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

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.

      Have tips? Forward them to [email protected]

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

Other articles

Scout's Extended-Range Electric Vehicles Expected to Provide Approximately 500 Miles of Total Range | Carscoops Scout's Extended-Range Electric Vehicles Expected to Provide Approximately 500 Miles of Total Range | Carscoops The soon-to-be-released Scout EREVs will integrate a 4-cylinder engine with an electric vehicle powertrain, with an anticipated electric-only range of approximately 150 miles. Subaru Driver Escapes After Car is Impaled Sideways by a Guardrail Subaru Driver Escapes After Car is Impaled Sideways by a Guardrail Severe weather in California has resulted in several serious accidents, including this strange incident that could have had much more dire consequences. This could be your sole opportunity to own one of the 25 Prodrive-built Subaru 22B models. This could be your sole opportunity to own one of the 25 Prodrive-built Subaru 22B models. The Prodrive P25 is a rally vehicle that can be driven on public roads, but only if you possess the skills required to manage it. And when it comes to costs, be prepared to shell out a significant amount to make it yours. Unexpectedly, new technology is contributing to decreased reliability in vehicles, according to J.D. Power. Unexpectedly, new technology is contributing to decreased reliability in vehicles, according to J.D. Power. The main contributors to the low reliability ratings are defects related to software and challenges with smartphone integration. Ford Driver Launches Boat, Now Also Possesses a Submarine | Carscoops Ford Driver Launches Boat, Now Also Possesses a Submarine | Carscoops A chain of errors seems to have resulted in the premature end of this pickup. Swiss Court Declares $110,000 Tailgating Fine Reasonable for Millionaires | Carscoops Swiss Court Declares $110,000 Tailgating Fine Reasonable for Millionaires | Carscoops The driver tried to contest the fine, but a judge ruled in favor of the local police.

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

So what if it's a rebadged Baojun Yep Plus intended for the Chinese market? It's time for affordable electric vehicles to arrive in the U.S. market.