentle Gray with a Star Twinkle Black roof, buyers can also opt for ground effects on the front and rear, side moldings, running boards, and roof racks.

      Chevy has yet to disclose pricing, but the Baojun Yep Plus is positioned as an affordable EV in China, priced around $12,900 USD. If Chevy can maintain a similar price point, it would attract first-time EV buyers. In contrast, many current electric vehicles on the market start at over $40,000.

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